based upon what i know, there are high numbers of executives with second homes here, high net worth entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers et al.....
as far as comparisons to bodega bay, carmel, big sur, places like that....i feel there is no comparison...(drove through big sur and carmel not too long ago and the homes built overlooking the ocean are incomparable...extremely lush, and the views of the ocean are stupendous)
when you say things like:
"what does your place have to offer over Bodega bay.."
it simply reflects a myopic mindset that refuses to accept that people actually do PREFER to live in areas that are uncongested, with incredible geography that the majority in this country have never seen
my former neighbor (i've moved since) was from SV, a biotech engineer who retired here, and bought his lovely home, with an incredible view with the money he got from his "shitbox" (HIS words) in SV with money to spare
is this area a 'replacement' for SV? of course not, and nobody is suggesting that it is....but it IS a MAGNET for people who want to find value for their money (imagine even trying to find a house like the one estatemaker linked here for the price in CA....not gonna happen)...
i'm 1.5 hour flight from LA, a 1.5 hour drive from VEGAS, and i can tell you every time i go to either place, as much as i enjoy what both cities have to offer in terms of social culture, shopping (shopping SUCKS here), dining, etc.... i can assure you after 2 weeks i am so ready to get back to the high desert and the serenity that i can find 15 minutes from my driveway
this area has already been 'discovered' and the knock against it is that there is too much development too fast and now the market is soft just like any other bubble area....
the people buying the very high end homes here aren't doing it 'for entertaining'( though they are designed beautifully for that) they are buying these homes for the relaxed lifestyle and jaw dropping views and let's face it, *escape* from high density living that is such a daily grind |
