Moving back to the foothills (Sacramento, Modesto: real estate, crime, house)

[Helena58]

We left CA 5 years ago and are now returning. We used to live in the foothills near Coarsegold/Oakhurst and this is where we are inclined to return to - however I'd like to learn more about areas farther North, such as Sonora, Valley Springs, etc. Anyone have any insight?

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Helena58

We left CA 5 years ago and are now returning. We used to live in the foothills near Coarsegold/Oakhurst and this is where we are inclined to return to - however I'd like to learn more about areas farther North, such as Sonora, Valley Springs, etc. Anyone have any insight?

Sonora? Whadda ya want to know?

[Helena58]

What is the availability of small ranch properties ( 40 - 60 acres)? Are the locals friendly? Much crime?

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Helena58

What is the availability of small ranch properties ( 40 - 60 acres)? Are the locals friendly? Much crime?

As to the ranch properties, I'd suggest contacting a local realty office. Google Tuolumne Co Real Estate-you often can see what's available on line. I am sure they're 40 acre parcels to be had. Good time to buy.

Locals are friendly and the drivers are courteous, by and large.

Crime is low and for some reason law enforcement has a high rate of success with capture and conviction. We do have a bit of a meth problem, but it is one tenth of what it was a decade ago. No gangs. Some issue with pot growers on public land. Of note, we only lock our house when we go to bed or go to work. I only lock my car in town if there is something of real value in it like my wife's purse or a item I just purchased.


Demographics: 80% white, 10% Latino, 5% American Indian. Average age 45. Lot of people retire here. Median home price $150K according to the paper last week.

Anything else?

[ferretkona]

Here is the link for the Union Democrat. Most of the crime is firewood theft or drunk driving. Do not leave any thing of value in plain sight and your car is safe. The highway has gotten a little confusing of late with the bypass, but it has removed some traffic from downtown Sonora.

The area is great for live music mostly folk, some rock and country.
No large chains of high end restaurants but many smaller independent restaurants with great menus. I asked the owner of
The Old Spaghetti Factory to build in Jamestown at Railtown, but the owner said there just was not enough customer base.
Calaveras county has a few wineries. If you need a large chain store a trip to Modesto is in order.

[KC6ZLV]

Theft of firewood?

I really can't say that is much different from theft of garden hoses. That seems to be the thing in Downtown Sacramento.

[ferretkona]

Many people have homes that only have fireplaces for heat. Chain saws are a hot item as well.
Here in a few weeks there will be a few homes burn down from fireplace fires, happens each winter.

[JGC97]

Here's a good source to check.

Homes and real estate in northern California - MetroList the official MLS

Choose southern counties from dropdown list on left and Tuolumne on right.

[Helena58]

Thanks everyone....lots of good info. Most people think I'm nuts for being excited to move back to CA but I can hardly wait and would love to get there before winter, which is not looking promising. We have a small ranch to sell in Idaho first.

[MsIzzy]

Originally Posted by Helena58

Thanks everyone....lots of good info. Most people think I'm nuts for being excited to move back to CA but I can hardly wait and would love to get there before winter, which is not looking promising. We have a small ranch to sell in Idaho first.

Not sure what Idaho is like. Never been there. Why do they think it's nuts to move back to Cali?