Affordable Little Switzerland on the West Coast, an Underrated town with a Hollywood connection, Buy a Property for less than $300k

A town on the West Coast has been dubbed the ‘Little Switzerland of California’ – and Americans can own a slice of land there for less than $300,000. 

The intimate village of June Lake, which is home to around 600 residents, sits underneath the towering peak of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a few hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley. 

The tranquil town was once a popular destination for 1920s Hollywood film stars such as Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, who built homes nearby. 

Clark Gable, Betty Grable, Charlie Chaplan and the Marx brothers were also regular guests at the recently-restored June Lake Lodge in town. 

And now those who want their own slice of the alpine scenery can buy acres of land in June Lake for as little as $269,000, according to Realtor.com. 

One 9,148 square-foot lot is currently for sale for $275,000, while a 0.3 acre plot with stunning mountain views is on the market for $269,000.  

June Lake was dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ due to its crisp mountain air, snowy scenery and laid-back atmosphere, according to The Travel. 

The June Lake Loop is home to three lakes, June Lake, Gull Lake and Grant Lake, which are described as perfect spots for trout fishing with beautiful landscapes for travelers and residents to take in. 

As it is such a small town, June Lake stays peaceful and tranquil away from the busy hustle and bustle of larger city life. 

Highway 158 serves as the town’s through road and the main site for its eateries, cozy lodges, and shops. 

While land is selling for less than $300,000, homes in the town are much more expensive. 

A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, home in the town is currently on sale for $10 million, according to Redfin. 

The scenic landscape offers plenty for passersby or local residents, from hiking, fishing, skiing, or camping and hiking in the Inyo National Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

The hikes in June Lake, just as its views, do not disappoint. Its routes, both easy and challenging, offer trails across the beautiful scenery. 

Some of the best trails open up to the backcountry of the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, such as the Parker Lake Trail, taking hikers along the alpine lake with a plethora of changing vegetation. 

The same trail takes you from wildflower-covered meadows to coniferous trees, with the crystal-clear lake looming under the shadows of the 12,000-foot peaks of the Sierra Crest. 

One of its easier but easily as beautiful trails, Gull Lake Loop, takes a relaxed route two miles into the Inyo National Forest with water and mountain scenery along the shoreline and marshland. 

June Lake Loop Trail, its tougher, longer trail, starts off with a steep ascend but the hard work is worth the views of June and Gull Lakes, as well as the breathtaking surround peaks of the Sierra. 

In the winter months, June Lake attracts many a snowboarder or skier particularly from December to April when the June Mountain Ski Area opens. 

The towns elevation of more than 7,700 feet and 1,500 acres of uncrowded slopes are a major selling point for those looking for winter activities. 

The June Mountain Ski Area is also a great family spot, children can ski for free and there’s plenty of opportunity for novices to take on the friendly terrain or grab a lesson or two. 

The lakes equally offer plenty of opportunity for leisure activities to soak in the sights from the water, with sandy beaches and a beautiful swimming area or the chance to kayak or canoe. 

Those traveling in have the chance to sleep under the stars with campsites such as the Oh! Ridge Campground located above the shoreline of the lake, with over 140 campsites and a $36 charge per night. 

The smaller June Lake Campground has 28 campsites tucked away in the middle of aspen and pine forests, with a $30 charge per night. 

Traveling to this beautiful town involves a scenic drive along US Route 395, and following the five-mile stretch of California State Route 158, or the June Lake Loop.  

Its nearest airport, the Mammoth Yosemite Airport, is a 30-minute drive although it only has scheduled passenger flights during the ski season. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada, is the closest international airport to June Lake, which is less than three hours away.

June Lake, ‘Little Switzerland of California’, one of the most underrated but scenic small towns on the West Coast, grants travelers a piece of the Swiss Alps in a tranquil, charming neighborhood. 

It also offers the opportunity to soak in beautiful scenery and partake in many different activities for every kind of person.