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Lucerne

Lucerne

Located in Lake County

$267,681 Average Value
$222 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

Lucerne is a small community on Clear Lake's north shore

Lucerne is on the north shore of Clear Lake, California's largest freshwater lake. A Lucerne welcome sign calls it the "Switzerland of America." Its namesake city in Switzerland is also on a lake. Lucerne's population is about 3,100, according to U.S. Census estimates.

State Route 20 runs close to the water, and most homes are within a mile of the shore. "They come with the most gorgeous views along the lake. Some are up in the hills, and it can get very steep," says Bridget King, a Realtor with Luxe Places International Realty.

It's about 14 miles to Lakeport and 19 miles to Clearlake, small cities on the lake's west and east sides, respectively. The region is the home of the indigenous Pomo peoples. In the early 20th century, the area became a vacation destination.

Most homeowners in Lucerne can appreciate beautiful sunsets and sunrises along the lake.
Most homeowners in Lucerne can appreciate beautiful sunsets and sunrises along the lake.
Lucerne boasts some incredible fishing opportunities around the lake.
Lucerne boasts some incredible fishing opportunities around the lake.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island has moved locations recently, but the original mural for the restaurant still features on the building.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island has moved locations recently, but the original mural for the restaurant still features on the building.
Lucerne's residential streets wind up the hills surrounding the north shore of Clear Lake.
Lucerne's residential streets wind up the hills surrounding the north shore of Clear Lake.
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Various home styles and community types are available in Lucerne

Single-family homes include cottages, ranch-style and custom-designed homes, priced from about $100,000 to $400,000. Lakefront homes, newer construction and multiacre properties may cost more, though the upper limit is about $800,000. Kono Tayee, a private subdivision, has a homeowners association.

Mobile and manufactured homes typically cost between $20,000 and $200,000 and may be found in communities such as the all-ages Lucerne on the Lake or Lorraine Village, which is for residents age 55 and older.

Some properties in Lucerne are vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, wildfires are an ongoing threat in the region and may affect the availability of traditional home insurance policies

The homes along the shores of Clear Lake are some of Lucerne's most beautiful and iconic.
The homes along the shores of Clear Lake are some of Lucerne's most beautiful and iconic.
Lucerne's most common architectural style is the California Ranch style home.
Lucerne's most common architectural style is the California Ranch style home.
Lucerne's hilltop homes feature beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Lucerne's hilltop homes feature beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Lucerne has a few small manufactured home communities along the lake shore.
Lucerne has a few small manufactured home communities along the lake shore.
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Lucerne has parks, a village of artists and a national forest close by

Recreational spaces by the lake include Lucerne Harbor Park, which has a boat launch, piers and a swimming area. Paired with the park is the Artist Village, also known as Harbor Village. It's a collection of cottage-like studios used by local artists, and hosts events like craft fairs. Alpine Park has a beach, piers, a playground and a walking track. Though Clear Lake has experienced algae overgrowth, odors and other issues, mitigation efforts continue.

To the north is Mendocino National Forest, consisting of nearly a million acres. Many people visit for hiking, hunting, fishing and camping. Wildfires have damaged some parts of the forest.

Lucerne Harbor Park features a small picnic area and boat launch.
Lucerne Harbor Park features a small picnic area and boat launch.
Lucerne's Harbor Village Artists have a small community area adjacent to the harbor.
Lucerne's Harbor Village Artists have a small community area adjacent to the harbor.
Lucerne Alpine Park has a playground structure for kids of all ages.
Lucerne Alpine Park has a playground structure for kids of all ages.
Lucerne Harbor Park's boat launch provides easy access for fishing and sport boats.
Lucerne Harbor Park's boat launch provides easy access for fishing and sport boats.
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Lucerne shopping and dining, or more in Nice and Lakeport

Lucerne has a post office, a pharmacy and some stores and restaurants, mostly along SR-20. The Lakeview Supermarket & Deli, well-known for its meats, also sells hot food items, sandwiches and desserts. Housed in an Alpine-style building, Lucerne Euro Market & Bistro specializes in pastries and European and Mediterranean cuisine. Other spots include Lalo's Mexican Food and Grillagan's Island, which is a diner with breakfast and lunch menus.

The neighboring community of Nice, named after the French city, also has some dining options. Nice is on the way to Lakeport, which has more commercial offerings as well as places to work. "Lakeport has more options, more restaurants, and more things going on," King says. The Sutter Lakeside Hospital, which is on the route to Lakeport, is about a 9-mile drive from Lucerne.

Lucerne's Post Office is reminiscent of classic small town Americana.
Lucerne's Post Office is reminiscent of classic small town Americana.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island is known for its delicious soups, which pair well with their unique grilled cheeses.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island is known for its delicious soups, which pair well with their unique grilled cheeses.
Lalo's Mexican Food is a popular lunch spot in downtown Lucerne.
Lalo's Mexican Food is a popular lunch spot in downtown Lucerne.
Lucerne's Lakeview Supermarket & Deli is the main spot for locals to buy their groceries and food.
Lucerne's Lakeview Supermarket & Deli is the main spot for locals to buy their groceries and food.
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Activities at the senior center, vendor markets in Nice and Lakeport

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center offers classes and activities, including tai chi, chair exercise, monthly crafts and a guitar and ukelele group. The center also serves lunches and has a thrift store that's open three days a week. Nice is the setting for the Northshore Community Market, held on Sundays, seasonally. Lakeport Library hosts the Tuesday Market, a certified farmers market. In August, there's the Lake County Fair.

Lucerne's Senior Center regularly hosts events and activities for the local senior community.
Lucerne's Senior Center regularly hosts events and activities for the local senior community.
Lucerne's downtown is quiet most parts of the year.
Lucerne's downtown is quiet most parts of the year.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island restaurant is a popular eatery with locals and visitors.
Lucerne's Grilligan's Island restaurant is a popular eatery with locals and visitors.
A mural depicts Lucerne Castle, the iconic historical landmark at the heart of town.
A mural depicts Lucerne Castle, the iconic historical landmark at the heart of town.
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The elementary school is in Lucerne, the high school is in Upper Lake

Students may attend public schools like Lucerne Elementary School, a kindergarten through eighth grade school which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Upper Lake High School receives a B-minus and has a dual enrollment program through Mendocino College. The high school is about 8 miles from Lucerne.

Lucerne Elementary School is the first stop for Lucerne's local students.
Lucerne Elementary School is the first stop for Lucerne's local students.
Lucerne students can continue their public school careers at nearby Upper Lake High School.
Lucerne students can continue their public school careers at nearby Upper Lake High School.
Upper Lake Middle School is the intermediate step for Lucerne students between Elementary School and High School.
Upper Lake Middle School is the intermediate step for Lucerne students between Elementary School and High School.
Lucerne Elementary School sits along the waterfront in the heart of town.
Lucerne Elementary School sits along the waterfront in the heart of town.
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Mostly car dependent, but with bus service on the North Shore route

Sidewalks aren’t standard in Lucerne, and many of the streets are hilly, or have a single lane. The Lake County Transit North Shore bus stops in Lucerne on the way from Clearlake to Lakeport. Otherwise, people are likely to drive. Santa Rosa is about 70 miles south, and it's 60 more miles from there to San Francisco. Sacramento, the state capital, is about 110 miles southeast. The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa has service through American Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Lucerne is serviced by the Lake County Transit North Shore Bus which has multiple stops through town.
Lucerne is serviced by the Lake County Transit North Shore Bus which has multiple stops through town.
Lucerne is a mostly car-dependent town, as the only public transit option is a single bus.
Lucerne is a mostly car-dependent town, as the only public transit option is a single bus.
Lucerne is very bicycle friendly, and bicyclist commuters can enjoy beautiful lake views along their commute.
Lucerne is very bicycle friendly, and bicyclist commuters can enjoy beautiful lake views along their commute.
Lucerne's flat streets make for easy walking.
Lucerne's flat streets make for easy walking.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Sheldon Steere
Photography Contributed By
Sheldon Steere

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

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Lucerne Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$294,500
Median Sale Price
$265,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$286,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$299,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
46
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$222

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,043
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
7.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,324
Significantly below the national average
1,926
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,336
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,236
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
352
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Lucerne Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,312
Median Age
48
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,728
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,055

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.6%
College Graduates
17.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
47.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

6 / 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.
Lucerne
Bridget King
Luxe Places International Realty
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