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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Diane Schall,
an experienced agent in this area.
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