Living in Lake County (Santa Rosa, Napa: crime rate, homes, employment)

[Lake County Lass]

Having lived in Lake County for two years, I think I have somewhat of an opinion by now. I have read all the threads on the website so far, and what I am reading is generally true.
For such a beautiful area, with mountains, tall trees, and such huge areas of space, it is such a shame that it is a drug infested, economically depressed locale. Even though the county is only 35 miles from Santa Rosa, and about the same to the renowed Napa Valley, it has only a winding mountain road connecting it with "civilization". Hence, the natural hideout for unkempt, welfare and drug parolees.
It seems to be true that it seems to be "in the water" that generation after generation breed the depressing lifestyle described above. Clearlake itself looks like a bombed out remnant of a 50's style attempt at "lake resort promotions". Many boarded up buildings, and stores struggling to stay in business. Many strange people walk the streets- not a place you would like to have your car break down in at night.
However, the really only nice "gated" community there is in Lake County is Hidden Valley Lake, and since it IS gated, there is the attempt to keep mischief at a minimum. The crime rate at this development is low, and it is mostly occupied with families with children, who want a sense of community without having to pay the extremely high price of living in Sonoma or Napa counties. It is an interesting combination of "middle class white bread" trying to co-exist with the long standing "welfare and drug" community of Lake County. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

[Humboldt Honey]

:-( That sounds rather depressing, and IS such a shame, for how beautiful the area is!

[JenniferLynn]

What about the two towns of Kelseyville and Lakeport? Granted, I have only driven through them once, but they seemed pretty nice.

[figjam]

Originally Posted by JenniferLynn

What about the two towns of Kelseyville and Lakeport? Granted, I have only driven through them once, but they seemed pretty nice.

Kelseyville & Lakeport both have nice little "Main Street" areas. However, if you venture too far outside that area you will find the typical ramshackle hoods that lake county is famous for.

I have lived in the city of Clearlake for over 2 years now and I have found that, yes, the town has more than its fair share of loosers but it also has more than its fair share of really nice people, which I guess is true for Lake county in general.
What you wont find much of in Clearlake is the indifferent people who dont know their own next door neighbor & I for one find that to be very refreshing.
even if my neighbors arent the most glamorous bunch.

[JnR]

We currently live in SLO County (Paso Robles) and are looking to relocate somewhere - this area has changed so much over the last few years! We would love to have a lakefront home and I found one in North Lakeport that seemed really reasonable. Is the area really all that bad?? We are self-employed with a very movable business so we have no employment concerns. Also, I have read accounts that the lake is polluted and has algae blooms in the summer. Is this true? My husband is an avid sailor and we are looking forward to hanging out by the lake all summer and sail and sun. We are coming up that way the first week or two of July. Any suggestions on communities that we should visit or consider for our lakefront dream home would be most appreciated! Thanks.

[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 problems. It's very said that this beautiful area has to be so depressed. I would NOT move there!!

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

[JenniferLynn]

What is the source of pollution in Clearlake? And what is the significance of the presence of algae?

[CADRMNDANES]

The lake water gets very warm in the summer.
Some of it smells like motor oil. It is no where as nice as Lake Tahoe or even Folsom.

If you think the valley is hot in the summer, it's even hotter around the Clear Lake area in the summer.

[CADRMNDANES]

Sine say it is caused by the lack of oxygen, because the lake was polluted by poorly managed sewage from local septic tanks, and unregulated spills.

The lake may also be contaminated with mercury from the nearby Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine. The California Dept. of Fish & Game recommends that women of childbearing age and children limit their consumption of fish from Clear Lake, due to the presence of methylmercury compounds in lake sediments.

[ziptles]

Originally Posted by Lake County Lass

Having lived in Lake County for two years, I think I have somewhat of an opinion by now. I have read all the threads on the website so far, and what I am reading is generally true.
For such a beautiful area, with mountains, tall trees, and such huge areas of space, it is such a shame that it is a drug infested, economically depressed locale. Even though the county is only 35 miles from Santa Rosa, and about the same to the renowed Napa Valley, it has only a winding mountain road connecting it with "civilization". Hence, the natural hideout for unkempt, welfare and drug parolees.
It seems to be true that it seems to be "in the water" that generation after generation breed the depressing lifestyle described above. Clearlake itself looks like a bombed out remnant of a 50's style attempt at "lake resort promotions". Many boarded up buildings, and stores struggling to stay in business. Many strange people walk the streets- not a place you would like to have your car break down in at night.
However, the really only nice "gated" community there is in Lake County is Hidden Valley Lake, and since it IS gated, there is the attempt to keep mischief at a minimum. The crime rate at this development is low, and it is mostly occupied with families with children, who want a sense of community without having to pay the extremely high price of living in Sonoma or Napa counties. It is an interesting combination of "middle class white bread" trying to co-exist with the long standing "welfare and drug" community of Lake County. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Well, my relatives live around the Clear Lake and yes the rural areas do have some drug and poverty issues, but seriously you've described a really depressed area. The entire area is changing rapidly and the prices land have go up a great deal there. I'd totally recommend moving there to get away from the city and the lake has gotten better. The best areas are around the parameter of the lake, the north and western shores are the ideal locations, getting maximum sun light and great sunsets. The homes around the lake have an excellent view and there is a good microclimate around the lake, your typical dry Mediterranean climate zone. The mountains around the lake and throughout the lake are also full of beauty, so I guess it depends on your perspective. Wineries have popped up around the lake, like the Cieago winery owned by the Fetzer family. So, one can find inbred drug related mountain people anywhere in America it's part of our history. Besides, who wants to live w/a bunch of uptight pretentious snobs, I mean those Plebians whom inhabit the rural areas and trailer parks around Clear Lake only adds to the diversity of the area.