Fort Bragg-Great to just visit or live? (San Diego, Santa Rosa: sales, real estate)

[Logan's Dad]

I was in Fort Bragg for a few days. I was curious about people's opinions who live/ or have lived/ in that area?

It seems as though the economy is struggling there since the mill closed down.

Are there things to do for young families? Is it a struggle due to the isolation?

Thoughts?

[Logan's Dad]

Anybody? I know it is a small town. Anybody have any info?

[ferretkona]

Depends on the needs and desires of each person.
I love Fort Bragg. I have scuba dived in Mendocino, Jughandle, Van Damme.
My wife and I love hiking and camping, there is some fine restaurants there. We are considering it as a new area to buy in.

But yes, I think the mill was a major key in keeping the town alive. Good place to retire! There could be some work available if commuting, maybe Willits? Mendocino is only a few miles away, a lot of art galleries and tourist stuff there.

[Kaligirl]

Hi Logan's Dad,
I just think it depends what you are used to. What some consider small may really not be depending on where you are coming from and what you expect.
What is it you're looking for? Then maybe we can throw out some ideas.
Just a thought. Good luck.
Kali

[urbandeco]

I visited Ft Bragg last summer. To me, I am orig from NY, Ft B seemed fairly small, quiet, very clean. However, I don't think I could live there.

[ferrisway]

We've lived in the Mendocino area for 5 years, and, while we love it here, we also feel some of what's lacking pretty keenly. It's a small community, so you are limited in terms of shopping, planned activities, and the like. Many friends live in Fort Bragg itself, and it does have more conveniences (and lower real estate prices) than areas farther south along the coast. But the nearest real city is Santa Rosa at 1 1/2 to 2 hours away; the nearest real airport is 3 1/2. The community is tight knit and extremely caring, and this is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places you will find anywhere. However, young families do end up struggling, not only do to the lack of jobs but also because of the limited options for things to do when the weather is nasty. (When it's nice out, you will not lack for activities.) If you have any more questions feel free to ask. If you were not asking about a young family I would say the positives would more than outweigh the negatives, but for a young family there are simply more needs.

[middleoftheroad]

There are galleries, coffee houses, theaters, restaurants, diving, fishing, camping; shopping for food at two major stores and about 5 smaller 'mom n' pops, clothing, shoes, hardware, building supplies, and on and on.

Anyone from a small Southern or Mid-Western town would LOVE Fort Bragg, and enjoy the sense of community and helping nature of the owners in the area. If you are coming from a large city, however, it will take some getting used to. Although we have a Sears, its a small franchise store, and while you get the national sales prices, you usually have to wait 2-3 days for delivery on a lot of items. But then, thats what a lot of folks look for in a small town~learning to relax.

One major deficiency is medical care. There is a hospital here, but no trauma care. There are two helicopter clubs that for less than $100 per year (for membership to BOTH) give you and your whole family access to service that will get you to a major medical unit in less than 1/2 hour.

If you like living within a mile of the beach (we live about 300' from the surf) this is a place that is still quaint, remote and affordable. How much do you think an acre on the beach with private access in Santa Barbara or San Diego would cost? Well, around here, you can get a cottage on an acre with private beach access, on a private road for less than $700K. Makes it a pretty nice place, all things considered!

[missmelissamiss]

My two children and I will be moving to Fort Bragg very soon for a job. We are totally excited! We love the small town, the friendly people and no loud thumping music like we hear everyday and night 24/7 in our apartment. This forum is really helpful and I know, for us, we have made the right choice. Now it's just a matter of finding a 3 bdrm house and then moving everything from San Ramon to Fort Bragg. I am not worried though, my dream was to always live at the beach and Here I Will BE!

[ColfaxTeri]

Hear's what I remember about vacations in Ft Bragg: Foggy, good fishing, interesting old houses, the great smell of the ocean and drive just a little and you are in the forest.

Bring some sweaters

[macdonald8]

I have lived here all my life, and I can tell how this town has changed, and sadly, for the worse in many regards. As for raising kids, ft.bragg is not the best place. The coastal area in swamped with the pot growing culture, and my town is now swamped with a huge illegal alien issue as well, and with that has comes crime. Even twenty years ago, there were NO firearm issues, inspite of the logging culture and hunting sports. Now there have been rapes, random shootings, my wife and many have been threatend by gangs while walking our dog. Meth and other drugs is a big issue. Several of my nephews have been given death threats by local gangs and could not attend the local school because of it. Obviously, to recent city people, compared with L.A, this must be paradise, however, it is not. Also, the job market is almost non existent. I am a nurse, and even this has its problems related to poor pay. The cost of living here is outrageous, especially gas and food. Nevertheless, the beauty of the place, the fresh air, and other positive things mentioned by others is also available. I just felt the need to bring up the negative sides as well, in order to help those of you to make a good choice. P.S: most of those I have grown up with have left the area, and I too am going this way, because it is a dying area, and the crime and cost are too negative.