North Lakeport is on the west shore of Clear Lake
North Lakeport is a census-designated place (CDP) on the west side of Clear Lake, several miles from the city of Lakeport's downtown area. According to U.S. Census estimates, the population of North Lakeport is about 3,200, whereas the city has about 5,100 residents. North Lakeport is fairly rural, with many hilly areas and expansive lake views. "It just gets a little more spread out, and you can get more acreage," says Bridget King, a Realtor with Luxe Places International Realty.
Options include ranch-style, contemporary and manufactured homes
Ranch-style homes and contemporaries are about $150,000 to $850,000. Mobile and manufactured homes range from about $40,000 to $370,000. Options include Sterling Shore Estates, a 55-plus manufactured-home complex with a pool, clubhouse and boat launch. The community holds an annual yard sale in June.
Many properties include an acre or more of land. Wildfire risks may limit the availability of traditional home insurance policies.
A wetland area, shoreline sites, a national forest to the north
The scenery of the undeveloped shoreline is part of North Lakeport's rural charm. Rodman Slough Park is a wetland area known for an abundance of waterfowl and other wildlife. Lakeport has more recreational sites and community parks. Though the lake supplies drinking water to more than half of the county, there have been concerns about odors, pollutants and algae overgrowth. Projects are in place to clean up the lake, restore wetlands and mitigate algae problems.
To the north is Mendocino National Forest. At almost a million acres, the forest provides countless opportunities for activities like hiking, hunting and fishing. Wildfires have damaged parts of the forest and continue to threaten the region.
Most businesses are a few miles away in Lakeport proper
Besides Power Mart and a gas station on Lakeshore Boulevard, there are few businesses in North Lakeport. One of the closest restaurants is TNT on the Lake Bar & Grill, specializing in burgers and Mexican dishes. Lakeport has a walkable downtown centered along Main Street, with family owned businesses such as antique stores, boutiques and cafes. The Shoreline Coffee Shop, open for nearly 30 years, offers breakfast and lunch. The Gaslight Grill has over a dozen beers on tap. For entertainment, there's the Soper Reese Theatre, which offers musical and dramatic performances, plus movie screenings. There's also a Safeway and a Grocery Outlet in Lakeport.
Some people work around Lakeport, and others commute farther
Lakeport is the county seat of Lake County, so many people work in local government. Other employers include Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino and the Lake County Jail. "As far as lakeside jobs, there's not a lot," King says, noting that the limited job market may be part of the reason the area has lower home prices than elsewhere. Some people commute to other towns and cities, like Santa Rosa, about 70 miles away.
Public schools in the Lakeport Unified School District
Students may attend public schools in the Lakeport Unified School District. Lakeport Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche, and Terrace Middle School has a C. Clear Lake High School, rated A-minus, has career and technical courses in aviation, medical fields, building and construction and information and communication technologies. The district offers a free summer meal program for kids.
Lakeport has many events, such as the Dickens Festival
In addition to various customary holiday celebrations, Lakeport puts on the annual Dickens Festival. Inspired by the 19th-century British author Charles Dickens, who wrote "A Christmas Carol," the event includes Victorian-style costumes, holiday shopping, a boat parade and tree lighting. The Tuesday Market, a certified farmers market, is held at the Lakeport Library in May through September. In August, it's time for the Lake County Fair at the Lake County Fairgrounds, which also has a speedway.
A mostly car-dependent area with some bus service
North Lakeport has bus service on the North Shore route from Clearlake to Lakeport, but otherwise, it's car-dependent. Some roads have a single lane, and they typically lack sidewalks. Lakeshore Boulevard runs along the water, and state Route 29 is to the west. The drive to either Sacramento or San Francisco is about 120 miles. To catch a flight, people might go to the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, which offers domestic service on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Avelo Airlines.
Written By
Robin Silberman
