Napa is an old city by California standards, founded in 1847. It’s a place with a colorful past - a jumping-off point for 49ers bound for the gold rush, birthplace of famous leather, and neighbor to some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world. For the past 30 to 40 years, the City of Napa has been in transition. The city that was once known for its tanneries, prune processing and State hospital is now more known for its hospitality, fine food, and luxury hotels. While yesterday’s jobs came largely in heavy industrial pursuits at Kaiser Steel, Basalt Rock, Napa Pipe, and Mare Island Shipyard, today’s workforce is mostly white collar and the economy is increasingly based on tourism. Today Napa is becoming a vibrant and modern town with a respect for its past. You will find visually stimulating contemporary architecture just down the road from our protected historic districts, home to some of northern California's finest Victorian homes. Minutes from our many safe and comfortable neighborhoods are the popular Main Street "Restaurant Row," the West End, and the Oxbow District. Our award-winning "living river" flood protection project has made Napa safer while enhancing the ecosystem and providing stimulus to the economy and quality-of-life benefits. Napa is a city with a low crime rate, a high standard of living, clean air, and nearly perfect weather.