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Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg

Located in Mendocino County

$627,944 Average Value
$441 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale

Fort Bragg blends natural beauty with small-town energy

In Fort Bragg, locals gather to watch migrating whales, tourists stop by Glass Beach and independently owned businesses fill the lively downtown district. Since its founding in 1857, the Northern California coastal community has transitioned from a prominent timber and logging town into a laid-back locale along the cliffsides of the Pacific. “It’s a welcoming place, and there’s so much stuff to do for such a small town,” says A.B. Priceman, a local Realtor with Garden Ranch Real Estate, who moved to the area in 2005. “It’s very beautiful here, and I get to see the ocean every day.”

Once a major commercial fishing port, Fort Bragg was well known for producing quality fish products that were distributed to major metropolitan markets.
Once a major commercial fishing port, Fort Bragg was well known for producing quality fish products that were distributed to major metropolitan markets.
Fort Bragg Dog Park offers a great outdoor dog play area connected to the town's community center.
Fort Bragg Dog Park offers a great outdoor dog play area connected to the town's community center.
Bike trails throughout Fort Bragg make commuting by bicycle easy and enjoyable.
Bike trails throughout Fort Bragg make commuting by bicycle easy and enjoyable.
Fort Bragg is a very bicycle friendly city.
Fort Bragg is a very bicycle friendly city.
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Whale watching, hiking and history are all within reach

Hunting for sea glass and spotting seals at Glass Beach is a highlight for many passing through the community. The Coastal Trail provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and its rocky shoreline, but Priceman says there’s much more to the area’s recreation than the water. “We have hiking, local theaters and the botanical gardens, which is a great hangout spot,” she says. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is known for its rhododendrons, which bloom throughout March and April. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park has trails lined with redwoods, and the Skunk Train at Glen Blair Junction provides another way to explore local wildlife with rides through the forest. Several museums are also located downtown, with exhibits highlighting local history, marine science and more.

Fort Bragg's famous glass beach is a popular spot to find ocean glass washed up on shore.
Fort Bragg's famous glass beach is a popular spot to find ocean glass washed up on shore.
The Pudding Creek Trestle was made during the construction of the Ten Mile Railroad in 1915, which brought wood from a logging area 10 miles north down into Fort Bragg.
The Pudding Creek Trestle was made during the construction of the Ten Mile Railroad in 1915, which brought wood from a logging area 10 miles north down into Fort Bragg.
Fort Bragg's Coastline Trail is a great easy beautiful walk on a sunny day.
Fort Bragg's Coastline Trail is a great easy beautiful walk on a sunny day.
Otis R Johnson Park in Fort Bragg is a beautiful redwood grove park with hiking trails.
Otis R Johnson Park in Fort Bragg is a beautiful redwood grove park with hiking trails.
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Sidewalks and bike lanes connect a diverse housing market

Single-family homes dominate the market, but the architecture varies across the community. “We don’t have tract homes," Priceman says. "Everything is very unique.” Build dates range from the early 1900s to the 21st century. Wood siding and blue and neutral exteriors underscore the area’s coastal aesthetic. Many homes feature flowering bushes like azaleas, flannel bushes and other evergreen shrubs that cascade over front yard fencing. Sidewalks span the entire community, and bike lanes stretch across main roads. “There’s quite a bit of variety, from a million-dollar home with ocean views to simple two-bedroom cottages,” Priceman says about the housing market. The median price for single-family homes is $635,000

Many of the streets in central Fort Bragg are typical suburban streets with sidewalks and two lane roads.
Many of the streets in central Fort Bragg are typical suburban streets with sidewalks and two lane roads.
Fort Bragg has many different types and sizes of ranch style homes.
Fort Bragg has many different types and sizes of ranch style homes.
New Traditional type architecture is popular in Fort Bragg.
New Traditional type architecture is popular in Fort Bragg.
Some of the more interesting homes in Fort Bragg feature wood paneling and siding.
Some of the more interesting homes in Fort Bragg feature wood paneling and siding.
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Craft beer, local eats and shops fill downtown Fort Bragg

The community is home to an established craft beer scene, pioneered by The Pub at North Coast Brewing, which has served house-made brews since 1988. “We have three breweries in our small town,” Priceman says. “Tall Guy Brewing is a newer one. It's in a beautiful space with live music where you can bring the kids or your dog.” Several other locally owned restaurants fill downtown Fort Bragg. Egghead’s Restaurant is a popular spot for American-style breakfasts, and Mayan Fusion serves authentic Mexican dishes inspired by the Yucatan region. The walkable district has various boutiques like Sherwood Company, consignment stores, and specialty shops. Safeway and a selection of international markets cover grocery trips in town. Residents must travel about 60 miles to Ukiah for big-box retail stores like Walmart and Kohl’s.

A leader in the Craft Beer movement, North Coast Brewing Company opened in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg, located on California’s Mendocino Coast.
A leader in the Craft Beer movement, North Coast Brewing Company opened in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg, located on California’s Mendocino Coast.
Fort Bragg's Mayan Fusion restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes inspired by the Yucatan region.
Fort Bragg's Mayan Fusion restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes inspired by the Yucatan region.
Fort Bragg's historic downtown is known for its art galleries, specialty shops, and breweries.
Fort Bragg's historic downtown is known for its art galleries, specialty shops, and breweries.
Egghead’s Restaurant in Fort Bragg serves one of the best Eggs Benedicts in California in a fun Wizard of Oz inspired atmosphere.
Egghead’s Restaurant in Fort Bragg serves one of the best Eggs Benedicts in California in a fun Wizard of Oz inspired atmosphere.
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Whale Fest and other annual events

Fort Bragg Whale Fest takes place over a weekend in mid-March when gray whales breach the coastline during their northern migration. In addition to whale watching, the annual event features a Chowder Tasting Competition, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival and food vendors. Other staple events include the World’s Largest Salmon BBQ in July and Paul Bunyon Days over Labor Day weekend.

Many murals of whales can be found throughout Fort Bragg, celebrating its whale watching history.
Many murals of whales can be found throughout Fort Bragg, celebrating its whale watching history.
Locals can spot gray whales breach the coastline during their northern migration past Fort Bragg's coastline.
Locals can spot gray whales breach the coastline during their northern migration past Fort Bragg's coastline.
Fishing has always been an important part of life in Fort Bragg, given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and all the waters that surround it.
Fishing has always been an important part of life in Fort Bragg, given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and all the waters that surround it.
In the heart of Fort Bragg is a section of the largest Redwood Tree known to have grown in Mendocino County.
In the heart of Fort Bragg is a section of the largest Redwood Tree known to have grown in Mendocino County.
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Getting around on Shoreline Highway and state Route 20

Shoreline Highway passes through the community, and state Route 20 is accessible just south. Also known as Bragg Road, the winding route connects residents to Willits, 35 miles east and Ukiah, some 60 miles southeast. “That’s what’s nice about the area is how remote it is,” Priceman says. “Bragg Road is not friendly to those with motion sickness.” Mendocino Transit Authority services buses operate throughout Fort Bragg, with routes stretching through Gualala and Ukiah and down to Santa Rosa, home to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.

Mendocino Transit Authority services multiple regular bus routes throughout Fort Bragg.
Mendocino Transit Authority services multiple regular bus routes throughout Fort Bragg.
The Shoreline Highway runs straight through the town of Fort Bragg, bringing most of its visitors.
The Shoreline Highway runs straight through the town of Fort Bragg, bringing most of its visitors.
The Noyo Bridge features an entirely new
The Noyo Bridge features an entirely new "scenic bridge" railing design termed ST-10 which was approved for use state-wide after being installed on the new Noyo Bridge in Fort Bragg.
Noyo Headlands Park features a beautiful section of Fort Bragg's California Coastline Trail.
Noyo Headlands Park features a beautiful section of Fort Bragg's California Coastline Trail.
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Fort Bragg High School grows produce for the entire district

Redwood Elementary School teaches kindergarten through third grade and gets an A-minus on Niche. Dana Gray Elementary School teaches third through fifth grade and earns a B-minus. Fort Bragg Middle School also has a B-minus rating, and Fort Bragg High School has a B-plus. The high school is home to The Learning Garden, which students and volunteers cultivate. Harvested fruits and vegetables are then sold to the school district and redistributed into cafeterias across the community.

Fort Bragg High School is the comprehensive public high school in Fort Bragg.
Fort Bragg High School is the comprehensive public high school in Fort Bragg.
Redwood Elementary is a Preschool through 2nd grade school on the beautiful Mendocino Coast of Fort Bragg.
Redwood Elementary is a Preschool through 2nd grade school on the beautiful Mendocino Coast of Fort Bragg.
Dana Gray Elementary School serves as the main elementary school for the Fort Bragg Unified School District.
Dana Gray Elementary School serves as the main elementary school for the Fort Bragg Unified School District.
Fort Bragg Middle School is a public school in Fort Bragg, CA and home of the Timbercubs.
Fort Bragg Middle School is a public school in Fort Bragg, CA and home of the Timbercubs.
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Fort Bragg's environmental concerns

According to First Street data, Fort Bragg faces a severe risk of poor air quality, with primary sources including roadway traffic and wood burning. Mitigation efforts include alternatives to woodstoves and fireplaces, and the promotion of public transportation. The area is less susceptible to wildfires than other parts of the state. “Because we are along the coast, many people move here to get out of fire zones,” Priceman says.

Fort Bragg's proximity to the beach makes it less susceptible to fires, but sometimes the smoke can drift through from other state wildfires.
Fort Bragg's proximity to the beach makes it less susceptible to fires, but sometimes the smoke can drift through from other state wildfires.
Fort Bragg's famous skunk train does late night bar train rides through the city.
Fort Bragg's famous skunk train does late night bar train rides through the city.
Some of the homes in the outskirts of Fort Bragg have larger farm lots with animals.
Some of the homes in the outskirts of Fort Bragg have larger farm lots with animals.
Pomo Bluffs Pafk is a great place to birdwatch in Fort Bragg.
Pomo Bluffs Pafk is a great place to birdwatch in Fort Bragg.
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Matthew Simmons
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Sheldon Steere
Photography Contributed By
Sheldon Steere

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Fort Bragg Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$607,500
Median Sale Price
$575,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$592,200
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$441

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,432
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1978
Months of Supply
6.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,488
Significantly below the national average
1,926
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,300
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
954
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,424

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Fort Bragg Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
7,423
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$47,522
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,895

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.2%
College Graduates
21.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.3%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
65°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

64 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®®

88 / 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.
Fort Bragg