It’s no wonder that Napa County has some of the most sought-after real estate in the country. Not only is this region of the United States staggeringly beautiful and incredibly temperate, it is also well-protected. This is because Napa County residents and landowners in this region remain overwhelmingly committed to nature conservation and stewardship of the land entrusted to them. The beautiful Napa Valley communities will be preserved for years to come thanks to the zoning laws implemented in 1968 and again in 1990. These laws are extremely beneficial to homebuyers who can rest assured that their real estate will not only retain its value, but that the family integrity of these small towns will never be compromised by overdevelopment. This is a great real estate strategy for a county fondly known as a place you’ll “always come back to.”
It may be famous for its wineries and tourism, but Napa County has an incredible variety of real estate available. This includes every type of property you can imagine, from cozy bungalows to magnificent estates connected to commercial farms, ranches, and wineries. There are also other commercial properties available for development, but they are limited to light industry. Traditional sized lots for private homes are located within the city limits of the Various Napa Valley towns, but once you get out into the country, most homes sit on multi-acre lots. These lots are zoned to keep local real estate focused on agriculture and ranching rather than housing developments.
Individual home prices start at about $400,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow on a standard lot and go up from there. Architecturally, homes range from 1940s style to newly built custom homes, with historic properties available from time to time. Many homes are built or restored to be “green,” meaning the materials used to build are more environmentally friendly and also save on heating and cooling costs. For newer homes, this includes steel framing that saves wood, lasts longer, and can’t grow mold.
The cities are small, with the city of Napa being the largest with 75,000 inhabitants. The median income for a household is over $60,000 and the median household size is 2.62. Napa County has limited public transportation. However, most cities focus on a walkable historic downtown area that features a “main street” atmosphere with many local restaurants, shops, and businesses. Public schools in the area are considered above average and extracurricular activities are extensive. The local economy is driven by tourism, wine, agricultural production, and light industry. The population is evenly distributed among families, single professionals, seasonal residents, and retirees.
Even with its tourism, Napa County residents describe home as remote, private, and quiet that’s close to everything. Its relaxing small-town atmosphere and relative proximity to larger cities like San Francisco and Sacramento give real estate owners the best of both worlds. Combined with strict zoning ordinances and mild weather, Napa County is truly an area that earns the description of “bliss.”
