Lynn Fehrman Lynn Fehrman

Great Neighborhoods of Santa Rosa - Scenic Brush Creek

Although it was originally called Foothill Manor, many adults who grew here in the 70's and 80's know it as Shadow Hills (Today, if you are on the website NextDoor, this popular neighborhood is referred to as Scenic Brush Creek). Whatever you want to call this community it is one of the most sought after places to live in Santa Rosa

A Community With Many Names

Santa Rosa is unique in many ways, but what is special about this Northern California city is the number of desired places to live.  Today, we are going to feature a small residential community located in South East Santa Rosa. Although it was originally called Foothill Manor, many adults who grew up here in the 70's and 80's, know it as Shadow Hills (today, if you are on the website NextDoor, this popular neighborhood is referred to as Scenic Brush Creek). Whatever you want to call this community, it is one of the most sought-after places to live in Santa Rosa.

What Makes Shadow Hills So Special

Anyone who has driven on Brush Creek Road has passed this Shadow Hills neighborhood, without giving it a glance as the entrance is easy to miss. 

Because of the varied terrain of Santa Rosa’s east side, the developments are smaller and the neighborhoods tend to take on distinct personalities. Shadow Hills’ residents feel like they are miles away from the noise and congestion of a city of nearly 200,000 people. Yet, they are only minutes from downtown, the freeway, and walking distance to shopping areas and restaurants.  

The Homes

The homes are mostly single-level (1,600 - 2,200 sq. ft.), with two-car attached garages and compact backyards.  Shadow Hills is centrally located and walking distance to Oliver’s Market, a local favorite. In addition, other close-by shopping destinations are Montgomery Village and Mission Plaza.

Shadow Hills has a neighborhood park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic areas.  The streets are quiet, which makes them kid-friendly. This small development has the feel of the original television series, The Wonder Years. 

Scenic Brush Creek Trail

One of the unique features of the neighborhood is access to the Brush Creek Trail which is paved on one side of the creek for pedestrians and gravel on the other side for bikers and runners. The trail stretches for a total of 2.2 miles. On the path that runs along Brush Creek, you are traffic-free and able to walk from Montecito Boulevard to Yulupa Avenue, passing underneath Highway 12. The creek is frequented by plenty of wildlife, including ducks, otters, and egrets.

The Downside To Living In Shadow Hills

What is the downside to living in Shadow Hills?  Not much. If you must have the latest fiber optic communication or access to a nearby gas station, you will not find it in this scenic Brush Creek Neighborhood. 

Quick Overview

Neighborhood Name: Shadow Hills, Foothill Manor, Scenic Brush Creek

Terrain: Level

Average Size Home: 1,600 sq. feet - 2,200 sq. feet

Backyards: Modest in size

Style: Single level 1970s Mid-Century 

School District: Santa Rosa City Schools - Madrone and Binkley Elementary, Rincon Valley Middle School, and Maria Carrillo High School

Parks: Yes

Nearby Grocery Shopping:  Minutes away from both Olivers and Safeway

Shopping: Montecito Shopping Center, Mission Plaza, Montgomery Village, Downtown Santa Rosa

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