Why Live in Susanville
Susanville is a small, close-knit community in the northern Sierra foothills of northern California. Originally a logging and mining settlement, the city now primarily relies on its state and nearby federal prisons as economic drivers and top employers. Despite this, Susanville retains its pioneering past and offers a quieter, rural setting ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Housing options range from older wood-frame homes with frontier-era influences to modern ranch-style and craftsman-inspired designs, many featuring yards suitable for gardening or small-scale agriculture. The median home price is notably affordable at around $235,000. The Susanville School District and Lassen Union High School District serve local families and have high ratings. Outdoor activities are abundant, with the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the Susan River. Lassen National Forest is popular for camping, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding, while Susanville Ranch Park, Memorial Park, and Riverside Park provide trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots. The Lassen Historical Museum and Roop’s Fort showcase the area's history. Annual events like the Lassen County Fair and Rails to Trails festival celebrate local culture. Susanville’s uptown district features historic architecture with locally owned shops, cafés, and restaurants. Highways 36 and 139 connect the city to U.S. 395, providing easy access to Reno, Nevada, and Lakeview, Oregon. Property crime rates have fallen below state and national averages. The Banner Lassen Medical Center is two miles away, and Reno-Tahoe International Airport is 86 miles south.
