Sonoma Coast living (Sacramento, Brea, Mendocino: real estate, homes, allergies)

[cindee]

Hi,
My fiance and I are considering moving to the Sonoma Coast.
Specifically Gualala, Anchor Bay, Jenner, or Timber Cove.
What is the climate like during winter, spring and summer?
Are there less insects due to the coastal climate? I have
allergic reactions to wasps and hornets!!
Thanks much.....Cindee

[susie4]

I used to live there years ago and the one thing that I developed while living there were allergies (usually March/April - July). I've had them ever since.

[cindee]

I deal with allergies all year long. I live in the Sacramento area.
Looking for a BIG climate change...less hot, dry weather. I
think living on the Sonoma coast would make a big difference.
I would appreciate any comments along those lines.
Thanks

[budm0318]

There are hornets and bees all along the coast. No more or less than anywhere else, though. There are micro-climates all along the coast. For example, Sea Ranch, between Timber Cove and Gualala, is recognized as somewhat of a "banana belt," but it's all relative. It rarely is "hot." As a general rule, however, Fall is the most beautiful, clearest time of year. Mild temps and less fog, humidity and wind. Summer is the foggiest. Days of gray skies. Spring tends to be windy and still a little wet, while winter is cool and wet but mostly without fog. Keep in mind that when the winter storms from the Gulf of Alaska arrive, usually from Nov. through March, the coast is the first place confronted by the wet and windy conditions.

[cindee]

Thank you for the info. Since living in the Sacramento area for
almost 10 years the Sonoma coast sounds like a very good match
for me!

[Kathleenh54]

Are the places you mentioned expensive? It sounds idyllic so it must be. :-(

[CADRMNDANES]

We just were there over the last few days. BEAUTIFUL area!! If we didn't have kids we would live there.

If anyone doesn't remember why they live and love CA they should drive up and down Hwy 1. OMG!! Breath taking views. We usually make it to the coast once a year. This year we made 3times.

We stayed in Manchester Beach (Point Arena).
We had lunch in Gualala and it was foggy. Manchester (Point Arena) was sunny.

All of the towns on the coast you mentioned are very small and have limited services. Which was ok for me. You will have to drive inland to do your major shopping.

I saw some homes around 450k.

Also look in Mendocino & Navarro

[cindee]

Real estate along the Sonoma Coast can be.. as you put it more expensive.
The attraction for me is a slower pace life-style, a less crowded population
and of course the top of my list.....close and personal to the ocean.
A cooler more humid climate is also extremely important too. Dry hot summer
weather here in the Sacramento area has really worn thin for me!!
Add to the big picture is that I am menopausal. When the weather is hot and dry my hot flashes are more intense.
I have always found that when I am near the ocean my overall attitude is more relaxed and positive. I guess being near a large mass of water does that
for me.
Cindee