As a best place to live and visit, Santa Rosa continues to earn placement in many top/best cities lists. Santa Rosa's food, breweries, wine, attractions, business vitality, artistry, eco-friendliness, and more have been commended.

• 52 Places to Love in 2021 - New York Times (2021)
• Best Places to Live in California - Bankrate (2021)
• Healthiest Cities to Live in the U.S. - WalletHub (2021)
  
• Microbrew Capital of the US - The Pudding (2017)
• Top 5 Mid-Sized Western City to Visit - RewardExpert (2017)
• Top 10 Happiest Places to Live - WalletHub (2017)
• Small Business Vitality - American City Business Journals (2017)
• 25 Best US Cities to Spend a Weekend - Thrillist (2017)
• 100 Best Places to Live in the USA - U.S. News & World Report (2016, 2021)
• Top Ten Cities for Urban Farming - Red Fin (2016)
• Best Places for Minority-Owned Businesses - NerdWallet (2016)
• Best Wine Regions to Visit - Thrillist (Sonoma County, 2016)
• Best Places to Live - Livability (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021)
• 10 Most Artistic Cities in America - Trip.com (2015)
• Best Foodie Cities - WalletHub (2015)
• Best Destinations for Green Travelers - Travel Nerd (2013)
• Top 10 Green Cities in the US - The Green Guide (2013)