California City Lot-What To Do With It?

[Lower river sludge]

So when we moved to CA in 1969 my dad was trying this and that for a new career and real estate was one. Somehow he got involved in California City, bought a lot, and has held on to it every since. He's his 90's, is in the home stretch and my brother and I are trying to get everything sorted out, I'm POA.

If you're not familiar CA City is an interesting story....

We never stopped by (I did myself once in a road trip a few years ago), doesn't have any sentimental value for either of us. It's out in the middle of nowhere there, surreal, graded roads when street signs with nothing but the prison off in the distance and dirt for miles. Realtor.com doesn't show and history of sales in the area, California City land owners association has tons of fsbo lots from a thousand to a couple thousand.

My dad wanted to sell it but realtors in that area wouldn't even reply, no doubt not worth their time. Would just keep it for no reason reason but there is a special assessment property tax of $145 that they're looking to renew making it $176/year plus we pay $50 to belong to the property owners association, really just for the million liability and oddball news.

Anyway, any ideas on what to do with this, would like to get the few bucks it's worth. Maybe donate if anyone would take it?

Pic is actual spot...

Thanks!

 

[Bigbore500r]

So when we moved to CA in 1969 my dad was trying this and that for a new career and real estate was one. Somehow he got involved in California City, bought a lot, and has held on to it every since. He's his 90's, is in the home stretch and my brother and I are trying to get everything sorted out, I'm POA.

If you're not familiar CA City is an interesting story....

We never stopped by (I did myself once in a road trip a few years ago), doesn't have any sentimental value for either of us. It's out in the middle of nowhere there, surreal, graded roads when street signs with nothing but the prison off in the distance and dirt for miles. Realtor.com doesn't show and history of sales in the area, California City land owners association has tons of fsbo lots from a thousand to a couple thousand.

My dad wanted to sell it but realtors in that area wouldn't even reply, no doubt not worth their time. Would just keep it for no reason reason but there is a special assessment property tax of $145 that they're looking to renew making it $176/year plus we pay $50 to belong to the property owners association, really just for the million liability and oddball news.

Anyway, any ideas on what to do with this, would like to get the few bucks it's worth. Maybe donate if anyone would take it?

Pic is actual spot...

Thanks!

What "streets" is it near? can you post up a map showing location?

 

[hallett21]

All I can add is that my wife and her siblings inherited 3 of them last year. I don’t think there’s much to do, unless you go the distance and put a home on it.

 

[Lower river sludge]

What "streets" is it near? can you post up a map showing location?

 

[coolchange]

Hmmm…

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Put a tent on it and rent it Airbnb! I shit you not, people do that in Yucca Valley and 29 Palms and I seriously can't believe people rent them, but I know people that make pretty good money doing it.

 

[Your ad here]

Is California City smog exempt?

 

[Taboma]

2020 Census shows about 15,000 residents and a nice central park area and golf course --- no ? Or is that far away from the properties you are all referencing ?
We get ridiculously low offers on our 40 acres in the mountains of AZ, from the land crooks, don't you for California City properties ?

 

[Lower river sludge]

2020 Census shows about 15,000 residents and a nice central park area and golf course --- no ? Or is that far away from the properties you are all referencing ?
We get ridiculously low offers on our 40 acres in the mountains of AZ, from the land crooks, don't you for California City properties ?

The town isn't as nice as it looks in some pics online. Lot is way out in boonies.

 

[Lower river sludge]

Put a tent on it and rent it Airbnb! I shit you not, people do that in Yucca Valley and 29 Palms and I seriously can't believe people rent them, but I know people that make pretty good money doing it.

You're probably not wrong but I'm in San Diego and have too much on my plate at it is

 

[Lower river sludge]

Is California City smog exempt?

Hard to believe in the middle of nowhere but Google seems to think it's not.

 

[BHC Vic]

That’s funny my grandpa bought a lot as well and my mom just sent me some info today. I’ve been out there a couple times but now I have a lot of friends that go riding there. Im thinking to try to put a pad and hook ups. Not sure if that’s allowed but i don’t have the time to build a house right now. This is we were are

 

[Lower river sludge]

This one is way out there, utilities are probably miles away

 

[rivermobster]

It's an Interesting story for sure.

Compound for a riding spot maybe?

 

[BHC Vic]

It's an Interesting story for sure.

Compound for a riding spot maybe?

That’s what I’m going for

 

[Bigbore500r]

It's an Interesting story for sure.

Compound for a riding spot maybe?

The problem is how do you protect whatever structure or compound you puild, when your not there. Tons of campers / offroaders out there, but also tons of tweakers and squatters.

 

[rivermobster]

The problem is how do you protect whatever structure or compound you puild, when your not there. Tons of campers / offroaders out there, but also tons of tweakers and squatters.

Same as any other desert compound. A few people on here have em.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Same as any other desert compound. A few people on here have em.

Im interested, post them up!

 

[rivermobster]

Im interested, post them up!

I'll call ya tonight.

 

[BHC Vic]

Im interested, post them up!

My buddies in Johnson valley. They don’t leave much there though

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Same as any other desert compound. A few people on here have em.

The problem is it is a city, not an open desert. The guy is in a property owners association.

 

[coolchange]

The problem is it is a city, not an open desert. The guy is in a property owners association.

Never been to cal city huh?

 

[Bigbore500r]

My buddies in Johnson valley. They don’t leave much there though View attachment 1318779 View attachment 1318780 View attachment 1318781 View attachment 1318782

Those are bitchin. They will be hammered, broken glass and grafitti'd within 2 weeks, if they were out in Cal City!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Never been to cal city huh?

There is a reason there aren't any "compounds" out there

 

[BHC Vic]

Those are bitchin. They will be hammered, broken glass and grafitti'd within 2 weeks, if they were out in Cal City!

We are very close to the ranger station

 

[Bigbore500r]

The problem is it is a city, not an open desert. The guy is in a property owners association.

Um......

 

[Bigbore500r]

We are very close to the ranger station

That isn't gonna matter! Lol

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Um......

View attachment 1318785

Look at all those compounds!!

 

[coolchange]

There is a reason there aren't any "compounds" out there

Well I know a couple compounds out there. Big pads, septic, fire pits, covered patio, swing set…

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Well I know a couple compounds out there. Big pads, septic, fire pits, covered patio, swing set…

Sure.. outside of the incorporated area of the city, right? The incorporated area of Cal City is gigantic.

 

[coolchange]

Sure.. outside of the incorporated area of the city, right?

Nope

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Nope

Awesome.

 

[traquer]

IDK, but "never sell real estate" probably applies here, where it only costs you a few hundred bucks a year to hold on to it?

Who knows maybe in the future they'll build a new military base, solar field or something nearby and buy everyone out? Maybe only in your kid's time though. But I'd hold on to it just for fun, you can say you own another property in CA lol

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

IDK, but "never sell real estate" probably applies here, where it only costs you a few hundred bucks a year to hold on to it?

Who knows maybe in the future they'll build a new military base, solar field or something nearby and buy everyone out? Maybe only in your kid's time though. But I'd hold on to it just for fun, you can say you own another property in CA lol

This is what Havasu would have looked like today without water

 

[Bigbore500r]

We are very close to the ranger station

Your lot is actually in an area that has a few developed lots with stick framed houses. Your on the other side of 20 Mule Team, toward Silver Saddle Ranch. That might actually be a good place to do someting, if your gonna build. If some of those houses have full-time residents it would help for security.

 

[lbhsbz]

I’ll PayPal you $1000 for right now. Serious.

 

[lbhsbz]

The problem is it is a city, not an open desert. The guy is in a property owners association.

This is CA…not Utah…we don’t have congestion in Cal City like you guys do.

 

[BHC Vic]

Your lot is actually in an area that has a few developed lots with stick framed houses. Your on the other side of 20 Mule Team, toward Silver Saddle Ranch. That might actually be a good place to do someting, if your gonna build. If some of those houses have full-time residents it would help for security.

View attachment 1318793

View attachment 1318792

You’re correct last time I went out neighboring lots had houses on them.

I want to say there’s a mini golf course or something like that close by. It’s been a few years now but I want to take another trip real soon. I believe last time I went was before I was married so at least 10 years ago

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

This is CA…not Utah…we don’t have congestion in Cal City like you guys do.

Good for Cal City

 

[Bigbore500r]

You’re correct last time I went out neighboring lots had houses on them.

I want to say there’s a mini golf course or something like that close by. It’s been a few years now but I want to take another trip real soon. I believe last time I went was before I was married so at least 10 years ago

Great riding out there, kids always have a blast. Alot of destination rides that are accessable from there.

 

[Gelcoater]

Is California City smog exempt?

This right here might be worth it long term.
I’ve been looking at a couple of Cali places that don’t smog unless it’s a new register or title change.

Had we already had one we wouldn’t have replaced $3k in catalytic converters, the wife’s Volvo would have an extra turbo on it.
My Dodge Ram would be getting some “mild” upgrades too.

 

[lbhsbz]

Good for Cal City

I can buy a lot there less than a set of tires for your Mazda….while it’s not as much fun outta the gate…it’s something.

 

[Taboma]

IDK, but "never sell real estate" probably applies here, where it only costs you a few hundred bucks a year to hold on to it?

Who knows maybe in the future they'll build a new military base, solar field or something nearby and buy everyone out? Maybe only in your kid's time though. But I'd hold on to it just for fun, you can say you own another property in CA lol

Oh, you mean like Edwards AFB ? Or the Mohave Space Port, Or large Prison or Hyundai Test Track --- those things ??? I'm sure those folks make up the 15K population as of 2020, but probably closer to the water and power luxury items.

 

[Havasu blue label]

So when we moved to CA in 1969 my dad was trying this and that for a new career and real estate was one. Somehow he got involved in California City, bought a lot, and has held on to it every since. He's his 90's, is in the home stretch and my brother and I are trying to get everything sorted out, I'm POA.

If you're not familiar CA City is an interesting story....

We never stopped by (I did myself once in a road trip a few years ago), doesn't have any sentimental value for either of us. It's out in the middle of nowhere there, surreal, graded roads when street signs with nothing but the prison off in the distance and dirt for miles. Realtor.com doesn't show and history of sales in the area, California City land owners association has tons of fsbo lots from a thousand to a couple thousand.

My dad wanted to sell it but realtors in that area wouldn't even reply, no doubt not worth their time. Would just keep it for no reason reason but there is a special assessment property tax of $145 that they're looking to renew making it $176/year plus we pay $50 to belong to the property owners association, really just for the million liability and oddball news.

Anyway, any ideas on what to do with this, would like to get the few bucks it's worth. Maybe donate if anyone would take it?

Pic is actual spot...

Thanks!

Send me pm

 

[Bigbore500r]

Oh, you mean like Edwards AFB ? Or the Mohave Space Port, Or large Prison or Hyundai Test Track --- those things ??? I'm sure those folks make up the 15K population as of 2020, but probably closer to the water and power luxury items.

There was just something on the radio about how Cal City is being looked at again as a viable area for development, given the housing shortage and need for housing.
I really hope they don't, cause I love camping and riding out there. There's no telling what the future holds, when you think about it - the place is already laid out, has a ton of infastructure in place just sitting there.

 

[Gelcoater]

I can buy a lot there less than a set of tires for your Mazda….while it’s not as much fun outta the gate…it’s something.

Now you’ve done it.
May as well send a message to starfleet command.
“We have engaged the Borg”

 

[Gelcoater]

You’re correct last time I went out neighboring lots had houses on them.

I want to say there’s a mini golf course or something like that close by. It’s been a few years now but I want to take another trip real soon. I believe last time I went was before I was married so at least 10 years ago

That could be really cool, Vic.
Build memories your kids will carry forever.
Pass it down to them and you never know?
3rd? 4th or more generation of little Vicious 13’s running around out there some day.

 

[TimeBandit]

wait, your dad has paid taxes for 53 years on that lot?

When we were kids my dad bought a way off water lot at Lake Holiday in Illinois, every summer we had to clear the saplings and weeds, he never built anything on it.

Fast forward 15 years it sold for $700. I have no idea how much weed abatement and taxes cost for those 12 years after we moved to California. I think getting it mowed with a tractor cost about $200. a whack... and had to be done a few times per year.

I like the stories of the old river rats I hung out with about buying lots at lake Havasu, some on the golf course, for a song. (and never building on them) most sold during the 2004/5 boom when they were offered big money compared to when they bought in the 70's.

It's hard to imagine any real estate not being a great investment, Cal City is not great yet, maybe when your kids are in their 90's? What will it have "cost" by then??

 

[BHC Vic]

That could be really cool, Vic.
Build memories your kids will carry forever.
Pass it down to them and you never know?
3rd? 4th or more generation of little Vicious 13’s running around out there some day.

My friends were out there last weekend I was supposed to go but my wife couldn’t get anytime off so we just went to bhc. We need two vehicles to get trailer and bikes out to cal city so that wasn’t going to work. But the dirt in my buddies videos looked so much nicer than what we had in bhc. Don’t get me wrong we had a blast but there’s a lot of deep sand and deep rocks in bhc. The kids 50’s got wadded up a few times

 

[BHC Vic]

wait, your dad has paid taxes for 53 years on that lot?

When we were kids my dad bought a lot at Lake Holiday in Illinois, every summer we had to clear the saplings and weeds, he never built anything on it.

Fast forward 15 years it sold for $700. I have no idea how much weed abatement and taxes cost for those 12 years after we moved to California. I think getting it mowed with a tractor cost about $200. a whack... and had to be done a few times per year.

I like the stories of the old river rats I hung out with about buying lots at lake Havasu, some on the golf course, for a song. (and never building on them) most sold during the 2004/5 boom when they were offered big money compared to when they bought in the 70's.

It's hard to imagine any real estate not being a great investment, Cal City is not great yet, maybe when your kids are in their 90's? What will it have "cost" by then??

I feel like my mom has been paying taxes for however many years on it that’s why she’s asking me if I want it. I think grandpa bought each of his kids a lot. What my uncles did I have no idea as there’s only one left and I’ve never asked him. My mom hasn’t said it but I think she’s getting ready to retire