Home prices are soaring in California’s small towns as Americans flock to the state for its beautiful mountain views, outdoor adventures, and unique downtown attractions.
Bishop, a small city of 3,800 people, sits between the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
It boasts spectacular views of the 14,000-foot mountains and draws hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail to the boutique hotel.
Known for its friendly locals, Bishop describes itself as a “small town with a big backyard.”
The median home listing price in Bishop in June was $687,500, up 14.8 percent from a year ago, according to Realtor.com.
“I never expected the kindness I’ve encountered here,” Deena Davenport, a resident who moved here in 2017, told the San Francisco Standard.
A small town of 3,800 people, Bishop is known for its friendly residents and draws hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail. Home prices in Bishop are soaring as Americans flock to the town for its beautiful mountain scenery. Pictured: A Bishop home is on the market for $477,000.
“Here, you know MAGA people, but they’re still your neighbors, and I really appreciate that.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age in Bishop in 2022 was 48.6 years old and the median household income was $75,451.
The City of Bishop said that on busy days, the park attracts more than 30,000 visitors for a variety of events and recreation.
Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, climbing and hunting, and the downtown area has independent shops, bakeries and a variety of restaurants.
“The people in town are aware of the situation,” said Matt Sazewitz, an employee at Hostel California. “They’re there to pick up day hikers coming down the mountain. It’s really simple.”
In 2020, Inyo County, of which Bishop is the only incorporated city, passed restrictions on short-term rentals, limiting the number of lodging options in town to just 900, including hotels, motels, hostels and Airbnb.
Cuisine ranges from traditional American to international.
Bishop is located between the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
Residents of the town, about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and a five-hour drive from Las Vegas, have taken to gardening to supplement their food supply.
“We pay more for groceries than people in San Francisco,” Davenport said, “and our food actually spoils faster. [truckers] Please turn off your refrigerator in the desert.”
Some say the quiet town isn’t a good choice for tourists looking for a vibrant nightlife.
“For someone who is young and likes going out and having fun, there aren’t a lot of places for that,” said local bartender Sera Thomas. “Bishop is lacking a cool hangout spot.”
