Kansans relocating to Gold Country--make sense? (Sacramento, Redding: real estate, insurance, crime)

[palominogirl]

Hi. We are Kansans who own a large ranch and raise and train horses. We're considering moving to a more hospitable climate for our activities. We are looking for milder winter temperatures--say average 50s in the daytime in winter--and not too hot in the summer--in the 90s at most. We need at least 100 acres plus a decent (not fancy) home, which I think we could afford in the areas of Sonora, Coulterville, Groveland. Am I correct that these areas are in the Sierra foothills, don't get any or much snow, fit our temperature requirements, aren't too foggy? Are they within reasonable driving distance of hospitals, grocery stores, shopping? Possibly good restaurants?? (We're not used to those!) If not, please correct my assumptions and suggest other areas in Cal. that meet those criteria. Also, am I correct that the areas north of Sacramento like Chico and on up to Redding get pretty cold in winter and very hot in summer? Thanks!!

[DMenscha]

Gold Country runs pretty much along Highway 49 from Nevada City all the way to Coarsegold. Obviously I'm fondest of Calaveras County and I think you'll find the 2000' level meets those temperature requirements except we do get a week or two of 100+ temps in the summer. It does cool off nicely at night and you won't get the kind of humidity you get in KS during the summer. It's quite comfortable. If you need cooler in the summer move up to the 3000' level and you'll start to get a touch of snow in the winter.

Along highway 49 is about 1200 to 1700 feet in elevation and you'll find the "major" cities like Auburn, Placerville, Jackson, Angels Camp, Sonora, Mariposa. Groveland is about 3000 feet up and Coulterville is along 49 and a smaller town. I like to think real estate prices are more realistic here than the other more well developed counties.

Feel free to send me a direct message and I can expound on the foothills without boring the other posters

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by palominogirl

Hi. We are Kansans who own a large ranch and raise and train horses. We're considering moving to a more hospitable climate for our activities. We are looking for milder winter temperatures--say average 50s in the daytime in winter--and not too hot in the summer--in the 90s at most. We need at least 100 acres plus a decent (not fancy) home, which I think we could afford in the areas of Sonora, Coulterville, Groveland. Am I correct that these areas are in the Sierra foothills, don't get any or much snow, fit our temperature requirements, aren't too foggy? Are they within reasonable driving distance of hospitals, grocery stores, shopping? Possibly good restaurants?? (We're not used to those!) If not, please correct my assumptions and suggest other areas in Cal. that meet those criteria. Also, am I correct that the areas north of Sacramento like Chico and on up to Redding get pretty cold in winter and very hot in summer? Thanks!!

I can't help you much regarding Sonora area-I've only breifly visited that area while destined for Yosemite. However, I live near Redding. If Kansas is your gauge, Redding winters are very mild. We've had about a week of lows in the mid 20's, but the winter highs are typically in the upper 40's to low 50's. It's nearly 65 degrees right now-that's unusually warm for January, even here. We typically have wet winters and springs, and "dry as a bone" summers and thru 2/3 of the fall. Rain so far this season has been scarce, but that can change at any moment. La Nina can become El Nino, or is it the other way around? Chico and surrounding area-and points furthe rsouth get much more fog than Redding. Again, not sure about Sonora, but I'd guess it would be above (altitude) much of the valley-based tule fog.

It's very interesting to look at the annual rainfall amounts thru the interior of the state. Its really very simple-the state gets dryer as you go south.

Summers are another matter altogether. July, August and perhaps the first part of September are brutally hot. 110 degrees highs are not uncommon-sometime for several days in a row. I've actually witnessed 118 degrees here in Red Bluff. Yeah its a dry heat, but ya'know, a blast furnace is a blast furnace.

I'm sure you've seen the news stories about our terrible wildfires that occur during the dry summers. They're typically more common and severe in the foothill areas where chapparal is the predominant plant species and slopes contribute to wildfire preheating and spread. Some rural areas are very expensive for fire insurance.

Now, I've lived here all my life. We're at th enorth end of the Central Valley an dsurrounded by mountainous terrain on 3 sides; National Forests, Lakes, Trails, National Parks, Historical Sites, etc. The coast with the Redwoods is a 3 hour drive west. So, it's a nice place to live-lots to do recreationally, but certainly not for everyone.

I'm actually planning to retire someplace else in a few years, but it has little to do with the weather. I've merely had my fill of this state and its politics. Good Luck in whatever you decide.

[ferretkona]

As much as my wife and I love Sonora, we know we love the Sonora of 20 years ago.
The town has grown, sort of. The new bypass is confusing to all. There is only one hospital now.
A lot of drug use, drunks, gangs and theft. It used to just be firewood and chainsaws that were stolen, not anymore.

I would look north a bit in Calaveras county. Arnold, Murphys, Dorrington.

It looks as thou we will be moving to Washington state ourselves.

[family first]

palominogirl, the locations you mentioned are all in your search parameters. Crime comments in Sonora must be taken at caution. Crime levels are still comparatively low all things considered. I wouldn't hesitate to move to the Sonora area. Fond of Calaveras County and the Murphys/Angels Camp area. If you compare "any" towns/city to "20 years ago" life will be different. Sign of the times. Good luck and the Gold Country up and down Hwy 49 is very nice!

[ferretkona]

Just read the Democrat everyday for ideas, we always read the "news of record"
News | Union Democrat | Sonora News, Sports, & Weather, Angels Camp, Twain Harte, Jamestown it covers news in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties.