A small California town has seen home values soar as Americans flock to its picturesque mountain views, outdoor adventures and unique downtown attractions.
Bishop, a small town with a population of 3,800, is nestled between the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
It boasts stunning mountain views with 14,000-foot peaks and draws hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail to its boutique hotels.
Known for its friendly residents, Bishop describes itself as “a small town with a big backyard.”
The median price of homes for sale in Bishop in June was $687,500, up 14.8 percent year over year, according to Real estate agent.com.
“I wasn’t prepared for the kindness I found here,” said resident Deena Davenport, who moved in 2017. The San Francisco Standard.
Bishop, a small town with a population of 3,800, is known for its friendly residents and attracts hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Home values have skyrocketed in Bishop as Americans flock to its picturesque mountain views. Pictured: Bishop home for sale for $477,000
“Here you can meet someone who is a MAGA, but they are still your neighbor. I really appreciate that.”
In 2022, the median age in Bishop was 48.6 years old and the median household income was $75,451, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
He City of Bishop He said that on a busy day it attracts more than 30,000 visitors for various events and recreational activities.
Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, climbing, hunting, and the center features small family-run shops, bakeries, and a variety of restaurants.
“The city knows what’s going on,” said Matt Sadzewicz, an employee at Hostel California. “They’ll pick people up off the trail if they’re just there for a day trip. It can be pretty easy.”
In 2020, Inyo County (where Bishop is the only incorporated city) passed restrictions on short-term rentals, leaving only 900 beds in the city, including hotels, motels, hostels and AirBnbs.
A variety of dishes are available ranging from classic American to international cuisine.
Bishop is located between the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
Located about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and five hours from Las Vegas, residents have turned to gardening to supplement their food supply.
“We pay more for food than people in San Francisco,” Davenport said. “And it actually spoils faster because (truckers) turn off the refrigerators in the desert.”
Others have pointed out that the sleepy city is not the place for visitors looking for a vibrant nightlife.
“If you’re young and like to go out and have fun, there’s not a lot to do,” said local bartender Cerra Thomas. “What’s missing in Bishop is interesting places to hang out.”