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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
Robin Silberman
