Susanville is a small, close-knit community in the upper reaches of northern California. The city of 12,000 people was originally a logging and mining settlement, but now is home to a state prison, with a federal one close by. The prisons are by far the economic drivers of both Susanville and Lassen County and are the top employers. Not to be completely defined by those facilities, the city retains a sense of its pioneering past and its location near forests and open spaces is an invitation to enjoy outdoor activities in a quieter, rural setting. “It’s an old-school kind of place, with a real small-town feel to it,” says Daytona Lindstrom, Realtor with Susanville Real Estate and longtime resident of the area. “People come out here for that quieter, more rural slice of California – it’s great for people who want to be surrounded by the outdoors.”
Susanville is a small town with Main Street at its core.
The High Desert State Prison is a major economic driver for Susanville and brings many fresh cadets to the city.
Residents can hike the trails through Susanville Ranch Park.
A ranch-style home is comfortably nestled atop a hill with beautiful views of the surrounding outdoors.
1/4
Old-school charm at reasonable prices
Housing in Susanville ranges from older, wood-frame homes reflecting frontier-era influences to more modern ranch-style and craftsman-inspired designs. Many properties include yards sized for gardening or small-scale agriculture, and others feature solar panels atop the roof. The median home price is about $235,000, which is well below state and national averages. “People are often surprised at how affordable living here can be,” says Lindstrom. “And we’re always getting a healthy influx of new cadets for the local correctional facilities, so it’s a great place to invest and rent out as well.”
A split level Contemporary home sits on peaceful street in Susanville.
Some homes in Susanville have plenty of acreage for small scale farming and gardening.
A few homes in Susanville have solar power.
Mixed rows of Contemporary and Ranch-style homes sit afoot the surrounding mountains in Susanville.
1/4
The Susanville and Lassen Union High School Districts serve local families
Kindergarten through eighth grade in Susanville falls under the Susanville School District, while the Lassen Union High School District serves students at the secondary level. Both districts have earned a B rating from Niche. Lassen Community College offers two-year degree programs, along with trade and certification programs.
Young students in Susanville attend McKinley Elementary School.
A sign welcomes students to Lassen High School.
Susanville locals attend Lassen College for continued education.
Lassen College in Susanville has a large campus with ball fields and a track.
1/4
Hike, bike or ride along the Bizz Johnson Trail
The city’s varied terrain—spanning forests, mountains, and high desert—allows for a wide range of outdoor recreation. The Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail, repurposed from a former rail line, brings hikers, bikers, and horseback riders along the Susan River. Lassen National Forest, just outside the city, is a popular destination for camping, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding. Susanville Ranch Park offers further trails over its 1,100 acres, while Memorial Park and Riverside Park have playgrounds and picnic spots. Inspiration Point is the spot to get a picturesque view of city and surrounding area. The Lassen Historical Museum and adjacent Roop’s Fort offer glimpses of life from the 1850s.
Common activities found along the Bizz Johnson Trail in Susanville include horseback riding, hiking and biking.
Lassen National Forrest near Susanville provides plenty of recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
A man fishes as sun begins to set at Eagle Lake near Susanville.
Susanville Ranch Park is a great place for photography.
1/4
From Rails to Trails, celebrate the history of the area
The Lassen County Fail features carnival rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment during the summer. Every October, the Rails to Trails festival celebrates the Bizz Johnson Trail and its history as a railway. The Susanville Best of Broadway series is held each spring, with a number of performances held around town.
Lassen County Fair is home to plenty of entertainment in Susanville.
Markers along Bizz Johnson Trail help outdoor adventurers stay the course.
The Bizz Johnson Trail ends at the old train station in Susanville, where an October festival celebrates the railway history.
Downtown hosts Susanville's Best of Broadway series each spring.
1/4
Local flavor in town, while retail options are found nearby
Susanville’s uptown district retains historic architecture along Main Street, where locally owned shops, cafés, and restaurants are located. Though retail options are relatively sparse in the immediate surrounding area, many residents visit Reno, Nevada, to go shopping. “It sounds like a lot more of a hassle than it is,” says Lindstrom. “But the drive to Reno is really straightforward and scenic.”
Historic architecture along Main Street can be seen from Inspiration Point hiking trail in Susanville.
The food at Side Iron BBQ in downtown Susanville is absolutely delicious.
Locals love to pick up their next read at Margie's Book Nook in Susanville.
Safeway, Marshals, Ace Hardware and Walmart are the few major box stores available in Susanville.
1/4
Easy access to Nevada and Oregon
Highways 36 and 139 converge in Susanville, connecting to U.S. 395, a route leading south to Reno, Nevada, or north toward Lakeview, Oregon. Limited public transit is available through the Lassen Rural Bus, but most residents rely on personal vehicles for travel. The Banner Lassen Medical Center sits just two miles outside the city, while the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is 86 miles south.
Economic shifts following a prison closure
The city has seen a nearly 25% drop in its population following the closure of a state correctional center in 2022. Since then, local leaders have introduced programs and initiatives aimed at expanding small businesses and retraining employees for other government positions. “Honestly, the closure did lead to some people moving away in the immediate aftermath,” says Lindstrom. “But that’s pretty much petered out at this point, and there are still plenty of people employed in the other correctional facilities nearby – we’re always seeing new cadet classes come to the area.”
Property crime rates spiked in 2022 but have fallen since then and remain below state and national averages, according to FBI data. Violent crime has fluctuated over the past few years and hovers above state and national averages.
Written By
Gerald Withers
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Watson
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff DeGray,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Updated and well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom double wide home in Susanville offers comfort, functionality, and a convenient location in Pineview Mobile Home Park near Susanville Ranch Park. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan designed for easy living and entertaining. The home features updated dual-pane windows, helping with energy efficiency and year-round comfort. The spacious primary
Make your dream home a reality! A rare opportunity nestled above Ranch Park. This secluded custom home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. It is at the end of a cul-de-sac, on top of a hill, on nearly half an acre. This beautiful home has a stunning view facing southwest where you can see the Diamond Mountain Range including Thompson Peak. Many upgrades have been made including; a brand new roof,
Welcome to your opportunity to own a classic log cabin-style home in Susanville, CA, where years of memories were made and space to grow is built right in. Set on usable land with pasture and irrigation ditch access, this property offers the kind of rural lifestyle many are searching for room for animals, outdoor living, and a slower pace. Inside, the home features a warm and inviting layout with
This approximately 0.23-acre city parcel offers valuable R-3 zoning, providing potential for duplex or triplex residential development (buyer to verify with City of Susanville). Utilities are nearby, and the property is conveniently located within city limits near schools, shopping, and local services. Whether you're an investor looking to add rental units, a builder seeking your next project, or
Hilltop Views, Space to Breathe & Pride of Ownership — Susanville Living at Its Best! Perched on 7.85 acres just above the Susanville city limits, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and breathtaking views — all while staying conveniently close to town. Built in 2004 and lovingly cared for by the current owners since 2008, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home
Looking for the ultimate off-grid escape? This 48.1-acre property on Gold Run Rd is your basecamp for adventure. Featuring seasonal tributaries, abundant wildlife, and direct border with Bureau of Land Management land, this is a dream setup for outdoor enthusiasts. Camp, explore, hunt, or build your private retreat surrounded by timber and wide-open skies. The varied terrain, shaped in part by
Enjoy fishing? Enjoy the outdoors? Well this might be the spot for you. Come take a look at this beautiful property. Located in Eagle Lake. This property is ready for your dreams, with a well and well pump already installed, septic ready for use, all you have to do is turn on the power! Come take a look and own your own piece of paradise today!
Step into this updated 3 bedroom, 1 bath home located in the heart of uptown Susanville where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Originally built in 1930, this home has been thoughtfully refreshed with updated flooring and interior improvements, while holding on to its timeless character. Inside you will find a cozy living room that leads into the dining area and kitchen. Outside, enjoy a large
Live in One, Let the Other Help Pay the Mortgage — Susanville Duplex Opportunity! Located on a corner lot in Susanville, this duplex offers a practical and appealing setup for both investors and owner-occupants looking to offset their housing costs with rental income. One unit is currently owner-occupied, while the second unit generates $1,325 per month in rental income — creating immediate cash
Great location, if you are looking for land with a view, this 58 acres is the place! Located off of Ward Lake Rd., this is an opportunity you don't want to miss out on. The possibilities are endless.
Stunning Lakefront Retreat on Historic Eagle Lake! Enjoy breathtaking views and direct lake access from this beautiful home nestled near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, offering privacy and tranquility. Located on historic Eagle Lake, known for its world-class fishing and the famous Eagle Lake Rainbow trout, this property is a true outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Inside, you’ll find soaring vaulted
What a great property. A little stay away from home, some time to relax? This property is what you have been looking for. This property is located in Eagle Lake, minutes from the lake itself, and a short distance to many additional outdoor activities. Come take a look!
If you are looking for your own private space in the trees and close to the lake well this is the property for you. This .41 acre lot has been improved with a well, it just needs a septic and power and you too could have your very own private oasis. Come out and see this property today!!!
Looking for a quiet, low-maintenance place to call home? This fully furnished cabin in the Spalding Tract near Eagle Lake offers simple, comfortable mountain living without the fuss.Inside, the home features a clean, functional layout with updated wood walls, comfortable living space, a practical kitchen, and a classic wood stove to keep things cozy. It comes completely turnkey with all essential
Two-bedroom, one bathroom home. Beautiful views of Janesville/Standish! 5,000 square footages of commercial space. Updated appliances, tall ceilings, massive garage, and 25 acres of land. Pets allowed upon approval; applications must be submitted for pre-screening. Contact us with any questions. DRE 01197438
3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM APPROX 1208 SQ FT HOUSE W/ ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE, FORCED AIR NATURAL GAS HEAT, ELECTRIC RANGE, REFRIGERATOR, DISHWASHER. NO PETS. AVAILABLE NOW. $1875 PER MONTH.
THREE BEDROOM TWO BATH, APPROX 957 SQ FT, FORCED AIR NATURAL GAS HEATING & AC, GAS RANGE/OVEN WITH MICROHOOD, REFRIGERATOR, WASHER & DRYER HOOK-UPS, PANTRY CABINET, NEWER INTERIOR PAINT, NEWER CARPET & VINYL, TWO CAR GARAGE W/REMOTE, MASTER BEDROOM HAS SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO BIG BACK YARD! NO PETS ALLOWED! ONE YEAR LEASE PREFERRED! AVAILABLE APPROXIMATELY JUNE 26, 2026 OR SOONER! CALL SARAH
325 Alexander Avenue Unit #7 is a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom upstairs apartment with an on-site coin operated laundry room. Water, sewer, and trash included in rent. Tenant responsible for electricity and natural gas. No pets. DRE 01197438
$1,650 per month
$1650 A MONTH - 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOME IN LEAVITT LAKE
709-895 ALDER STREET - SUSANVILLE CA 96130HOME LEAVIT LAKE - 1152 SQ FT WITH 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS, MONITOR OIL HEATER, ALL NEW KITHEN CABINETS, COUNTER TOPS & APPLIANCES INCLUDING AN ELECRIC GLASS TOP RANGE/OVEN, A DISHWASHER & REFRIGERATOR; ALL NEW FLOORING AND INTERIOR PAINT. WASHER & DRYER CLOSET DOUBLE CAR GARAGE W/REMOTE; LARGE YARD WITH SPRINKLERS! AVAILABLE NOW! NO PETS $1700 A
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
