Siskiyou, Modoc & Lassen Counties -- any future "boom" towns? (Sacramento: apartments, condos)

[Wisteria]

Hi, I'm considering retiring in the next few years or so, and I would like to have a home in California. I currently live in the Central Coast area, however, I want to be able to afford my retirement!

I have a hunch that the very northern portion of California will "boom" at some point. I recall how Bend, Oregon, recently boomed -- even Donald Trump bought property up there. That was a tiny, sleepy place, and now it has amenities and nice things popping up.

With some baby boomers wanting to stay in California, but needing to live on retirement income, do any of you have ideas about areas that might grow and be nice to grow with?

I, personally, am not looking for any McMansion or anything -- something small and simple for me. However, I would like a nice community of people, some of the typical California alternative stores and things, good hiking areas, but not totally isolated. I know some places get really hot -- but there may be some that cool down at night because of a higher elevation. Semi-arrid would be nice, but I'd also be open to others. I don't want to be in the middle of the redwoods, though -- I already live in them!! If there's a town near the redwoods, but with sunshine, that works!

I am not keen on coastal fog -- way too damp and chilly. Moderate is good. I'm open to suggestions.

I can't seem to find many people who know much about very northern California, so I'm curious about it.

There must be people out there who have an idea of what is coming up and where it might be wise to settle up north. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[Inthesierras]

Siskiyou, Modoc & Lassen Counties have all 4 distinct seasons. Some areas in each of these counties get alot of snow, while other areas get very little. It gets COLD in the winters. Some winters like this year were mild, not alot of snow. Some winters have brought more then 12 feet of snow to certian areas. The summers are dry and the autumn usually last well into late October. The first snow is usually at the start of November and its cold until April. Its usually not more then 90 degrees in the summer. There are heat waves. Sometimes its humid when thunderstorms come through.

I live in Susanville, Lassen county and travel frequently in Plumas, Shasta, Modoc, a little bit in Siskiyou, etc. Growth is coming. THe old mill in Susanville has a new development plan that will bring hundreds of new homes and apartments, lots of green space and riverfront access, and commercial areas. It will be the largest development Susanville has ever seen.

If things go as planned, Lassen County will be home to the nations largest solar power field. The dept of corrections are adding too the existing prisons in Lassen County, that will also bring in jobs. A huge 5 star resort is going in on the Lassen/Plumas county line. Its just outside the town of Westwood. The resort looks like they are going to downsize the amount of homes and golf courses they planned. Even if they only build 2-3 private golf courses and a few thousand upscale homes and condos, its going to bring in ALOT of people. Westwood will need everything from restuarants and clothing to basic services. Lake Almanor in Plumas county has grown alot in the past few years. Its like a hidden jewel and there are alot of retirees moving there because of the slower paced life and upscale homes going in. Many only spend their summers in Lake Almanor, but there are new developments going in each year.

A developer from out of state has a planned community going through the approval process for Herlong, Ca. The old base now has a federal prison, and there are other plans for the rest of the base. The developer has a pretty nice community planned. It accounts for everything from Green space and homes, to commerical and industry. This would be great. Herlong is one of the most run-down areas I have ever seen. Its depressing just driving through.

Land and homes are inexpensive compared to most areas of Calif. Crime is low, outdoor recreation is unlimited, most of the schools are good to excellent, community events are the big thing here, and there are some wonderful community resources. But what I really hope to see is improvement in medical care, a better developed park district, more activities for teens and young adults, and better roadways.

In this area, things move slower. Businesses shut for lunch. Businesses shut for community events and when the owners go on vacation. Very few businesses are open on Saturdays. The local newspaper is printed once a week. There are lunchtime talk radio shows that deal with local issues, it can be pretty entertaining. Lots of small town dymanics going on all the time. There isn't the urgency to get things done like in the city. You have to be patient, which can take some time adjusting to. Sometimes there are power outages that last for 2-3 + days at a time. During the winter, the roads aren't always cleared of snow in a timely manner. Forest fires happen every year and can be pretty scary. Sometimes the smoke covers towns for days and weeks at a time. There is no such thing as overnight mail, its too rural to make that happen, etc. Some people move here and then move away because they can't handle the slower pace of things.

Even with the negatives, I wouldn't move away from here. We have been here for 9 years. My hubby and I grew up in a really rough area and we don't forget that when dealing with the little inconviences that can arise in a rural area.

All of these counties have great relocation packets with lots of area info. You should go to the chamber of commerce websites and request a packet.

[Wisteria]

Thanks for the info. I hope to get up in that area this summer. I'm actually from Buffalo, New York, originally, so I know about snow. I also lived in Colorado.

Is Susanville the main city up there that people use for shopping, restaurants, etc.? I saw that thing about some development around Westwood, but it looked like it was a "sham," as someone termed it. The Dyer Associates -- from what I could tell -- appeared to not be authentic. Do you know about that? I couldn't tell from the information I saw, so I was kind of confused about it. Seems like there may be a lawsuit against them?

Is there a town you'd recommend that has centralized things like the stores, shops, movie theatre, restaurants, a walking around area?? I've only been up Hwy. 5 and then down the coast -- I didn't get around and about outside of those areas.

The prison thing -- well, I already work in law enforcement and one of my best friends just retired as a prison guard in New York State. My mother grew up in Attica, New York (home of the famous prison uprising).

I didn't hear about the solar power field. That sounds interesting.

Are there any little pockets or towns that have more aging boomer types (educated, old hippy types, artists, musicians, or anything of that sort)? I don't want to be in the middle of a redneck area. For some reason, it just seems like people -- we boomers -- may be gravitating to that area in the future, so I am curious what the reality is.

Any other feedback is appreciated. Thank you!

[SandyCo]

Wisteria, shhhhh!!! No one is supposed to know about north northern California! I love that area; it has some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Acres and acres of forests. Two years ago on my way from Reno to Salem, Oregon, I ended up taking a wrong turn, and went past Lake Almanar, and then drove through Lassen National Park, which was gorgeous. The detour added a lot of time to my trip, but it was worth it! I'm sorry I don't have any real info, but I wish I could live up that way.

[Wisteria]

Thanks, Sandy! I am hoping to get up that way this summer....I'll try. I thought that the Lassen area might be nice (thanks for the confirmation!). I figured it'd be a bit semi-arrid but higher elevation and forests -- not quite like Colorado, but probably similar to parts of Colorado.

Okay....shhhhhh.....the rest is secret! Thanks! (And I tried to give you a rep point, but must've given you one not too long ago....got to spread more love around first! )

[Nuts4Bolts]

My wife and I have done some traveling through upper Northern CA, & really thought the town of Dunsmuir, off I-5, north of Shasta Lake, was a neat, clean town. Also, Trinity County is off the main highways (I-5, US 101), and is well worth the drive on SR 299 due to its shear beauty. Weaverville is similar in feel to Dunsmuir, IMO. I have not been off the freeway in Weed, Mount Shasta, or Yreka, but they may be well worth exploring. I really enjoyed the Redwood Coast, but the towns in those areas seemed a little depressed. Other posts mentioned Lake Almanor, and Susanville. Those seemed like places to check out, also. We spent the night in Susanville, but was nuetral about it. It seemed like a town people just stop in because there isn't much else. Again, these are assumptions & first impressions. Maybe some locals can fill us in? I, too, have an interest in far north CA for relocation / retirement.

[Inthesierras]

Originally Posted by Nuts4Bolts

Weed, Mount Shasta, or Yreka, but they may be well worth exploring. I really enjoyed the Redwood Coast, but the towns in those areas seemed a little depressed. Other posts mentioned Lake Almanor, and Susanville. Those seemed like places to check out, also. We spent the night in Susanville, but was nuetral about it. It seemed like a town people just stop in because there isn't much else. Again, these are assumptions & first impressions. Maybe some locals can fill us in? I, too, have an interest in far north CA for relocation / retirement.

I like Mt. Shasta better then Weed and Yreka. But they are all small areas with their own charms. There are alot of outdoor recreation opportunies near each of them. They are also close to the Oreogn border and some of the towns there, Ashland, Jacksonville, etc.

Alot of people say the same thing about Susanville, lol. This week in the paper a letter to the editor touched on this. They encouraged businesses to improve their buildings, even if its just a new paint job. Susanville has its set of positives and negatives. There is a strong sense of community here. Kids activities are HUGE. High school sports on are broadcast on the radio. There is a new development waiting to be approved that would really transform the old mill into a green way, homes, and nice commercial buildings. The new hosptial (the old one was a pit) is adding new services and out of area doctors.

Some negatives are the old buildings that don't get repaired. Some are just falling apart. The city has had some ideas to try and remedy this, but nothing seems to happen. There is a historic district organization, but they aren't doing much under new leadership.

[Inthesierras]

Wisteria -

From what I can tell, the Dyer Mountian Project seems somewhat legit. I guess living here we start to have the 'Gotta see it to believe it' attitude. Dyer Mountian have had alot of hurdles, changes in leadership, etc. The county after nearly 6-7 years has finally signed off on the project. The state is on board too. The problem was natural resources. I think they thought they could build more then what was actually going to work. So they are scaling back. Now, everything should be starting, but it seems like its not. So I guess if nothing happens by this summer, it might just be sham.

But they have gone rounds with the county and state in terms of envirn impact studies, transportation studies, etc etc. Its going to be on Walker Lake just minutes from Westwood. As for the lawsuit, there have been a few. As far as I know, nothing is really happening with that. Coming to Westwood has upset alot of residents. They moved there for the real small town feel (just a few thousand people there). Alot are opposed to growth. But with the mill closed, and only a few retail stores and restuarants, there is no job market there. Jobs will revitalize the area.

As for pockets of artsy type places, there may be a few. This area is just so rural. The towns are small with lots of distance in between. Many have establishments only open in the summer season. Eagle Lake has some retirees in the SPaulding area. But its almost non-accessible in the winter during the snow. Quincy is a quiant town, with lots of charm. They are the county seat of Plumas County. They seem to have some artsy things going on there. Its an amazing place to visit in the fall.

Greagle is a nice town in Plumas County. Small, but close to Truckee and Reno. Lots of retiree's buying there. Lake Almanor/Chester has alot of growth and seems to be turning into a retirement area. The houses being built there are amazing! Most are in gated communities with recreation centers and gold courses. The country clubs there seem to have some fun things going on. There are a few small galleries that host events in town, etc. The snow in the winter can be a huge pain there. They get ALOT of snow.

The biggest towns in this area are Susanville, Quincy, Chester, Alturas and Burney. Everything else in between is tiny. Susanville has a WM, the rest don't. All have their share of resturants and services. All these towns depend on tourism, outdoor recreation, and people passing through on the state highways.

Lassen Park is amazing. There are underground lava tubes just outside Old Station near Lassen Park. They are pretty amazing. There is a look out on highway 44 just up the hill from Old Station. You can see both Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. There are telescope fixtures there which makes for an amazing view. Shasta isn't that far from Lassen Park either. Burney Falls is a great stop too. Great trails and camping area. Hat Creek is not only scenic, but has great fishing. Fishing in Northeastern Calif is excellent. Plenty of campgrounds, hiking areas, etc.

Susanville does some small time artsy things. Every summer is Art in the Garden Tours. Those are very popular. There are wine tasting events, a small gallery from the arts council, and other events. The local arts council seems to have of events throughout the year. They showcase local and out of the area artists. There is a huge Best of Broadway production each year. I am sure there are more, those are the ones that come to mind.

Susanville is a semi-arrid area. The high desert meets the pines, literally. Driving north from Reno on 395/36, you see where the pines start and the desert starts to end. Once you follow highway 36 to Westood and Chester, its all pine forests and lakes scattered here and there. Susanville does have quite a few retirees moving here. Homes are very afforable as is land. Their main complaints are lack of medical services and shopping.

[HDL]

I happened to be persuing CDF and saw your question. Did a 'quick' read through the posts and hope not to be repeating what anyone else has already recommended .

From what I know of you so far , I believe that you may like Grass Valley/ Nevada City area just an hour north of Sacramento and ~1 1/2 hrs out of Reno. Before I tell you any more, let me know if you've already researched and decided against or already have it in your plans to check out . Housing is definitely more affordable than SC !

Hugs from HDL

Originally Posted by Wisteria

Thanks, Sandy! I am hoping to get up that way this summer....I'll try. I thought that the Lassen area might be nice (thanks for the confirmation!). I figured it'd be a bit semi-arrid but higher elevation and forests -- not quite like Colorado, but probably similar to parts of Colorado.

Okay....shhhhhh.....the rest is secret! Thanks! (And I tried to give you a rep point, but must've given you one not too long ago....got to spread more love around first! )

[Inthesierras]

Grass Valley/Nevada City is a great area. Its very touristy, if that is a word, lol. But, it has alot of small town charm. Little shops that are perfect for strolling through. There are some great cafes and resturants. Its an area to check to for sure. Its not that far from Reno and Sacramento. There seems to be more cultrual attractions then other small areas.