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It’s no secret that Northern California offers many beautiful places to explore, and a standout among these is Petaluma. One of over 30 cities making up Sonoma County, Petaluma is a uniquely historic, charming riverside town, offering a new adventure around every corner for the whole family. Whether you’re the active type looking for natural wonders to discover, someone who likes to indulge in excellent food and drinks, a history buff or a combination of all three, Petaluma is sure to capture your heart the moment you step foot in it. Check out some of our picks for the best things to do in Petaluma.

Get Outside

Petaluma is known for mild weather throughout the year, boasting summers that don’t tend to exceed temperatures of around 85 F and short winters that hover around 40 F. The best time to get outside and explore the area is from late June to September, but there’s hardly a time of year when the weather requires you to stay inside, which means there is almost endless opportunity to maintain an active lifestyle in Petaluma’s beautiful natural environment.

During the warmer months, the sparkling Petaluma River invites you to float atop its serene waters on a stand-up paddleboard, a kayak, a pedal boat or even a jet-ski. River cruises are also available and are a great way to explore historic Downtown Petaluma.

In addition to a pleasant climate year-round, Petaluma’s proximity to both California’s wine country and the coast makes for some truly breathtaking flora and fauna. Rent a bike or grab your own and pedal out — or simply strap on your best hiking boots — to explore any one of the area’s numerous regional parks. For more serious bikers with a little more stamina, you can embark on the 30-mile Spring Hill-Chileno Valley ride, which takes you through many of Sonoma and Marin County’s best views. Or, check out Shollenberger Park, one of Petaluma’s most popular parks, and hike or bike five miles of paved trails through historic wetlands. This is an especially great bike ride for amateur ornithologists — over 230 species of birds call the wetlands home, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few as you explore.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in California? Head to the beach. Petaluma is a short, half-hour or so drive from nearby Bodega Bay, a popular beach town offering miles of coastline to explore, as well as a thriving local community full of shops, restaurants and more. Fun fact for any movie buffs out there: Bodega Village is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed his 1963 thriller, The Birds. Also within a half-hour’s drive is Pt. Reyes National Seashore, a 70,000-acre recreation area offering 150 miles of trails along coastal grasslands, marshes and forests. Also, Pt. Reyes and Bodega Bay are both wonderful spots to enjoy fresh oysters.

Indulge in Local Specialties

Even if you haven’t heard of Petaluma, chances are you’ve heard of some of the many famously good wines, beers, cheese and more that are produced here. It’s a haven for anyone who enjoys great food, drinks and conversation all in one spot.

Petaluma’s location makes it an ideal place for growing and producing excellent and unique wines of all varieties. The opening in the coastal mountains surrounding the area, known as the “gap,” draws in wind and fog from the Pacific, allowing the region to maintain an ideal temperature for fertile grape growth. Because of this, Petaluma was actually designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) for wine — meaning that wine tasting with any of the Petaluma Gap wineries in town is an absolute must. Their intimate, friendly tasting rooms offer a wine-tasting experience without frills, meaning you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy yourself. It’s the perfect way to spend a date night, or to get to know some of the other locals in this charming town.

Petaluma’s craft beer scene is similarly well-regarded. Home to famous breweries such as Lagunitas, Petaluma has been at the forefront of California’s craft brewing landscape for over two decades. In addition to creative craft brews, many of Petaluma’s craft breweries and taprooms are a great family-friendly place to enjoy a dinner out, catch some live music or try your hand at some trivia. Many even allow pets — so when we say the whole family, we mean the whole family.

Wine, beer and…what’s missing here? Cheese! Petaluma is home a wide variety of ranches and creameries that produce some of California’s most popular cheeses, including the oldest operating creamery in the U.S., the Marin French Cheese Company. Many of Petaluma’s creameries welcome interested cheese aficionados to visit and try their artisan cheeses as you learn about their cheesemaking practice and discover why Petaluma’s cheese really is something to write home about. Families with kids, especially, will love the chance to explore ranch properties and say hello to the amazing animals responsible for producing such delightful treats.

 

Discover Some Local History & Culture

As one of California’s oldest cities — originally chartered in 1858 — Petaluma has almost two centuries of fascinating history to explore. Historic Downtown Petaluma even has many original foundations from that time period, making it one of the best remaining examples of iron-front architecture in the country.

As you stroll the streets of Petaluma, you can marvel at examples of Victorian-era houses, still standing proud after so many years. Downtown Petaluma is also home to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, a great place to spend an afternoon with the family learning about the history of this town dating all the way back to the Gold Rush. And because Petaluma has such a rich history, it is a veritable gold mine of antique treasures, offering more antique stores per capita than any other Bay Area city.

Petaluma has plenty of excitement to be found in the modern era, too. From an outlet mall with over 60 stores to browse, a variety of fairs and festivals running throughout the year and so much more, you and your family will have no trouble finding fun ways to spend your days in this charming town.

 

Find Your Aspect Home in Petaluma with Lafferty Communities

What else does Petaluma have to offer? Beautiful homes to call your own, courtesy of Lafferty Communities. Our Aspect community, featuring a stunning blend of Farmhouse, Craftsman and Victorian elements, is perfect for any family looking for the next place to settle down. Interested to hear more? Let’s chat.

The choice to move to a new city can be a big one. There are many elements to consider, from the school districts and the commutability of a place to the community itself. Nestled at the bottom of the Wasatch Mountains and only three miles from Utah Lake, Springville, Utah is the perfect place for anyone searching for their next — or first — home. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, meaning you’re sure to get to know your neighbors, but won’t have to go far to find excitement. Known as the “Art City,” Springville is bursting with culture and energy, while also offering families exactly the environment they need to feel secure building a life. As you’re searching for your next Lafferty home, here are a few reasons you’ll want to consider making the move to Springville, UT.

A Thriving, Vibrant Community

With a current population of just over 35,000, Springville is a tight-knit community that is growing fast. Over the past ten years, this city has experienced steady upward growth and is projected to grow to 50,000 or more in the next ten years. Already, Springville offers its residents the means to foster a thriving community — after all, it isn’t called “Art City” for nothing. The nickname was originally due to the fact that Springville is home to the Springville Museum of Art, Utah’s oldest museum for visual art. Since 1903, the SMOA has been the hub for fine artistry in Springville, and the rest of the city has embraced the title with open arms. Everywhere you go, you’ll find celebrations of the city’s creativity, from the annual Art City Days festival to a summer concert series and so much more.

Space to Play

As Springville is so close to a variety of natural wonders, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of ways to get outside. The city maintains over two dozen public parks, as well as three parks within the Hobble Creek Canyon area. Visitors to the parks can enjoy hiking and biking through maintained trails, as well as an idyllic space to spread out for picnics. The city also offers a variety of programs for both adults and youths to maintain an active lifestyle, so you and your family both can engage in pickleball, basketball, volleyball, golf and more.

Education You Can Trust

Families with children will be pleased to know that Springville boasts excellent educational opportunities. The city is served by the Nebo School District, which features several well-rated schools for all ages. Parents can relax knowing their kids will receive a quality education, from pre-school age all the way to high school and beyond. It doesn’t end there — there are many higher education opportunities in the areas surrounding Springville, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to commute to school. Brigham Young University, one of the most celebrated private colleges in the state, is a short six miles from Springville, for instance.

 

Quality Living at Affordable Costs

Whether you are a family looking for a spacious home to suit each of your individual needs, a student searching for an affordable place to live while you earn your degree, a professional needing easy access to nearby cities or anyone in between, you’re sure to find the perfect home in Springville. Lafferty Communities is proud to offer the Huntington Ranch community to suit your housing needs, no matter where on the spectrum you fall. Choose from roomy lofts, elegant cottages or beautiful townhomes, each with customization options to make it truly yours. Springville also has the benefit of convenient proximity to I-15, making commuting to nearby cities such as Provo a breeze.

 

Find Your Next Home at Huntington Ranch

From a thriving arts-focused culture to a wide range of educational and professional opportunities at your doorstep, Springville, UT has exactly what you need to start the next chapter of your life. Discover your ideal home at Huntington Ranch by Lafferty Communities today. Not sure where to start? We’d love to chat.

No two families are the same — so when it comes to huge decisions like buying a home, we know that no two families will need the same things. We know that several factors come into play when searching for your perfect home — quality of construction, community amenities, location, design and more. Luckily, Lafferty Communities excels in all these aspects, making our homes ideal for families. Here’s a detailed look at why Lafferty Communities homes stand out as the perfect choice for family living.

A Commitment to Quality in Every Way

Above all else, we pride ourselves on a commitment to superior craftsmanship. Each home is built with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity. This focus on quality means that families can enjoy a safe and sturdy home for generations. We work with local, trusted builders to ensure that only the best materials and latest construction techniques are used — so we can be confident that not only are we meeting industry standards, but we’re exceeding them. Our homes stand the test of time, so you can feel secure in the knowledge that you’ll be making memories there for generations to come.

Designed With You In Mind

You won’t find boilerplate suburban builds here. Lafferty homes are designed with families — and their unique needs — in mind. Each home optimizes space and flow, creating an environment that fosters togetherness while also providing private spaces for each family member. Open-concept living areas, spacious bedrooms and well-planned storage solutions are just a few of the features that make these homes family-friendly. Plus, we offer a wide range of unique customization options, so you can design your home to suit your tastes exactly. From choosing your color palette to selecting the perfect fixtures and finishes, you can be sure your home will reflect your personal style — and you can do it all from our online design center.

Good For the Environment and Your Family

We prioritize innovation above all else. That means that in every Lafferty home, you’ll find nothing short of the best modern technology designed to make your life easier and healthier. Our homes are designed to improve air quality and conserve energy, meaning you’ll be breathing easier — both from purer air and from lower utility bills.

A Place to Play and Connect

In addition to our commitment to sustainable, clean living, we aim to facilitate a healthy lifestyle for you and your family in all aspects. Our communities offer a variety of unique amenities meant to encourage connection with your community, as well as lots of space to play. No matter which community you decide to settle in, you’ll find your home gives you easy access to community parks, dynamic playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails and so much more. Plus, many of our communities are near school districts that boast above-average ratings, so you can be sure your children will be well taken care of within their new community.

Find Your Family’s Next Forever Home with Lafferty Communities

Choosing a home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Luckily, Lafferty Communities makes it easy to find your next forever home. With our superior craftsmanship, thoughtful designs, commitment to healthy living and more, we’ve covered all the areas your family needs. Our homes are more than just places to live; they are environments where your family can thrive and create lasting memories. If you’re in the market for a new home, consider Lafferty Communities for a place that truly feels like home. Want to hear more? We’d love to chat. Contact us today to find out how to start your homebuying journey with Lafferty Communities.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or you are searching for your next house after a previous purchase, buying a home can seem like a daunting prospect. There are so many things to consider, both on paper and off, and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Not to worry — Lafferty Communities has you covered. From the moment you start your home buying journey with us, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. We’re the experts — which is why we’ve put together this list of the most common home buying mistakes we come across, and what you can do to avoid them.

 

Not Starting the Approval Process Early

Although it might be tempting to start touring houses the second you decide to move, starting with a mortgage pre-approval is crucial. There is nothing worse than finding your dream home and finding out after the fact that you aren’t able to get approved for the mortgage you need. Luckily, avoiding this problem is easy. Before you start actually searching for a house, ensure you talk to one of our Preferred Lenders about a mortgage pre-approval. Learn more about how Lafferty Communities has partnered with our Preferred Lenders to make getting prequalified easier than ever.

Not Keeping an Eye On Your Credit Report

Your credit score is perhaps the most important thing lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Early on in your conversations about purchasing a home, you should check your credit score and decide if you need to boost it before attempting to apply for home financing. Generally, aiming for a credit score of at least 620 is a good rule of thumb. Of course, the higher, the better — the more you can boost your credit score, the more likely you are to be offered a better interest rate.

Fixating On the House Over the Neighborhood

You might have found the home of your dreams — but if it’s in an unsafe area, has unfriendly neighbors or makes for an inconvenient commute, it might not be the one for you. Your family’s individual needs might vary widely, so it’s a good idea for the whole household to explore the nearby community of anywhere you are seriously considering. Thankfully, you’ll have no trouble finding family-friendly communities ready to welcome you to your Lafferty home with open arms. Check out each of our available communities to see which one might be the right fit for your family.

 

Assuming You Need a 20% Down Payment

You may have heard that a 20% down payment is required to secure a mortgage on your home. However, this is, in many cases, a myth. In fact, many homebuyers can secure financing with a down payment of as little as 3%. While it might seem counterintuitive to encourage you to aim for a smaller down payment, letting go of the “20%” myth will allow you to focus on what really matters — that is, your credit and working on a pre-approval, as we mentioned above.

Moving Too Quickly

Buying a home isn’t like buying a new car or a new phone. Sure, it can be exciting to start sprinting once the finish line is in sight, but you run the risk of burning yourself out before you are able to reach the end. Moving too quickly through what is a considerably complex process can come back to haunt you in the form of unexpected closing costs, skipped lines of fine print and more.

 

Finding Your Lafferty Communities Home Is Simple

Although buying a home is a complex process, it is ultimately one of the most rewarding things you can do. We’re here to help every step of the way. We’d love to hear from you — let’s start the process of finding your next forever home, right here at Lafferty Communities.

When the weather begins to turn warmer, there is something truly magical about those backyard bonfire nights, when you and your family or friends gather under the stars to eat, talk and connect. If you’re just moving into a new home, your backyard is essentially a blank canvas, full of possibilities for you to turn into the gathering space of your dreams. Check out our tips on how to upgrade your backyard and become the best outdoor host in the neighborhood.

Upgrade That Outdoor Furniture

A great gathering place starts with comfortable places to lounge. When you are decorating your backyard, you will want to look for outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements, but still looks stylish and is above all, comfortable. Create an inviting atmosphere with plush couches, or make a space for those summer dinner parties with an outdoor dining set.

Go For Green

A well-maintained lawn is a great start, but if you really want to make your space guest-friendly, incorporate plants and flowers to add a little more life to your yard. Opt for a mix of potted plants, hanging baskets, and garden beds with a variety of textures and heights for visual interest. The more plant life you have in your backyard, the more pollinators you’ll attract, which can be a great added bonus. A backyard filled with buzzing bees, hummingbirds and dragonflies — what’s not to love?

Create a Bright Ambiance

For those long summer nights where the conversation — and drinks — just keep flowing, you’ll want to enhance the ambiance of your backyard with some strategically placed outdoor lighting. Install string lights overhead for a magical glow, place lanterns or torches along pathways and highlight architectural features with spotlights or uplighting. That way, you can keep the atmosphere warm and inviting as well as keeping the space well-lit.

Become a Grill Master

No gathering is complete without a meal or some snacks alongside it. Take the cooking outdoors with a decked-out grill station. Invest in a high-quality grill with ample cooking space, add built-in storage for utensils and supplies and create a designated prep area for convenience. That way, you’ll never have to miss a moment of your gathering while you are cooking.

Make It Rain

But only a little. Consider incorporating water elements such as a fountain, pond or small waterfall. The sound of running water adds a soothing and tranquil touch to your backyard oasis and can add visual intrigue as well.

Create a Playful Space

If you have children or enjoy outdoor games, dedicate a section of your backyard to recreational activities. Adding a volleyball or badminton net is a great way to encourage your kids to be more active, and provides a perfect activity for when you have company over. Even something as simple as a pair of cornhole boards can take your backyard from a simple outdoor space to an inviting, fun-filled area.

Add Your Personal Flair

Of course, your backyard should be a reflection of your personal style and taste, just as the interior of your house is. Add outdoor rugs, throw pillows, artwork and accessories that tie everything together and make your backyard feel like an extension of your home.

Make Your Lafferty Communities Home Yours

No matter how you want to make your home your own, you can be sure that your Lafferty home will have the space for you to unleash your design personality. Discover your next home today.

Community is Key in the Search for a New Home

As you consider which Lafferty Communities home is your next forever home — Sky Haven Estates, for example, in beautiful Herriman, UT — there are many factors to consider beyond the home itself. Certainly, your quality of life starts at home, so you want to ensure you find exactly the right fit — beyond that, though, you need to ensure that the community you are thinking of moving to has everything you and your family need to truly thrive. Lafferty Communities offers stunning new builds in many places across the West, so rest assured that wherever you are looking, you’ll find a place where you will be welcomed with open arms. Let’s take a further look into the surrounding area of Sky Haven Estates by Lafferty.

A Look Inside Herriman: Utah’s Premier Community for Families

Nestled in the stunning Salt Lake Valley, Herriman offers families the best of both worlds — here, you can enjoy a quiet, small-town feel to your daily life, while still sitting a short thirty-minute drive from the exciting attractions available in nearby Salt Lake City. With a population of around 55,000, Herriman boasts a tight-knit community where your neighbors will be more than simply neighbors — they’ll be your friends for life. Plus, with friendly faces around every corner, you’re sure to become part of the community in no time.

Top-Rated Schools

In Herriman, UT, education is a top priority, and families with children of all ages will find a variety of excellent schools to choose from.

Of the 10 elementary schools in the area, more than half have a GreatSchools rating of 5 or above. Test scores at Herriman elementary schools tend to be far above the state average, while student and parent testimony are incredibly positive across the board. At certain schools, such as Herriman Elementary, many teachers have earned additional certifications beyond the state requirement, making them exceptional educators for your children.

As children move into the upper grades, their education remains stellar. Several middle and high schools in the area offer dual-immersion programs for secondary language learning. Through these, students have the chance to become extremely fluent in their chosen language, as they study the structure of the language alongside their immersion in the culture and history.

For those looking to further their education beyond the K-12 level, there are also a number of accredited universities and vocational schools nearby, ranging from community colleges to private institutions.

Things to Do

Whether you’re looking to explore the beautiful outdoor scenery of Utah, to learn something new and fascinating or simply to enjoy an evening of fun, there’s plenty to do in and around Herriman. This cheerful town is a short drive from Salt Lake City, where you’ll find amusement parks, aquariums, historical sites and a thriving food scene.

Of course, you don’t need to drive beyond Herriman to find something fun to do. In town, you can find all sorts of hidden gems — such as an exact replica of the iconic house from Pixar’s animated film Up.

There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be found in the area, as well. No matter what time of year it is, a visit to Butterfield Canyon brings stunning views as well as lots of opportunities to hike and reconnect with nature. Or, you can take the family out for a picnic at Blackridge Reservoir, where you also have the chance to swim and paddleboard during the warmer months.

Discover Your Next Home at Sky Haven Estates

If you’re looking for the perfect community for you and your family, Herriman might be it. Discover your beautiful Sky Haven Estates home with Lafferty Communities today and see what kind of life could be waiting for you.