8 Pros and Cons of Living in Clearlake, CA

Lake County is home to the little city of Clearlake, California, which is renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. Even though Clearlake isn’t exactly the most popular hotspot for tourists, it’s still home to a population of 17,000 people.

The city of Clearlake is known for its tranquility and as a haven for nature lovers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Here are eight pros and cons of living in this city.

Pros of Living in Clearlake

1. Stunning natural environment

Clearlake’s proximity to such stunning scenery is a major selling point for the area. The nearby Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, gives the city its lovely name. 

Several parks and natural preserves can also be found in Clearlake, including Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and Clear Lake State Park.

2. The cost of living is 6% less than the national average

The standard of living index of Clearlake is 94.8, and the annual cost of living for a single person in Clearlake is $36,456. This includes housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other essentials. 

The cost of living in Clearlake is lower than in many other California cities. Clearlake’s median home price of $219,000 is well below both the California and U.S. averages.

3. The summer weather is great for outdoor activities

The summers in Clearlake are extremely hot and dry, typical of the Mediterranean climate. Daytime highs in the sweltering summertime often top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the evenings are pleasantly cool. Temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

 The annual average rainfall is low, coming in at roughly 24 inches. Clearlake is consistently warm and sunny, earning it a reputation as one of the state’s sunniest spots. Clearlake enjoys an average of 262 sunny days annually.

4. There’s a small-town feel

Clearlake is a city known for its calm and serenity, making it an excellent choice for people who wish to get away from the commotion and chaos of city life. The community is very warm and welcoming to newcomers.

In this city, everybody is familiar with everybody else, and the people who live here are always willing to lend a helping hand to one another.

Cons of Living in Clearlake

1. There are limited job opportunities

Since Clearlake is a very small city, employment options are restricted. The city’s economy is driven largely by the agricultural and tourist industries.

This city may not be right for you if you’re looking for work in a different sector or if you simply want to reside in a place where your economic options are more varied.

2. There are not enough amenities

Because of its modest size, Clearlake has just a select few services to offer its residents. Residents may need to go to other cities for more extensive shopping and dining alternatives than are available in the city.

You may want to explore elsewhere if you’re searching for a place to live that’s closer to larger retail centers and other such conveniences.

3. The crime rate is higher than the national average

Clearlake has a far higher crime rate than the national average. The rate of violent crime is 42.9%, above the national average of 22.7%. The property crime rate is also significantly higher than the national average of 35.4% at 61.2%. 

This means that both violent and property crimes are more common in Clearlake than in the rest of the country. Citizens should be aware of the current crime statistics and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families.

4. There might be extreme weather conditions

Clearlake has both extremely hot summers and extremely frigid winters. In the summer, highs can reach over 100 degrees, while winter lows can dip below freezing.

Also, air pollution is a problem in Clearlake because the city is situated in a high-risk zone for wildfires. In the past few years, there has been some increase in chest diseases because of the recurring wildfires. The general pollution level in the city is unfortunately quite high.

To Sum it All Up

Clearlake has an affordable cost of living, a small-town feel, and a stunning natural environment, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the city also has a high crime rate, a weak job market, and there are not enough amenities.