Recommendations for great areas near Redding to buy acreage? (Vista: mortgage, for sale)

[ginger44]

Hello all!

My husband and I are looking for a reasonably priced area to purchase some land with nice views, preferably within 30 minutes of Redding. Ideally we'd like 20 acres or more, with trees, hills, and maybe with a creek or other water source? Off the grid is fine. We want to build a cabin and use it for weekends/vacations and eventually retire there.

I used to live in California and we are moving back early next year, but it's been awhile since I've been in the area, so would appreciate advice on which areas would be good to look into and which we should stay clear of.

Here's a couple areas that I've seen looking on the MLS:
-Igo/Ono - I've seen some deals on a number of 40 acres lots in Ono in Trinity Alps Preserve - how far from Redding is this? Is this area nice? The price ranges quite a bit on the lots in this area, so are some areas that much nicer than others?

-Bella Vista - I've seen a few properties off of Backbone Ridge road - any thoughts on this area?

Any other areas that anyone suggests? Is now a good time to look at buying land, or do you think it's better to wait until after summer ends and see if prices drop? Are there any other sites that we should be looking at other than the MLS and craigslist for properties?

Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[wburg]

You'll probably be able to find some good deals on acreage as soon as they finish extinguishing all the fires.

[DMenscha]

Since you aren't in a hurry you may find your best deals during the winter months. Draw a 25 mile circle around redding and look through realtor.com. It's hard to tell from your post whether you are moving back and renting until you can build something to move into or if you're planning upon building at retirement time.

In my area I take folks on a 17 mile drive through my market area that shows them the variety of terrain and vegetation. You really do need to see land with your own eyes, no amount of internet marketing is going to do justice to your search, but I guess you can start acquainting yourself with the market prices.

Good luck in your search

[Zapparulez]

Originally Posted by ginger44

Hello all!

My husband and I are looking for a reasonably priced area to purchase some land with nice views, preferably within 30 minutes of Redding. Ideally we'd like 20 acres or more, with trees, hills, and maybe with a creek or other water source? Off the grid is fine. We want to build a cabin and use it for weekends/vacations and eventually retire there.

I used to live in California and we are moving back early next year, but it's been awhile since I've been in the area, so would appreciate advice on which areas would be good to look into and which we should stay clear of.

Here's a couple areas that I've seen looking on the MLS:
-Igo/Ono - I've seen some deals on a number of 40 acres lots in Ono in Trinity Alps Preserve - how far from Redding is this? Is this area nice? The price ranges quite a bit on the lots in this area, so are some areas that much nicer than others?

-Bella Vista - I've seen a few properties off of Backbone Ridge road - any thoughts on this area?

Any other areas that anyone suggests? Is now a good time to look at buying land, or do you think it's better to wait until after summer ends and see if prices drop? Are there any other sites that we should be looking at other than the MLS and craigslist for properties?

Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

The best place to look is in the Redding Nickel and on Craigslist. I see tons of land for sale off the grid.

[Zapparulez]

btw, do wait until winter. The mortgage/financial crisis is only going to get worse.

[ginger44]

Originally Posted by DMenscha

Since you aren't in a hurry you may find your best deals during the winter months. Draw a 25 mile circle around redding and look through realtor.com. It's hard to tell from your post whether you are moving back and renting until you can build something to move into or if you're planning upon building at retirement time.

In my area I take folks on a 17 mile drive through my market area that shows them the variety of terrain and vegetation. You really do need to see land with your own eyes, no amount of internet marketing is going to do justice to your search, but I guess you can start acquainting yourself with the market prices.

Good luck in your search

Thanks for your advice! We are not in a hurry, so we'll see how the prices look in the winter. I'm tracking prices in different areas now, so I can compare as prices drop, so was seeing if any areas are considered better than others. We'll be renting when we move back, and then we'll be looking to build a cabin on the land we purchase, but we're not in a rush.

We definitely plan to take a trip up there and check out the areas before buying - we'll probably wait until winter now, since the best deals are then.

Thanks again - I've read some of your other posts, and they've been very informative.

[ginger44]

Originally Posted by Zapparulez

The best place to look is in the Redding Nickel and on Craigslist. I see tons of land for sale off the grid.

btw, do wait until winter. The mortgage/financial crisis is only going to get worse.

I'll definitely check out the Redding Nickel and Craigslist, as well. I wasn't sure how California's land market was doing, so wanted to get an idea from the locals - will definitely wait and see how the prices go down in the winter!

Thanks a bunch!

[ShastaLiving]

The fires are pretty much over, clear skies now and I too agree that winter months are usually the best months to buy land (better deals). I personally would not live in Igo or Ono (nothing against these small town) but from a practical perspective they are very remote (45min. outside of Redding) - you have to plan your major grocery trips, doctor's visit, etc...I think anywhere within a 15-20 mile range from central Redding is great. Bella Vista is a great area. You'll find views in Lakehead (about 25 min. North of Redding) or you can go towards Shingletown (windy road about 25 min. East) small, but very affordable and depending on how high the elevation, you can get some nice views.

[ginger44]

Originally Posted by ShastaLiving

The fires are pretty much over, clear skies now and I too agree that winter months are usually the best months to buy land (better deals). I personally would not live in Igo or Ono (nothing against these small town) but from a practical perspective they are very remote (45min. outside of Redding) - you have to plan your major grocery trips, doctor's visit, etc...I think anywhere within a 15-20 mile range from central Redding is great. Bella Vista is a great area. You'll find views in Lakehead (about 25 min. North of Redding) or you can go towards Shingletown (windy road about 25 min. East) small, but very affordable and depending on how high the elevation, you can get some nice views.

Thanks for the area recommendations - that helps a lot. We will check out the listings in these areas and track the prices and see how they as winter approaches.