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Calipatria

Calipatria

Located in Imperial County

$277,358 Average Value
$197 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Calipatria is a small farming town shaped by the nearby state prison

The small town of Calipatria sits amidst the farmland of California’s Imperial Valley, a small community that has grown thanks to the influence of the nearby state prison. “The prison building is 3 miles north, so the state employees who work there move into town,” says Realtor Adrienne Estrada with Tier 1 Realty, who grew up in Calipatria. “And it’s all generations – people who move out tend to move back after they get their degrees. That has led to it being a very tight-knit community where everybody knows each other.” While residents may frequently leave town for shopping and recreation, the quiet streets of Calipatria continue to inspire community loyalty.

Calipatria sticks out among the golden farmlands of the Imperial Valley.
Calipatria sticks out among the golden farmlands of the Imperial Valley.
Farming supports Calipatria’s economy and shapes daily life in the Imperial Valley.
Farming supports Calipatria’s economy and shapes daily life in the Imperial Valley.
Calipatria's population remains small, but it's sense of community is larger than life.
Calipatria's population remains small, but it's sense of community is larger than life.
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Classic styles and custom homes reflect Calipatria's roots

Home styles in Calipatria vary widely. The lots in town are populated with Craftsman bungalows, midcentury cottages and even traditional southwestern homes with Pueblo-inspired features. “Some of the ranch-style homes on the outskirts of town were custom-built by the farmers who live there,” Estrada says. “There has not been much, if any, new development in town, although there’s a lithium plant planned 10 to 15 miles outside of town, which is expected to generate new jobs, so I would expect that to change as plans move forward.” Prices range from around $170,000 to $370,000, depending on the number of bedrooms, square footage, build year and status of any renovations.

Even amidst the desert, Calipatria still offers tree-lined streets filled with suburban homes.
Even amidst the desert, Calipatria still offers tree-lined streets filled with suburban homes.
Calipatria’s residential streets showcase ranch homes with tidy yards and desert-friendly plants.
Calipatria’s residential streets showcase ranch homes with tidy yards and desert-friendly plants.
Some Calipatria residents take advantage of the desert sun and install solar panels on roofs for more fuel efficiency.
Some Calipatria residents take advantage of the desert sun and install solar panels on roofs for more fuel efficiency.
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Calipatria High has served the community for over a century

Area children are zoned to attend Fremont Primary School, which receives a C-plus from Niche, for kindergarten through grade 4. They then proceed to Bill E. Young Jr. Middle, which earns a C. Calipatria High School, founded in 1919, scores a B and has been serving the community for over 100 years.

Calipatria High School earns a niche score of B for academics and student experience.
Calipatria High School earns a niche score of B for academics and student experience.
Bill E. Young Jr. Middle School has amazing afterschool programs for Calipatria students.
Bill E. Young Jr. Middle School has amazing afterschool programs for Calipatria students.
Fremont Primary School holds a niche score of C+, reflecting its current academic standing.
Fremont Primary School holds a niche score of C+, reflecting its current academic standing.
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Residents rely on state Route 111 and Interstate 8

California state Route 111 is the main commuter lane of Calipatria, connecting it north to the prison and south to larger towns like Brawley and El Centro. This road is also the quickest way to access Interstate 8, the region’s major east-west connector. Colloquially referred to as “the 8”, this freeway heads west to San Diego and east to Phoenix.

Basics are available in town, with more extensive options nearby

Calipatria’s State Foods Supermarket and Dollar General are located within a half-mile of each other along Sorenson Road. Restaurants within this corridor include Birria La Patria, a locally owned Mexican spot, and Donut Avenue. “They have a Main Street area with a grocery store and a couple of restaurants and donut shops,” Estrada says. “There are shopping centers, but the more extensive ones are going to be down in Brawley, Imperial and El Centro.” Brawley is home to the nearest Walmart Supercenter, and Imperial hosts the Imperial Valley Mall, which offers over 100 eateries and retail stores.

Locals often rely on State Foods Supermarket in Calipatria for convenient grocery shopping.
Locals often rely on State Foods Supermarket in Calipatria for convenient grocery shopping.
Tortas and burritos are also popular menu items at Donut Avenue in Calipatria.
Tortas and burritos are also popular menu items at Donut Avenue in Calipatria.
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Parks near the schools provide recreational opportunities

Most of Calipatria’s recreation facilities are on the west side of town near the schools. There are six basketball courts, several baseball diamonds and a community pool in the area, although these are mostly used during the school year. “Some kids will participate in the swim team, but during the summer it gets up to 115 degrees pretty regularly - too hot to do much of anything outdoors,” Estrada says. “People who like to hike or bike usually go out to San Diego for it.” Calipatria Park is home to a skateboarding area, as well as a playground and gazebo.

The popular Sweetwater River Trail, in the San Diego Wildlife Refuge, is a 2-hour drive west.

Summer fun unfolds at the Calipatria community pool, a favorite for local families.
Summer fun unfolds at the Calipatria community pool, a favorite for local families.
A modern play area was added to Calipatria Park, a favorite spot for local children.
A modern play area was added to Calipatria Park, a favorite spot for local children.
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Hugh Taylor
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Jacob McAllister
Photography Contributed By
Jacob McAllister
Maurice Boone
Video By
Maurice Boone

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joseph McCormack, an experienced agent in this area.

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Calipatria Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$299,700
Median Sale Price
$290,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$299,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$340,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
21%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$197

Area Facts

Number of Homes
252
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
3.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,374
Significantly below the national average
1,926
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,832
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Calipatria Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,191
Median Age
30
Population under 18
34.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,146
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,309

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
62.5%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
1.2%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.1%
% Population in Labor Force
52.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
1''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
105°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Calipatria