Napa County, Quality Trumps Quantity

If living surrounded by gently rolling hills and meandering country roads that wind through some of America’s most productive vineyards; if visiting charming small towns with tree lined streets and boutique shopping districts; if awakening to a sun drenched, peaceful landscape is your idea of paradise – then Napa County is your home.

The Napa Valley is resplendent in features that promise an unequaled quality of life. Napa County residents have expressed their regard for open space and preservation of agricultural lands by preserving tens of thousands of acres. The urban sprawl and creep of development is held at bay in Napa County so that home owners continue to reap the harvest that comes with living in the Napa Valley.

It is a peaceful yet productive lifestyle that characterizes Napa home owners. Many tap into the urban resources of surrounding counties in their professional lives while others enjoy jobs in Napa’s increasingly diverse business sector. Whatever occupies working hours, families who own real estate in Napa County share access to a natural environment that’s unparalleled in its beauty and quality of life.

Economic Climate

The source of Napa County’s economic success comes from its rich and fertile land. Agriculture, grape growing and all that accompanies a thriving wine making region provides jobs in many employment sectors. Napa home owners work in a wide variety of occupations and, it’s fair to say, that most are in some way related to agriculture. Because of excellent cooperation among business groups, associations and local governments, Napa’s tourist industry flourishes and brings in millions of visitors – and their disposable income – every year.

The tourist trade supports shopping districts throughout Napa County’s towns, keeping commerce lively and the economy humming. The hospitality industry alone accounts for about 21 percent of employment in Napa County. Along with retail, dining and hospitality, many Napa home owners are employed in occupations that support agriculture – such as bottling, labeling, designing, winery management, manufacturing and scores of other jobs.

One key to Napa Valley’s prosperity is the Napa County Workforce Investment Board that actively works with all industry sectors and job seekers. The group is solely dedicated to building economic strength and sustainability for Napa County home owners and businesses. The group also focuses on creating a strong workforce of skilled labor and the creation of jobs to keep trained, work-ready Napa residents gainfully employed and productive.

This collaboration has led to low unemployment and accelerated growth of income. According to the Center for Economic Development, this trend is expected to continue. Businesses in the Bay Area are increasingly interested in relocating to Napa, bring with them more opportunities for employment at all levels. This, combined with the healthy manufacturing and tourism sectors paints a solid economic future for people who own Napa County homes.

Cultural Climate

Artists of all stripes call the Napa Valley home. The singular beauty of the environment inspires everyone, but the muse sings clearly in the ears of those with creative talents and the Napa Valley is alive with art. The cultural calendar includes classes for children in theatre and the visual arts along with opportunities for adults to enjoy and participate in activities throughout the year.

The Arts Council of Napa Valley has taken a central role in promoting all the arts in the region, producing a master plan to raise the profile of culture for Napa home owners and their families. The group created a master calendar that includes festivals, gallery shows, educational programs and the work of Napa Valley artists. In addition, the Arts Council developed a program to allow businesses in Napa to show art through a “Revolving Door Art Program.” Businesses can choose appropriate art, beautify their environment and, at the same time, promote Napa arts.

If you own a Napa Valley home, you may be able to just wander down the street and enjoy Open Studios – two weekends in September which includes a self-guided tour of studios throughout Napa. Visit painters, sculptors, glass blowers, fabric artists, jewelry makers and more.

The Napa Valley is a natural choice for expressing and enjoying all the arts. Your Napa Valley home is always within easy reach of culture, creativity and inspiration.

Educational Climate

Napa draws upon several established educational resources to build its qualified workforce. Prestigious universities such as Stanford, UC Berkeley and UC Davis send highly educated graduates to Napa each year. Local educational institutions also cooperate on innovative programs such as the New Technology High School – a state and national demonstration site and a California Model Digital High school.