Napa County’s largest city and county seat is best known as wine country. But Napa Valley has a lot more to offer prospective homebuyers and residents. With just over 80,000 residents, the vibrant town is home to some of the best weather, tourist destinations, and delicious food in the country. The natural beauty, sunny days, and world-renowned wineries perfectly complement Napa Valley real estate, which is known for its luxury and variety. Yet, there remains a lot to be discovered about the city. If you are thinking of moving to Napa Valley, here are five things you should know about wine country.
The Weather Is Amazing All Year Round
Many people who invest in Napa Valley luxury real estate do so because of the amazing weather. Except for a brief rainy season from late December to mid-March, Napa Valley experiences warm sunny days and clear air for most of the year. This amazing weather, coupled with the rolling hills and mountains, makes the city an outdoor lover’s haven. When you move here, you can look forward to sunny days on golf courses, hiking, cycling, biking trails, national parks, and more – all with stunning scenery.
The Cost of Living Is High
Naturally, the luxury, popularity, and access that comes from living in Napa Valley do not come cheap. Napa Valley has a very high cost of living, one that is currently 60 percent above the national average. According to economists, it costs the average single person $47,365 a year to pay for essentials like food, accommodation, taxes, healthcare, and childcare in Napa Valley. This amount is even reflected in the real estate market, where the median home price is $879,374, and the rent price for a one-bedroom unit is $1,350 per month. It is important to have this in mind when planning your move.
The Wine Is Always in Good Supply
The high cost of living is well worth it, however, if for no other reason than the wine. Napa Valley is aptly named wine country because you can find as many as 391 active wineries in this area. This wine lover’s paradise is home to some of the most popular names in the business, including Domaine Carneros, Bravante Vineyard, and Artesa. There are also several breweries available, including the world-renowned Bear Republic Brewing Company popular for its Racer 5 India Pale Ale.
You May Need to Watch Out for Wildfires
Like any great city, Napa Valley has its drawbacks and one of its major ills is wildfires. Wildfires have become increasingly common in recent years due to climate change and the resultant droughts and rising temperatures. However, Napa Valley luxury homes are primarily built away from wooded areas, and residents are usually safe from the natural phenomena.
The Food Is World-Class
And while Napa Valley is famous for its wines, its food is amazing, too. The city is home to not one but seven Michelin-star restaurants. Terra, Solbar, La Toque, Bouchon, and Auberge du Soleil have 1 star each, while The Restaurant at Meadowood and The French Laundry are three-star establishments. This means you can always look forward to world-class cuisine.
Ready for Your Move? Discuss Napa Valley Homes with Expert Ginger Martin
There is a lot to discover and explore about Napa Valley. Everything from the exciting outdoor attractions and exquisite food to the great schools and luxurious Napa Valley homes is a reason to move to this vibrant city. If you would like to get started looking at real estate opportunities, contact expert real estate agent Ginger Martin. With over $3 billion in sales, Martin can help you find the vineyard, luxury home, or estate of your dreams.