a book you want to page thru at the Bookstore, written by Joan Tapper
Hit the bookstore and find this book. "The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of California." Written by a Natl Geographic editor. Page through it. You might just find an idyllic place to live with fresh air, deep dirt! If you want to build a farm, build it ONE STORY as this IS the earthquake state!
Now, let's seek out the choice area to live. Take a look at th map, below. It's topograhical, shows you the climate of various farm areas of California
http://phrelin.com/3Cals/images/caltopo.jpg
The primo land is probably that huge vertical valley, south of San Francisco bay, next to that PROMONTORY called the PENINSULA. See that VALLEY slightly inland descending like a fissure from the Monterrey Peninsula. It is called El Camino Real. The ROYAL ROAD. See this other map:
http://virtualguidebooks.com/CentralCalif/CentralCalifMap.jpg Aside from the very costly CARMEL VALLEY, that is probably the most primo area of CHEAPER land in the state.
El Camino Real includes the counties of San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey and San Luis Obispo. While decidedly different, the identities of these counties are related by a distinctly Western history, the frequent use of language reflecting their origin as Spanish settlements, and their experiences of change, adaptation and re-invention. Monterey was the capital and center of commerce in the Spanish, Mexican and early American periods, while recently that position has shifted north to Silicon Valley. The most original El Camino Real, or King’s Highway, was first the route of an expedition of Spanish exploration from San Diego to Sonoma in 1769 and later became the crucial link between the early California missions which were the original venture of Christianity into the far west. In some places highway U.S. 101 follows quite closely this old road between missions, but in other places it varies greatly from the original route. Nevertheless it remains the most common historical link along the central California coast, and motorists who drive from San Diego to San Francisco will pass through the area comprising this diocese and may see the mission bell markers which identify the paths of the early padres.
U.S. citizens came west early in the 19th century, marrying Spanish heiresses, enjoying the life of the great rancheros, and taking leadership in their new country. In the late 1840’s gold seekers bypassed this region, which was rich in land and sea but poor in nuggets. As a result, ranching, agriculture and fishing became the foundations of the economy. For the succeeding 100 years, the communities of the area grew slowly and comfortably, increasing their life with agricultural wonders. San Jose, the city nearest San Francisco, remained a small town surrounded by thousands of acres of apricots and prunes until the 1950’s. The coastal communities maintained a robust economy based on fishing.
The post-World War II boom turned the Santa Clara Valley into a vast tract of homes, electronic and defense companies, freeways, and urban sprawl. Orchards, vineyards, and truck farms were developed in the neighboring valleys to the south. Most recently, the pressure for housing and the desire to live in a less populated area has produced a new and current land boom in the counties south of San Jose. After the sardine fishing and canning industries collapsed after World War II, the southern counties saw their area give way to the influences of tourism and second home ownership while agriculture in the Pajaro and Salinas Valley continued to flourish. Once again, new elements and dynamics influenced the traditions and the identities of the far-ranging corners
The major centers of the state are now metropolitan areas with a continuing movement of people and light industry into agricultural and rural country-sides. Urban problems beset the state that once epitomized the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” Rapid increases to population as a result of immigration from the Middle East, the Pacific Rim as well as South America increase the pressure to assimilate newcomers and adapt to new influences. All of our communities expect significant economic and social changes in the next 20 years.
THERE ARE OTHER NICE CORNERS!
California's picturesque villages and small towns and its stunning landscape, from rugged sierras and fog-laced headlands to golden sand beaches and rolling oak-studded ranchland...all of it available for a two acre farm that could supply all your needs.
California is nicknamed "The Golden State," and though the name applies literally to the color of its state flower, the golden poppy, it is also a metaphor for the hopes and dreams that have lured generations of settlers. There are villages that grew up around the famed Spanish mission trail, and communities that boomed because of Gold Rush fever. There are places whose natural beauty nurtured artists and writers, and fertile valleys that were home to vintners and cattlemen.
The state is known for reinventing itself, yet a surprising number of its towns and villages still offer charming glimpses into its history and heritage. (MAP OF THE COUNTIES with their NAMES, so that you can google smaller, more local maps. ) Their architecture may be quaint, historic, or gracious and their physical settings may take the breath away, but they are also vital communities, prized for their small-town values, their lifestyle, food, and wine. This book showcases the most beautiful villages and towns of California in Nik Wheeler's stunning photography and Joan Tapper's perceptive commentaries. These evoke not just historic houses, but also streetscapes, parks, and physical surroundings.
The book is divided into four regions: Northern California Coast, Northern California Mountains and Valleys, Central and Southern California Coast, and Central and Southern California Mountains and Valleys. In addition, there are photographic essays on the wine country, missions, and ghost towns, plus essential information for tourists on places to stay and to eat. 323 color photographs.
ANOTHER TOPO MAP by NASA. The real thing, colored up. Note the valley on right side of state near Nevada, a long valley, running vertically. Might be nice there. REMOTE!
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/earth/usa/cal_mosaic_browse.jpg
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