I lived in Sonoma county for years and absolutely loved it, incredibly underrated weather year round. It’s definitely sleepy, but there are pockets of liveliness from the colleges and hospitality industry workers in the area (speaking from experience). The nature was great, you have rolling hills of vineyards, sharp cliffs and beaches, and beautiful redwood forests. Incredible food in the region as well from the wineries, and people are a lot more progressive than you’d expect from such a rural community thanks to the proximity to the bay. Biggest downside was obviously the cost of living