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2026 is just around them corner, and the last 12 months was a turning point for Sonoms. Drive through town and you’ll notice the signs of change: new housing communities breaking ground, long-awaited redevelopment plans moving forward, and more people searching for a place to call home in wine country. From the Summer Oaks apartments to the ambitious Sonoma Development Center project, the landscape here is evolving.
Change is exciting—but it can also feel messy. Moving into a brand-new home, downsizing into a smaller space, or waiting for construction to wrap up often comes with one big challenge: where do you keep everything during the transition? That’s where local storage makes life easier.
Sonoma Housing Developments & Market Snapshot: More Listings, More Moves
Sonoma real estate is on the move. Between new housing developments that are shaping Sonoma and an unusually active real estate market, many homeowners and renters are in a state of transition.
2025 Real Estate & Rental Snapshot
- In the first quarter of 2025, the number of homes listed in Sonoma County jumped by 55.7% compared to 2024, rising from 490 listings to 764.
- Over the past 12 months, ~5,000 residential properties were sold across Sonoma County, which reflects steady buyer activity
- Home prices are holding strong! In August 2025, the county's median sale price reached ~$800,000, which was up 3% compared to the same time in 2024
Things are not slowing down for renters either. The average apartment prices in newer Sonoma complexes are topping $2,600+ for a one-bedroom, while a two-bedroom is around $3,000+.
What does this mean? More listings, more sales, and higher rents equal more people in transition. Some are moving into developments, while others are downsizing. Many are also in between homes. With every move comes a practical need: storage during the process.
Sonoma Housing Developments in 2025
In addition to pre-existing home sales and apartment rentals, new developments are going up in Sonoma, CA. Here are some of the most notable housing updates making headlines this year:
Summer Oaks Affordable Housing
Summer Oaks is a 72-unit affordable apartment community, with 52 units reserved for agricultural workers. Construction financing was secured earlier this year, and by fall 2025, the first walls were raised. This marked visible progress on a long-awaited project.
Sonoma Development Center (SDC)
The proposed SDC redevelopment could bring 990 residential units ranging in size from compact 500 sq ft flats to larger 3,200 sq ft homes. The plan also sets aside 200 units for affordable housing, alongside parks, trails, and community spaces.
Affordable Housing Preservation
In addition to new builds, the City of Sonoma is focused on preservation. In 2025, officials secured two existing apartment properties, protecting 18 affordable homes for at least 55 years. In total, the city now helps oversee more than 100 deed-restricted affordable units through its housing programs.”
What's Fueling Sonoma's Housing Growth?
It’s not just local projects driving change. In 2025, California passed new laws like AB 130 and SB 79, which make it easier to build housing near transit and streamline approvals for infill projects. Locally, Sonoma also launched a Pre-Reviewed ADU Plans Program, which helps homeowners add accessory dwelling units more quickly and affordably. These shifts mean even more housing opportunities are likely on the horizon. With them, there are more transitions, more moves, and, yes, more storage needs.
Why More Housing Means More Storage
New housing doesn’t just create places to live - it creates change. People who buy into new communities may need temporary storage between selling one home and moving into another. Those who downsize into smaller apartments or cottages often find they can’t fit everything they own, but aren’t ready to let go of it. And families waiting out construction delays or renovations need a safe, convenient place for their belongings in the meantime.
Even for long-time locals, redevelopment projects like the SDC can mean temporary relocations, with storage offering peace of mind until they’re settled again.
What People Store During a Move in Sonoma
In Sonoma, storage isn’t just about boxes. Residents often use local storage to hold:
Furniture & appliances – sofas, beds, refrigerators, and dining sets. Drive-up access at Storage Star Sonoma makes loading and unloading heavy items quick and simple
Seasonal gear – bikes, kayaks, patio furniture, and gardening tools. Perfect for freeing up garage or yard space until the right season
Wine & winemaking equipment – barrels, carboys, and supplies. Many locals use storage to keep bulky gear out of the way during harvest season, freeing up garage space
Keepsakes & collections – art, books, or family heirlooms that don’t fit in a smaller home but are worth keeping safe
Vehicles & more – cars, trailers, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. Storage Star Sonoma offers secure parking for all types of vehicles, which is especially valuable when new communities don’t have the same driveway or garage space
Why Local Storage Works Best
Choosing storage in Sonoma means you don’t have to leave wine country to keep life organized. Storage Star Sonoma offers drive-up units that make moving in and out fast and simple. We also provide secure vehicle, motorcycle, boat, and RV storage, perfect if your new community doesn’t have space for all your toys and transportation. With month-to-month leases, you’ll have the flexibility to store short-term during a move or long-term if you’re downsizing for good.
FAQs About Sonoma Housing & Storage
Q: What’s the best storage option during construction delays?
A month-to-month storage unit is best. It offers flexibility and security without requiring a long-term commitment.
Q: Can I store my RV, boat, or extra vehicle at Storage Star Sonoma?
Yes. Our facility offers secure RV, boat, motorcycle, and vehicle storage. This is a great solution if your new community doesn’t have extra driveway or garage space.
Q: How do new housing developments affect storage demand in Sonoma?
Every new project means more moves, smaller homes, and temporary relocations. That drives higher demand for flexible, short-term solutions like drive-up storage and secure vehicle, boat, and RV parking.
Moving Into Sonoma’s Future
As Sonoma grows with new housing developments, storage has become part of the housing story. Whether you’re downsizing into a cozy cottage, waiting for construction to wrap up, or relocating temporarily, Storage Star Sonoma has space for you. From drive-up self-storage to RV, boat, and vehicle storage, our local facility makes it easy to keep life moving forward.
Ready to make your next move or life transition easier? Find your storage unit in Sonoma today.
FAQs
How are Sonoma’s new housing developments affecting storage demand?
With projects like Summer Oaks and the SDC redevelopment, more people are moving, downsizing, or relocating temporarily. That means there is a higher demand for flexible storage solutions in the area.
What’s the best storage option if I’m between homes in Sonoma?
A month-to-month drive-up storage unit is the easiest option. You can load and unload directly from your vehicle and keep your items safe until move-in day.
Does Storage Star Sonoma offer climate-controlled units?
No, our Sonoma location does not have climate-controlled storage. Instead, we specialize in drive-up access units, vehicle storage, RV storage, and boat storage - perfect for large items, seasonal gear, and vehicles.
Can I store an RV, boat, or motorcycle at Storage Star Sonoma?
Yes! We provide secure outdoor parking for RVs, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles. This is especially helpful if your new home doesn’t have the same driveway or garage space.
How long can I rent a storage unit in Sonoma?
Storage Star Sonoma offers month-to-month leases, so you can store items short-term during a move or long-term if you’re downsizing.
What types of items do people in Sonoma usually store?
Commonly stored items include furniture, appliances, seasonal gear (such as bikes and kayaks), wine-making equipment, and vehicles, including trailers, RVs, and boats.
