Little city with a big future
Cloverdale is a haven for young families and retirees alike.
Nestled among Sonoma County’s famous rolling hills along the banks of the Russian River and just minutes away from the northern shores of Lake Sonoma is Cloverdale, at once a haven for young families and retirees alike, an increasingly popular tourist destination–and a city poised to take advantage of increasing business development.
Nearby Clover Springs, a Del Webb retirement community of more than 1,000 homes, attracts those who’ve already raised their kids-but share their younger neighbors’ affinity for the warm weather, wide array of community events and secure, friendly atmosphere of this 130-year old town.
Others choose to live a part of the area’s colorful history. Patient homeseekers find one-of-a-kind Victorians with features like multiple fireplaces, hardwood floors and charming architectural detail-and many include outbuildings and acreage. Custom homes in the hills offer views, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy horse ownership.
Along with its ongoing commercial development efforts, which have included a makeover of the city’s downtown and a concerted effort to attract and retain high-paying jobs, Cloverdale has succeeded in adding the Cloverdale River Park to its many attractions for both residents and tourists. The 70-acre regional park includes a full mile of river frontage, affording local businesspeople the enviable ability to picnic at the river during lunch.
Locals say they like being able to walk any-where in the city’s historic downtown. Additional shopping is offered at two new centers toward the south of town, while new hotels and other businesses are in the works.
Cloverdale’s “can-do” community spirit is further evidenced by its ongoing claendar of community events. Some of the country’s best fiddlers participate in the the Olde Time fiddle Contest every January which is followed by the February Cloverdale Citrus Fair. The Black Bart Festival in May encourages Wild West behavior of all sorts, including coming in costume and getting into the cow-chip tossing contest. Then in September the whole town goes fifties, with the Street Celebration, Classic Car and Motorcycle Show. Holidays in Cloverdale are celebrated with crafts fairs and a Victorian Homes Holiday Tour during which visitors can board a trolley into the past to see classic Victorian Homes lit up in holiday splendor.
Cloverdale Vital Statistics
Year settled: 1854
Year incorporated: 1872
Area (square miles): 2.0
Population: 6,831 (2000 US Census)
Major Industries: Manufacturing, lumber, wine, retail
Farmers market:
8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays on the downtown Plaza, Cloverdale Avenue between First and Second streets, June through October. 894-3984.