Thinking about moving to Napa Valley? One of the best places to live in California Wine Country is the small city of Calistoga. What is Calistoga known for? Hot springs, Calistoga wineries, and world-class resorts and spas! The city’s name is a reference to its famous hot springs; the founders wanted to make it California’s Saratoga Springs and its name is a combination of “Saratoga” and “California.” Founded in 1867, it’s one of the top destinations for Napa Valley tourists and offers residents a great quality of life.
While living in Calistoga, CA, you’ll enjoy amazing weather, gorgeous scenery, and some of the best food and wine in California’s Wine Country. Here’s what you can look forward to after moving to Calistoga.
Calistoga, CA Population & Demographics
Calistoga is located in Napa County, California in northern Napa Valley, part of California’s Wine Country in the northern Bay Area. It’s 27 miles from the city of Napa to Calistoga and the city is 17 miles northeast of Santa Rosa.
The population of Calistoga is 5,228. It’s part of the Santa Rosa metro area which has a metro population of 495,000 and the Napa metro area home to 137,000 people.
Calistoga demographics:
- Median age: 43.4 years
- Sex ratio: 46% female, 54% male
- Median household income: $67,000
- Race and ethnicity: 62% white, 36% Hispanic, and 2% Asian
- Educational attainment: 33% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 24%
- Homeownership rate: 61%
The city of Calistoga, CA is a safe place to live with 46% less violent crime than the national average and a crime rate of just 1,941 crimes per 100,000 people. The city is served by the Calistoga Police Department.
Calistoga has had a few famous residents including former MLB players Tom Seaver and Bob Knepper and Dick Vermeil, the former head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and St. Louis Rams.
Calistoga Cost of Living
California’s cost of living is notoriously high, and the Napa Valley cost of living is no exception. The cost of living in Calistoga, CA is 95% higher than the U.S. average and well over the average cost of living in California.
Healthcare and utilities are close to the national average while utiltiies and groceries are about 10% above the national average. The Calistoga housing index is 395, the biggest factor that makes living in Calistoga so expensive.
Like most communities in wine country, Calistoga real estate comes at a high price. The median home price is $755,000, down 37% year-over-year, or $474 per square foot. However, this isn’t an accurate reflection of the average price for Calistoga homes for sale because it’s based on a single home sale in one year. Most homes in Calistoga, Napa Valley are priced between $1.5 and $9 million.
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Interested in Calistoga rentals? The city has a large demand for vacation rentals with a limited number Calistoga apartments. Most Calistoga apartments are affordable housing developments for households earning 60% of the area median or less.
- La Pradera Apartments with one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments
- Calistoga Family with one and two bedroom apartments
- Calistoga Senior Apartments
- Wineridge Apartments offers one and two-bedroom apartments for rent
- Lakewood Apartments in downtown Calistoga offers one-bedroom units
Climate & Typical Weather in Calistoga CA
Calistoga weather is as close to ideal as it gets! The hot-summer Mediterranean climate brings wet, cool winters with temperatures below freezing about 34 nights per year. Summers are dry with average highs in the 90s about 73 days per year with cool, refreshing summer nights. You’ll get average annual rainfall of 38” with snow in the mountains during the winter but almost never in the city.
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Things to Do in Calistoga
Exploring things to do in Napa Valley and planning to visit Calistoga? Or interested in the amenities and activities you’ll enjoy after moving to Calistoga? As one of the most exciting destinations in Napa Valley, you’ll find a never-ending variety of community events, festivals, and things to do.
You can also spend your time visiting the best wineries in Calistoga and the dozens of resorts and spas in Calistoga. Take a quick drive to the Welcome to Napa Valley sign outside town and use this Calistoga wineries map to explore Wine Country.
Back in town, visit popular Calistoga shopping options and boutiques like Copperfield’s Books, Roam Antiques, and Mad Mod Shop. Take part in the famous Calistoga lighted tractor parade, a holiday tradition. The Calistoga tractor parade 2021 celebrated the 25th year of the event!
Nearby, you’ll also find Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Robert Louis Stephens State Park. Hike to the summit for gorgeous Bay Area views and wildlife viewing.
Here’s a list of what to do in Calistoga to keep you busy.
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Soak in the Napa Valley hot springs that draw in millions at the most well-known Calistoga spa. Enjoy four geothermal mineral pools and be sure to try a famous Calistoga mud bath at the most famous Calistoga hot springs destination!
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, 1006 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-6269
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Indian Springs Resort
This iconic destination is the oldest of Calistoga resorts and mineral springs and dates to 1862. It’s known for its iconic Spanish architecture and palm tree-lined drive.
Indian Springs Resort, 1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 709-8139
Petrified Forest
Visit the petrified redwood trees just outside the city limits. It’s the world’s largest petrified forest and the only one in California!
Petrified Forest, 4100 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-6667
Old Faithful Geyser of California
This small geyser just outside downtown Calistoga sees eruptions every 15 to 30 minutes and offers a zoo and garden to explore.
Old Faithful Geyser of California, 1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-6463
Tank Garage Winery
One of the best Calistoga wineries, this fun and laid-back winery in a vintage gas station is an approachable way to enjoy Napa Valley wine tastings.
Tank Garage Winery, 1020 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-8265
Solage Calistoga
One of the most beautiful Calistoga resorts, Solage boasts an award-winning restaurant and mineral springs spa.
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 266-7534
Castello di Amorosa
The most well-known landmark in Calistoga and Napa Valley is Castello di Amorosa, also known as the Calistago castle. This 13th century-style Tuscan castle is a fourth-generation winery now open to the public. Take a tour of the Napa castle grounds and sample Castello di Amorosa wine!
Castello di Amorosa, 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 967-6272
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Calistoga, CA Restaurants
Ready to explore the amazing cuisine you’ll enjoy while living in Calistoga? Here are the city’s top restaurants to explore, many highlighting Napa Valley’s famous farm-to-table experience.
- Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery. This Calistoga brewery in the Calistoga Inn is a favorite among locals and visitors and the perfect break from wine! Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, 1250 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-4101
- Sam’s Social Club. Located in Indian Springs Calistoga, Sam’s Social Club has a patio and bar for catching up with friends or you can enjoy New American cuisine by the fireplace. Sam’s Social Club, 1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-4969
- Hydro Grill. Enjoy a selection of craft beers on tap in this fun eatery with a diverse and ever-changing menu that includes Mexican, seafood, barbecue, and Italian. Hydro Grill, 1403 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-9777
- Solbar. Often misspelled as the “soul bar Calistoga,” Solbar Calistoga is an upscale restaurant in Solage Calistoga with Californian dishes, local wines, and poolside seating. Solbar, 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 226-0860
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Calistoga Jobs & Average Income
Agriculture and tourism dominate the Calistoga economy. In 2019 alone, the Calistoga tourism occupancy tax (TOT) reached $6.4 million, up 85% from 2011. TOT makes up 54% of the city budget. The Napa Valley sees 3.9 million visitors in a typical year. According to Payscale, the average salary in the city is $70,000 or $21 per hour.
Major employers in Calistoga include:
- Calistoga Joint Unified School District
- Four Seasons Napa Valley resort
- Solage Calistoga resort
- Indian Springs Calistoga resort
- Calistoga Spa Hot Springs resort
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Many residents work for the region’s resorts, hotels, spas, and 50+ wineries in Calistoga and surrounding areas. St. Helana just 8 miles away and Napa, a 30-mile commute, are additional major employment centers with some of the top employers in Napa Valley. Here are nearby major employers in healthcare, education, and other industries.
- Adventist Health St. Helena (careers)
- Allied Universal (security)
- California Odd Fellows (retirement communities)
- Culinary Institute of America
- Duckhorn Portfolio (Napa wine group)
- Meadows of Napa Valley Retirement
- Napa State Hospital (careers)
- Napa Valley College
Napa County jobs and City of Calistoga jobs are also crucial to the region’s industry. You can explore jobs in Calistoga CA on Indeed for additional career opportunities.
Calistoga Schools & Higher Education
While living in Calistoga, Napa Valley, you’ll be served by the Calistoga Joint Unified School District which has about 900 enrolled students in three schools. Students in the Calistoga Unified School District attend Calistoga Junior/Senior High School, ranked fifth among schools in Napa Valley. The most popular private schools are in nearby St. Helena such as the St. Helena Montessori School.
There are a handful of colleges in the region for pursuing a degree. Nearby colleges and universities include:
- Pacific Union College (Angwin)
- Napa Valley College (St. Helena)
- Santa Rosa Junior College (Santa Rosa)
- Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park)
Calistoga Statistics & Information
- County: Napa
- Area: 2.59 square miles
- Zip code: 94515
- Area code: 707
- Elevation: 348 feet
- Time zone: UTC-8 (Pacific)
- Closest airport to Calistoga: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa is 13 miles away
Calistoga California Map
Tips for Living in Calistoga
- Explore Calistoga jobs in agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and education
- Enjoy ideal year-round weather
- Be prepared for high home prices and few options for affordable Calistoga rentals
- Enjoy exploring over 50 wineries, impromptu trips to the mud baths and hot springs, and excellent state parks in Napa Valley
Does life in Napa Valley sound like a dream come true? If you’re set on moving to Calistoga, CA, Mentors Moving & Storage is ready to give you the stress-free moving day you deserve. Give our Calistoga movers a call today for a free, personalized moving estimate!
