Thinking of moving to Lake County (Napa, Rocklin: real estate, renting, sex offenders)

[jamiesteward04]

Im trying to get information on jobs and housing and all the other stuff that would help me make the decision to move there.

[Jaybee]

Try contacting the local chambers of commerce. I think you'll find that Lake County real estate is a bit cheaper than more urban locales in CA.

I live about 100 miles northeast of Lake County. We drive thru there on our way to the coast or wine country a couple of times a year. The communities on the north side of Clear Lake are generally in need of redevelopment. They appear to have been built in the 40's or 50's with little recent development. The state highway (Hwy. 20) serves as the Main Street for these towns poised between the lake and the abrupt hills to the north.

The City of Lakeport is larger with more commercial services and a legitimate, albeit small downtown. The largest City, Clearlake is on the southeast corner of the lake. I have little experience with that community.

I'm not sure how much you know about Clear Lake. Its perhaps the largest freshwater lake wholly within the state. However, its quite shallow. The shallowness contributes to an algae problem. I understand the algae "blooms" in the summer and generates quite an odor. In any event, its not the pristine clear water lake that you might expect in this rural area. I know ther've been attempts to poison the lake to destroy the algae, but there are substantial opponents due to the potential pollution, and wildlife (and perhaps growth inducing) consequences.

I've some friends who live in Middletown-between the lake and Napa County. They have told me of few job opportunities, high welfare roles, drug problems and the social consequences that accompany. Don't know if they're true. The locals may have better info regarding that.

I think the weather is moderate throughout there months, but the summers are brutally hot. Nearest respite is the coast 1 1/2 or two hours west, where summer highs are generally in the low 70's.

Good Luck with your investigation.

[skytrekker]

I spent some time in Clear Lake many years ago-

Lake county has many vineyards, and is an important grape growing area for premium quality wines.

Lakeport is a pleasant small town, with some nice resorts, and residential sections (many new since I was there)

Real estate is less then Sonoma county to the south.

Weather in the summer was hot- 100 degrees many days, but it was tolerable because of the low humidity. Nights where pleasantly cool. Winters can have rainy periods with fog, and balmy sunny days inter spaced between. Temps can be cool to mild in the daytime with chilly nights with frost. Snow is uncommon.The area has beautiful physical topography.The view across the lake to the extinct volcano soaring into the sky is beautiful.


The local economy is based mainly on some tourism, agriculture and Wineries.
I found the area somewhat depressed- I was told there was a crime problem related to drugs- and bikers hung around the area on a regular basis (I did not see any when I was there). There is some shopping in town, but its limited.

The area seemed a bit isolated- there is more shopping in Ukiah- some 30 miles away; which has a bit more in the way of amenities and a more 'civilized' ambiance.

[purplesilverdragon]

My boyfriend and I are renting our first place up in Lakeport. We need to know if there is a junior college there as well as a bus system. We are trying to get our education and see what we can do with that.

I have been trying to find out about Lake County's transit system, but it seems I only find negative things from other people. Is there anything positive about Lake County and Lakeport at all? Is everyone just bitter about Lakeport?

[Cali BassMan]

oH bOY,
A move to Lake County should only be done after doing some home work.. About the only good thing there is the Bass Fishing, however when you get back to the ramp theres a good chance your truck will be broken into.. It's a rundown crack and Meth area. Lots of welfare and alcholics..
Up there last year, a guy takes a shot at me(I'm on the water fishing) I call the Sheriff and he tells me " yeah those Indians are always shooting off thier guns, You'd best go fish another part of the lake" WTF???? Lousy town with Lousy cops... Great Fishing though......

[CADRMNDANES]

I've been going to this lake since I was a child and it hasn't changed. Everything is true, Algae is horrible. Lots of lower income people with some serious drug problems. Not much around for jobs either. I would NOT move there!!

Also Looks like around the lake they have their fair share of sex offenders. Possible over 75! Yeah sounds like a great place to live. NOT!!

The only thing it has going for it is GREAT Fishing and Knocti Harbor resort.

[CADRMNDANES]

Why don't you go to Jr. College in Rocklin. Try Sierra college!! It's so much nicer and in a great area.

[harteis]

Mendocino College in Ukiah (1/2 hour away) offers courses in Lakeport as well. Lake County is an interesting area. Beautiful scenery, interesting people. The lake has it's bad moments, but it is gorgeous most of the time. Watch where you park, watch where you fish .. the property is NOT all public here, but plenty of lake access and nature walks and parks. Drugs are EVERYWHERE. I prefer the warm open nature of the people here. Come to Lake County, check it out. Say hello to some of the interesting characters and breathe deep! Hope you love it like we do.