A Postcard From Mendocino, California
The sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks can be heard, at least softly, throughout the whole town. This beautiful sound sheds a serene calm over our second home here.
About Mendocino
Mendocino, less than half a day's drive from most San Francisco Bay Area locations, is reminiscent of Maine or Massachusetts, but with some special differences that make this north coast village uniquely Californian. Mendocino is often overcast and shrouded in fog or at least marine haze. This casts an interesting glow over the town. When the skies are dark during the day, everything looks slightly washed out and even a little blurry. When it is bright, everything shines in a muted way. The effect is a little disorienting at first, but it becomes addictive!
Owning a second home in Mendocino places you near the wine and apple region of the Anderson Valley, including the town of Boonville and its famous hotel. Hopland, just north of the Junction of Highways 128 and 101, offers wine-tasting as well as dining, shopping, and a sense of the old West. Fort Bragg and the Skunk Train are just a few miles up the road. Further north, almost to Eureka, is the quaint Victorian village of Ferndale. The buildings in Mendocino are especially interesting to look at. The predominant theme is New England with some Victorian style homes as well. Mendocino served as the New England substitute for the opening montage of the TV show Murder She Wrote. Many of them have a weathered look that reflects the rugged weather conditions.
In summer, come prepared for the typical California coastal fog: it may be warm and sunny thirty miles to the east in the Anderson Valley, but chances are it will be cool and fogged-in. There is a good chance that fine day weather will be punctuated by some period of rain. In winter, there is a good chance that it will rain during your stay.
An Average Lifestyle in Mendocino
In the 70's dozens of artists flocked to Mendocino and called this area home. As the desire is still the same, there are many beautiful vacation homes and vacation rentals available in this beach resort. Visit the Mendocino Art Center and observe the local artists as they work. Don't forget to leave plenty of time to go bicycling, boating, horseback riding, or to take a carriage ride through town. It is one of the locals' favorite pastimes.
Housing
Median house value: $316,200 (year 2000)
With most of Mendocino County situated within a two to three hour drive of San Francisco, it is within easy reach of the metropolitan Bay Area. Yet Mendocino is far enough removed that it offers properties in beautiful locations at still affordable prices. This picturesque County offers settings that range from pastoral inland areas, to wine growing regions, to spectacular coastal communities. Whether you seek a perfect vacation or retirement home, or wish to settle your family in a hospitable location, Mendocino is just the place you desire.
Things to Do in Mendocino
Whale watching from the headlands
Rent a kayak at the Van Damme park
Ride the Skunk train from Fort Bragg to Willits
Bike riding
Hiking on Mendo trails
Golf on one of many courses
Visit the Richochet Ridge Ranch
Take a tour of the Anderson Valley Winery
Explore Husch Vineyards
Visit The Mendocino coast botanical gardens
Cultural Activies
Menocino Music Festival
Near-By Excursions
Santa Rosa, CA (95.7 miles)
San Francisco, CA (142.1 miles)
Location
4 Hours North of San Francisco
Getting to Mendocino
Sonoma County Airport
Weather
Mendocino experiences a mild climate year round. There is very little variation in temperature from winter, spring, summer and fall. Summers are dry, but typically cool and foggy right along the coast.
Population
Population (year 2000): 824
Median resident age: 50.7 years
Economics
Median household income: $44,107 (year 2000)
Higher Education
Mendocino College (43 miles)
Santa Rosa Junior College (94 miles)
Sonoma State University (101 miles)