Lakes, vineyards, mountains and small-town living, from your local Lender at the Lake.
I'm Michele Milota, a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Lake County, CA and a local Lake County mortgage lender. Here's a quick guide to the place I love helping people call home.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within California, and one of the oldest lakes in North America. Its shoreline is ringed by towns, parks and marinas, with Mount Konocti rising from the south shore.

Lake County towns
Lakeport
County seat on the western shore, with a walkable downtown and lakefront parks.
Clearlake
The county's largest city, on the southeastern shore near Anderson Marsh.
Kelseyville
Small-town charm at the foot of Mount Konocti, surrounded by vineyards and orchards.
Lower Lake
Historic town near the lake's southern tip and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
Middletown
South county gateway on the way to Napa and the Bay Area.
Hidden Valley Lake
Planned community with its own lake and golf course near Middletown.
Nice
Quiet North Shore community with lake access and docks.
Lucerne
North Shore town known for its lakefront and historic Lucerne Hotel building.
Upper Lake
Charming historic Main Street at the north end of the lake.
Cobb
Mountain community among pines near Boggs Mountain.
Things to do
Clear Lake State Park
Camping, swimming, boating, fishing and trails on the lake's western shore near Kelseyville.
Learn more →Mount Konocti
A 4,305-foot volcanic peak on the south shore and a local landmark with hiking at Mount Konocti County Park.
Lake County wine region
Dozens of wineries and tasting rooms; the region is known for high-elevation vineyards and volcanic soils.
Learn more →Fishing & bass tournaments
Clear Lake is famous for largemouth bass and hosts bass fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Tule marsh, birdwatching, Pomo cultural sites and historic ranch buildings between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
Learn more →Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
Forest trails near Cobb, popular with hikers and mountain bikers; being replanted after the 2015 Valley Fire.
Why people move to Lake County
- More home for your money: home prices are generally well below the Bay Area and Sacramento region.
- Lake lifestyle: boating, fishing, kayaking and lakefront living.
- Wine country, without the crowds: tasting rooms, farms and orchards.
- Room to breathe: rural parcels, mountain views and dark night skies.
- Within reach: a scenic drive to Napa, Sonoma, the Bay Area and Sacramento.
Buying a home in Lake County
- USDA loans: many Lake County areas may be USDA-eligible, with no-down-payment options for income-eligible buyers.
- Down payment assistance: California programs may help with down payment or closing costs.
- First-time buyer help: FHA, low-down-payment conventional options and guidance from pre-approval to closing.
- Second & vacation homes: financing for a lake getaway or weekend retreat.
- Local know-how: wells, septic, manufactured homes and lakefront parcels.
Contact Michele Apply Now Call (916) 628-3814
Eligibility and program availability vary. Not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval.
