A Postcard from Clear Lake, California
Clear Lake is our summer getaway from San Francisco.  Since buying our second home here, we have been able to enjoy weekends out of the city.  The area is beautiful year round and we never run out of new things to do.

  

About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is the largest natural lake in the state of California and second oldest lake in the world.  This lake is located in beautiful Lake County, approximately 90 minutes northwest of Sacramento and 90 minutes northeast of San Francisco.   Clear Lake is also very near the town of Lakeport, another great area for second homes. The lake itself is truly magnificent. It stretches nearly twenty miles in length and includes over 100 miles of shoreline. Considered a "warm water" lake, the bass fishing is unrivaled as witnessed by the 40+ fishing tournaments held here annually out of  Thompson Harbor. Professional fishing organizations such as BassMasters, W.O.N. Bass, Angler's Choice, American Bass, West Coast Bass, and FLW, to name just a few, are regular participants. For thirteen successive years Lake County has had the cleanest air in all of California.

Clear Lake is the largest natural body of fresh water in California. There is a dam that raises the water a little above the natural bed. Geologically speaking Clear Lake is ancient and may be one of the oldest bodies of water on the North American Continent. But needless to say the original residents of the Clear Lake area, the current residents and the visitors all enjoy the many pleasures that the lake offers.  Fishing has always been the one of the most popular activities around the shoreline or out in a boat. Black bass inhabit the waters and makes a tasty treat when cooked at your cabin over an open flame or pan-fried.  Swimming, boating, and other water sports are extremely popular all around the lake. You can rent boats for skiing, fishing, sailing, peddling, and jet skis for racing around on, also patio and houseboats. There are beaches and access to the water all around the lake. Most of the resorts have a dock and/or a swimming area most times with a beach. The water temperature in the shallow swimming areas can reach close to 80 degrees, fabulous for taking a dip or cooling off.

The Clear Lake area enjoys pleasantly warm weather year round. Summers are not too hot due to the latitude of the region located within the Pacific Coast Mountain Range. A semi-permanent high-pressure system in the North Pacific Ocean in summertime holds back storms, which means virtually no rain in summer to spoil outdoor plans. As the system moves southward in winter, storms move into the area. The rainy season generally begins late October/early November and lasts through March. Mild days with cool nights and an occasional light frost are typical of winter in the Clear Lake region. Warm, sunny, dry summers with mild evenings are what you can expect June through September.

An Average Lifestyle in Clear Lake
Clear Lake attracts a significant number of resettled city commuters, especially families, looking for reasonably priced housing and a country lifestyle.  Due to its lakeside leisure activities, Lake County California also draws a considerable vacation and weekend population, many of whom ultimately pull up stakes to make Clear Lake their full-time home.   Lifestyles in Clear Like are very similar to those in Lakeport, both water related destinations.  This is particularly true for seniors, who find the low cost of living, reasonable climate, and relaxed atmosphere perfect for retirement.

Housing
Median house value: $161,000

The cities of Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Clear Lake Riviera, Lakeport, Lucerne, Nice and Upper Lake offer some of the best affordable housing within a comfortable commute time of the San Francisco Bay area.  

Things To Do
The area surrounding Clear Lake has lots to do such as horseback riding, bird watching, hang gliding and gaming at nearby Indian casinos. There are five golf courses in the Clear Lake area that are open year round, weather permitting. A waterslide park and family fun center is also open year round with a video arcade, racecars, batting cage, restaurants and gift shops.

Near-By Excursions
Clear Lake Oaks, Middletown, Lakeport,

Closest Cities
Santa Rosa, CA (35.2 miles)
San Francisco, CA (83.6 miles)

Cultural Activities
In the fall, the Seabrook Music Festival in the first weekend of October features crafts, food booths, and amusements for all ages and a yearly theme.

Getting to Clear Lake
The closest airport is the Yolo County Davis Woodland Winters airport located about 49 miles southeast of Clear Lake in Davis.

Weather
Temperate weather year round

Population
Population: 70,000
Median resident age: 41.1 years

Economics
Median household income: $29,523

Higher Education
Santa Rosa Junior College (37 miles)
Mendocino College (42 miles)