Cowboy Culture in CA? If so, where? (Ranching, Equine, Western life) (Sacramento: houses, to buy)

[countryway]

Hi folks. I live in Colorado currently but spent all my life in the Sacramento area/foothills, up til four years ago, and I find that I may be moving back to CA but am desiring a more rural and agriculture-based area in this state... namely a place with a strong cowboy/equine/western-based lifestyle.

I desire to live in a western/agrarian/Equine/ranching lifestyle and environment. Where I grew up and lived, there were many farms and some ranching in the Sac area, however I don't want to return to that area specificly and desire an area with more of an accent on ranching/cowboy life and horse-culture activities. I want to live where those traditions, lifestyles, and values are an integral part of life. We desire a small-town atmosphere where life is traditional, conservative and friendly.

I know that this can sound difficult to find in CA, but I have been told about some areas like Red Bluff, Foothills, some coastal areas, Bishop (Owens Valley) etc. I really need specifics from folks that live or have lived in an area that properly suits my request. This is the lifestyle I live, but desire to relocate to CA possibly and need to know the best areas for that life with others who are like-minded.

I know years ago ranching and western life were a dominant way all over California and I know that this way has dissipated for some time. My hope however, is that there are a few places scattered around where this western tradition still exists. I am not looking to be Roy Rogers at all. I simply live this lifestyle and want to be around others who live this way too.

Thank you for any help you can provide and I greatly appreciate it.

[bhcompy]

It's been a while since I checked, but, last time I lived there, the area around Lake Matthews (unincorporated Perris, essentially) fit the bill. There are also areas along that I-15 corridor(or further east) further south that probably fit the bill. Technically, Norco still calls itself Horsetown USA and that culture definitely exists there, but it's partnered with the suburban lifestyle that has taken over the western portions of Riverside County.

[.highnlite]

San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties are still cow country. There are some original Spanish Ranchos left, and lots of other places. Cuyama, Creston, Parkfield, Pozo. In the foothills, Oakdale is still cow country.

Some figures I ran across, 249,000 horses in Ca, 145,000 in Colorado. That puts CA in second place behind Texas with 600,000, course there is no place to ride in Texas.


There are 5,000,000 cows in CA. There are 2,600,000 cows in Colorado.

Help you?

Oh and if you hope to be a Californio, you will want to get to know the music of Dave Stamey the balladeer of California Horse and cattle, and mulemen.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqPhnyMwZqw

You will want to get to know Californio Vaquero traditions, as opposed to that Texas stuff they do in Colorado. To start, wear a flat brim hat, not one of those Texas taco hats. and pull your jeans over your boots, don't tuck them in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh0DQ...eature=related

Sorry, I did not have any luck getting them to show... good luck on your move!

Pick up this video series, should be required viewing for all vaquero dreamershttp://www.tapadero.com/

[shiphead]

countryway, I completely understand your want to avoid Sacramento. When you brought up bishop, that entire area is country. I would say that entire freeway from Tahoe and south. Then highway 49 on the other side. Even a small town like oakhurst have people with a twang in their voice.

[.highnlite]

I vote for Elko, god's country, the last best place in America.

[BeauCharles]

Oakdale.

Oakdale, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cowboy Capital: Two towns square off to see who can claim title - Local - Modbee.com
Oakdale Rodeo
Oakdale Cowboy Museum

[WesternPilgrim]

Pretty much anyplace north of Chico-Orland is cowboy country. Modoc and Lassen counties are nothing but cowboy culture, although the last time this came up I thought you also wanted a music scene, which is probably lacking in those counties. Actually, Susanville has a symphony orchestra so maybe they have some country music as well.

So I'm going to stick with my original suggestion: if you want cowboy culture AND the music that goes with it, it doesn't get any better than Red Bluff. You have cowboy culture on all sides, plus access to the country, western, bluegrass, and folk music communities in Chico and Redding. Actually Shasta and Siskiyou counties are great for music. Bluegrass festival in Etna every year and you'll actually hear bluegrass on the radio up there.

[Think4Yourself]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

I vote for Elko, god's country, the last best place in America.

I spent two months out that way about 12 years ago though I doubt much has changed. The whole basin and range area is a bit too dry for me but there is lots of room to roam and Elko is a nice little town (stress little) though I wonder what's to do there other than the one (rather old and run down) casino. Sit in a bar and drink away your life? No thanks.

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

I spent two months out that way about 12 years ago though I doubt much has changed. The whole basin and range area is a bit too dry for me but there is lots of room to roam and Elko is a nice little town (stress little) though I wonder what's to do there other than the one (rather old and run down) casino. Sit in a bar and drink away your life? No thanks.

The only reason for a town is a job, or to buy supplies. There are 7 one or two room schools in Elko County. Don't forget the cat houses in town. There is a world of things to do, all without a roof over them. The dry is something the passers by see.

Hiking in the in Elko County one July 15 I found a lake, still covered in ice at about 8,000 feet in elevation. There are two grand ranges in Nevada, one reminiscent of the Sierra, the other reminiscent of the Rockies.

My wife grew up in Elko, she taught in a two room school house 60 miles from the nearest paved road.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

I spent two months out that way about 12 years ago though I doubt much has changed. The whole basin and range area is a bit too dry for me but there is lots of room to roam and Elko is a nice little town (stress little) though I wonder what's to do there other than the one (rather old and run down) casino. Sit in a bar and drink away your life? No thanks.

Not everyone plays golf, fantasy football or watches big brother for entertainment. Nor do they need a "theme park" to make them smile. Some of us actually like hunting, fishing, you know, the out of doors.

I know plenty of city dwellers that sit at home and drink their life away.