Mendocino County Area

Mendocino County is a frontier county. Less than 5 per cent of its two and a quarter million acres is cultivated or in town sites. Half the county is timber growing land, and the great conifer forests are most abundant in the northern and coastal areas. The southern and inland areas are more rolling grassy hills with scattered oaks and other broad leaf trees. The county is traversed north and south with the coast range which creates several climates and major rivers. The coastal areas are temperate with modest temperature changes, some fog and regular winds. Wind power has a long tradition on the coast. Rainfall ranges from 60 to 90 inches per year (35 to 40 inches in draught years), more rain falling in the northern reaches. Inland along highway 101 the valleys and towns are sheltered from the Pacific influence-the summers are warmer, sometimes hot, and the winters usually bring snow to elevations over 1,000 feet.

There are four distinct seasons, but each is relatively mild. Growing seasons vary, but gardening and agriculture are popular everywhere. Nearly all garden vegetables are grown in the area and most fruits and berries. Almost everyone gardens here. Grapes, fruit and nut orchards and hay crops are major industries in the hands of countless small farmers and ranchers.

Mendocino County has always been relatively unpopulated. In the 1850's the affairs of the county were administered from Sonoma County to the south because there wasn't enough people to support a local government. This union lasted about 8 years. Today the population is about 83,000 spread over 3,510 square miles. Only 35% live in the towns, 65% are nestled in the outlying areas. The last two decades have seen a 25% growth rate. Evidence of this growth is not readily apparent because many new residents build their homes on parcels of 10 to 40 acres or even more. The major population centers are Ukiah, 12,000, Fort Bragg, 5,000, Willits, 5000, Laytonville, 2,500. Laytonville is a picturesque little town, gateway to the redwoods, situated in the northern portion of the county on Highway 101. Established originally as a lumber center from which nearby forests were logged, it has had an interesting history. It's size and importance have varied with the fortunes of the lumber and ranching industries. Lumbering still plays an important role in the local economy. Land prices have always been relatively low - I've spoken with old timers who reminisce about $8 per acre land! Today land prices are still a bargain if you are willing to put up with a lack of amenities, unpaved roads, mud in the winter, dust in the summer, rain and some snow.
 
A wonderful variety of housing styles can be found in Mendocino County. Modern and rustic mansions of wood shingles and stained glass, geodesic domes, log cabins, barn conversions, old ranch houses and hobbit-like dwellings crafted with loving care by their owners. Redwood water tanks have had doors and windows carved out with a chain saw, and hinged with wrought iron. Most are owner built, and many have alternative energy systems; wind, hydro-electric, and solar. Compared to other, more urban counties, Mendocino land prices seem quite reasonable, especially in light of her 100 miles of coastline, redwood forests, many large rivers and, above all, open space. The people-to-square mile ratio here can calm the worst case of urban jitters.

One of the best and least known things about buying country property is that the owners will finance the purchase. With a cash down payment of 20% to 30% most sellers will carry the balance for 10 years, sometimes even 15 years. Land buyers who have purchased homes with bank loans are usually surprised to find that they don't have to “qualify” for financing, nor are there background and credit checks. You simply put up the down payment and close escrow. The land is yours! So if you want to own a large part of California, check out parcels of land. With a modest cash outlay you can own 10 acres, 40 acres, or even 200-300 acres! All you have to do is decide that the time is right for a good change in your lifestyle, that you are ready for the country life!