Fort Bragg, CA was founded as a military post before the Civil War back in 1857. Built just north of the Noyo River, First Lieutenant Horatio G. Gibson, established this outpost, naming it for his former commanding officer, Captain Braxton Bragg. Guess he has bragging rights to the great coastal views here.
Located in coastal Mendocino County about three hours north of San Francisco, this beautiful Northern California town is situated right along State Route 1, which runs most of the length of California's beautiful Pacific Coast. With a population of just over 7,200 as of the 2010 census, the town draws tourists and new residents alike to its stunning coastal views, botanical garden and ocean waters.
Moving to Town
Ft. Bragg, CA is a solid place to find a place to rent because of its high number of vacancies. You will have an easier time finding rentals in certain seasons, though. The properties are more difficult to land in the summer months because many people flock to the region for vacations. Looking in spring, fall or winter, you should be able to find a duplex for rent, two-bedroom apartments or month-to-month rentals more easily.Fort Bragg is nonetheless a wonderful place to call home all year round. Temperatures are mild, and you won't need a heavy winter coat or snow gear. Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't a tropical beach area. You will experience all four seasons, but you won't get any snow.
You'll need a car here, as public transit is not a part of this small town, but you'll only find, on average, a fifteen minute or less commute. That means you'll find less traffic, noise and air pollution than in the big city.
When you're ready to rent, come equipped with the materials California landlords are always looking to see: rental and work history. That means W2s, ID, credit report and bank statements -- each of these items may be asked for by landlords to be. Where to look for your new home? Look online or by cruise the streets of this town looking for those 'for rent' signs, or read the classified rental listings in the Fort Bragg Advocate News.
Neighborhoods
The city of Fort Bragg offers a few options in way of neighborhoods, so those who like options should be very happy. Where's that big smile?
Cleone: Rural in feel, this neighborhood is a bit back from the sea and bay, and is made up of mostly small to medium sized single family homes and mobile homes. While many properties here are owner occupied, some are not, and run from older properties built before 1969 to more modern housing constructed between 1970 and 1999. You'll be close to the woods and trails of MacKerricher State Park in this area.
Noyo: Located near and along Noyo River and at the mouth of Noyo Bay, this is a suburban neighborhood by density, and a coastal one. You'll find medium sized and small single family homes as well as smaller apartment buildings, all occupied by both owners and renters. Vacancies can be tight here. The Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park, with seven acres of shady trails is nearby.
Fort Bragg City Center: Located along the Pacific Coast and west of Highway One, this is a suburban neighborhood where you may find surf boards and wetsuits on a neighbor's front porch. Occupied by both owners and renters, single family homes and small apartments are the norm here, with most homes built between 1970 to 1999, but some historic properties were built before 1940. Vacancies abound here -- often as many as 18.5% of the housing stock is available. Check out complexes like Ocean Breeze Lodge or Marvin Gardens.
Life in Fort Bragg
The ocean is on the air and bordering a large portion of the town here, so if you like scenic views and rocky, charming beach coves, Fort Bragg is for you. There are plenty of parks and recreation options too, from a relatively new Skate Park on South Lincoln Street, to the Coastal Trail and Parkland that's just about to open over 92 acres for strolling and jogging.Other lovely spots make nature lovers feel right at home, from the boats bobbing in Noyo Harbor to the trails, woods and views at MacKerricher State Park. Into lighthouses? There's Point Cabrillo Light so you'll never get lost at sea. Russian Gulch State Park is also nearby, and if you're into quaffing a tasty IPA, the North Coast Brewing Company located here will provide a fine local mug.An iconic tourist spot is also a great place to spend a morning for residents: Glass Beach, right on the edge of town was created when residents in the early 20th century discarded glass and other "dumped" items here. The waves pounding the coast wore the glass into small pieces of multi-colored sea glass that cover the beach here at the end of Elm Street. This is a unique place to find your own shiny treasures.
For more vivid color, check out the rainbow of flowers at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, perched along the bluffs overlooking the sea. There are over 47 acres to stroll, and areas of the gardens can be rented for private events and parties.
Fort Bragg has plenty of shopping options too, but you won't find a lot of big box stores here. Rather, the emphasis is on small, locally owned shops. Once a month, the First Friday walk takes place, when galleries and shops stay open in the downtown historic core. So what will you find along with hand crafted ceramics or paintings of the seascape? Unique merchandise like the hats and tee shirts created and stocked by Andrea Luna Boutique, fabrics for quilters including exotic materials from Thailand and Japan at Cindi Jo's Quilting and sporting gear at the hopefully not prophetically named Broken Leg Sports shop.
Dining doesn't get short shrift here, either. Of course there are some stellar fish restaurants -- Noyo Harbor houses several, and this is a working seaport, so the catch of the day is going to be fresh. Vegetarians delight at the organic Cafe One. Looking for something romantic? Try the sweeping views from Cliff House Restaurant. And what if you're an early riser? Eggheads has been serving up great breakfasts to locals for years. Try the omelets and waffles.
