Hidden Valley Lake is a gated subdivision in the Coyote Valley
Hidden Valley Lake is a gated community and census-designated place set amid the hillsides of the Coyote Valley. The population is about 5,900, according to U.S. Census estimates. The community is about 22 miles north of Calistoga, in the southern part of Lake County, between Lower Lake and Middletown. Santa Rosa is about 40 miles south. "It's in an area that's a hub for winemaking. It's also a really nice family area. I see a lot of people are moving up from Santa Rosa and other communities," says Bridget King, a Realtor with Luxe Places International Realty.
Management by the Hidden Valley Lake Association
The Hidden Valley Lake Association (HVLA) is a robust homeowners association. It has nine committees in categories like safety and security, the lake, finances, and environmental control. Most homes have HOA fees in the $300s, which King says may be higher than in other parts of Lake County. The subdivision has five gated entry points with 24-hour secured access. Two of the gates are manned, and officers also patrol the community.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Hidden Valley Lake is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Ranch-style, contemporary and custom estate homes
Housing architecture includes ranch-style homes, contemporaries and custom estates. The oldest homes are from the 1970s, and there's been new construction in the 2020s. Square footage and home age are factors in the prices, typically $190,000 to $700,000, though there are a few exceptions over $1 million. The HVLA allows owners to rent out their homes, but short-term rentals are not allowed. In areas adjacent to the gated community, some properties have more than 5 acres.
Recreational amenities and events in Hidden Valley Lake
The community's private lake is over 100 acres and has several beaches, including one for dogs. There's a marina and an annual fishing derby. Other HVLA events include holiday celebrations, themed dinners and an annual fishing derby. A teen club and camps for swimming, volleyball, horseback riding and golf are among the activities for young people. A bridge club and a ladies' luncheon club are among the organized groups.
Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course is the county's only 18-hole course open to the public. Other recreational amenities include a pool, a ball field, horse stables and tennis and pickleball courts
There are places to eat and shop nearby
Located on the golf course grounds and also open to the public is The Greenview Bar & Grill. The Greenview hosts prix fixe dinners, theme nights, and live entertainment. Its Concerts on the Green are held monthly from May to September.
Nearby is Coyote Valley Plaza, a small shopping center with a hardware store, health food shop, and fitness services. Drip Drop Coffee Shop & Cafe offers Karaoke nights on Fridays, and Alvarez Restaurant features an extensive menu of Mexican dishes. Adventist Health's Hidden Valley Lake Multi-Specialty Clinic is also in the plaza, though the Adventist Health hospital with an emergency room is about 12 miles away in Clearlake. A Grocery Outlet is less than a mile from Coyote Valley Plaza.
About 5 miles north of the development, in the foothills of Red Mountain, Wild Diamond Vineyards has regular tastings, sunset tastings and tours by reservation.
Kids may attend schools in the Middletown Unified School District
Public schools are in the Middletown Unified School District. Coyote Valley Elementary School and Middletown Middle School each earn a B-minus grade from Niche. Middletown High School, which receives a C-plus, has athletics such as football, golf, wrestling, tennis and volleyball.
Specialty schools in the area include the public Lake County International Charter School, which is rated C-plus. The school enrolls about 75 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Walkable streets, maintained roads and close access to state Route 29
Hidden Valley Lake has walkable streets with sidewalks and tidy, manicured lawns. The HVLA maintains over 30 miles of roads within the development, some of which are hilly. The speed limit is 25 mph. Most people drive, and there's convenient access to state Route 29 from the community's west side. Lake Transit's bus from Clearlake to Deer Park travels SR-29; there's a stop at Hartmann and Hidden Valley roads.
The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa has domestic flights on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Avelo Airlines. Hidden Valley Lake is about 100 miles to both San Francisco and Sacramento.
Flooding possibilities and wildfire risk reduction
Some areas of Hidden Valley Lake, including those closest to the lake and Putah Creek, may be subject to flood risks. Hidden Valley Lake has completed Firewise USA's annual program to reduce wildfires, which continue to threaten the region.
Written By
Robin Silberman
