5 Northern California Summer Homes for Under $500K

The Listings covers the best of Bay Area real estate, in all its wild glory. This month, we’re helping you lock in that summer getaway feeling with five homes in driving distance of the city that are perfect for weekends away. With more tech IPOs on the horizon, even more of us are about to get priced out. So go west (or north, or south) and find yourself a piece of land to be proud of.

Vibe: Beach (north)
Pricetag: $325K
What you’ll get: Killer Humboldt Bay views, a giant garden and easy access to Eureka and Arcata.
Where: 2300 Lincoln Ave, Samoa
Why: A weekend getaway — but with more of a cool nights-and-firepit vibe than golden sand and endless surf.

Vibe: Mountains
Pricetag: $449K
What you’ll get: Three bedrooms and an absolutely massive deck
Where: 13440 Olympic Dr, Truckee
Why: You wanted long, lazy nights with the grill and your nearest and dearest? Just as good: While you’re not quite lakeside, Donner Lake is two minutes away by foot.

Vibe: Beach (south)
Pricetag: $469K
What you’ll get: A well-situated cabin suitable for a small family, with a fireplace and two bedrooms
Where: 2320 Alban Pl, Cambria
Why: We already suggested heading to Cambria for a look at the superbloom — and general Central Coast getaway purposes. Here, you’re just a quick walk from the ocean, and the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.

Vibe: Lake
Pricetag: $$445K
What you’ll get: A little piece of heaven not far from the Tahoe shoreline (plus one bedroom and a nice deck)
Where: 7267 7th Ave, Tahoma
Why: You can certainly spend more along Tahoe’s shore (how about $9.5M?), but this could be perfect for a couple looking for a retreat of their own. Plus plenty of room to barbecue, and no car needed to get to the lake.

Vibe: Coastal village
Pricetag: $299K
What you’ll get: Redwoods, quick access to Anchor Bay (village and beach), plus a “chalet” that’s begging to be someone’s weekend project.
Where: 46650 Fish Rock Rd, Gualala
Why: Up and down the coast you’ll find $1M+ seaside spreads — but you can get a bargain here or there, like this sub-$500K three-bedroom.