The most expensive state to buy a house, a swanky eco-estate in Anderson Valley, and an NBA legend is headed to Sac State...

Greetings from Fog City! Turns out, living in Cali does cost you an arm and a leg.

Well hello there. Today I’m feeling validated that the sticker shock is real when I look at home prices in San Francisco—a city where the purchase of a humble garage, (a place to park your car), can set you back $70,000.

Just a reminder, the median home listing price in San Francisco currently sits at a jaw-dropping $1.2 million, and the sale price is at an even higher $1.5 million.

And there are recently released numbers out to back up my feelings. For home shoppers out there, there is some good news…if you’re looking to live in Alabama.

It’s the cheapest state to buy a home, according to the real estate data provider Propertyshark.com.

But for those of us firmly planted in sunny California, which boasts the fourth largest GDP in the world, by the way, buying here doesn’t come cheap: we’re looking at a hefty median sale price of $825,000 versus a bargain rate of $220,000 in Alabama, a solid $200,000 below the national median. Roll Tide!

Even though mortgage rates have ticked down a bit, turns out, housing prices seem to go in only one direction, and that’s up. No wonder consumers are looking around for deals that go easy on the wallet.

Here’s a look at the median sale price in every state in the nation, based on home sales as of December 2024.

While I’m not packing my bags just yet, the numbers serve as an eye-opener. Even though ‘Bama is rock bottom, there are plenty of states that offer affordable places to buy a home as well, from Indiana, to Iowa, West Virginia and Ohio.

Speaking of deluxe digs…

When it comes to luxury, Northern California doesn’t disappoint. But this place? Well, I think I’ve found the spot where I want to retire. Or at least escape for a few weeks. Built in 2021, this 160-acre wellness retreat has come on the market with Tim Allen Properties for $12 million and is represented by Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty.

While that’s a big number, take a look at what it includes: Four communal buildings, nine houses, 18 cabins and 12 “glamping tents,” along with amenities like regenerative gardens, a hot yoga room, meditation hall, hiking trails, a swimming hole and saltwater swimming pool.

The property, known as The Land, has been used for corporate retreats for companies like Louis Vuitton and SoulCycle, and has a history that dates back to the 1950s, when the first building went up crafted from a single redwood tree. It still stands (with a newer roof) as a vintage lodge complete with river rock fireplace, and kitchen.

Located about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco, the spread is close to the towns of Boonville and Mendocino.

The Land, a 160-acre eco resort built in 2021, is up for sale. (Courtesy of Tim Allen Properties)

A farmers market for the dogs

I love my dog. I love the farmers market. But sadly for everyone involved, the twain shall never meet because dogs aren’t invited to the local outdoor markets where food is involved.

But I was intrigued to see that there’s a new event coming to San Francisco’s Hayes Valley that’s really for the dogs. An outdoor market not just where dogs are welcome, but all the products cater to the pups as well. According to the Dogs Bar Bay Area website, the event will feature “local makers of dog treats, accessories, and other goodies...all for the dogs!”

Mark your calendars: this event will be held last Saturdays starting July 26, 12-5 pm, at the outdoor promenade in Hayes Valley, and will run through September. Come to support local doggie businesses, stay for the human- and pooch-friendly cafes and stores. I hear the new ice cream pop up, Hometown Creamery, is worth a visit. If you go, let us know!

Call it Shaq-ramento

Sacramento State is abuzz with a very major addition to the Hornets’ front office this season. None other than NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has joined as its voluntary General Manager of the school’s men’s basketball team. The NBA Hall of Famer is a great get for the school. It’s a family affair as his son, Shaqir O’Neal, is joining the team as a senior, a transfer from Florida A&M. The pair will undoubtedly cause quite a stir, along with new head coach and former NBA star Mike Bibby.

According to the team’s website, “Dr. O’Neal” will focus on “recruitment, marketing, and holistic player development - both on and off the court.” We can’t imagine a better, or bigger sports star, to bring buzz to the Hornets.

We can’t help but wonder if the 15-time MVP and four-time NBA champ will be spotted in the Central Valley? Will he buy real estate in the area? We’ll be keeping a lookout.

It wouldn’t be the first time Shaq made a real estate play in tandem with his business and sports interests. He has bought and sold real estate in the Orlando area (a compound known as Shaq-apulco), and Dallas.

About me

If you’re just finding me, welcome. Here’s more about me: I escaped from the East Coast (Princeton, New Jersey and NYC) to put down roots out West. I’ve lived here since the 1990s, attended UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism for my master’s degree, then joined a giant tech company to write for its news and entertainment sites, and more recently wrote for a slightly less giant website to write about all things real estate.

But writing for a national audience meant I often couldn’t sink my teeth into my hometown. Must Like Fog is my hope in fixing that.

Have you ever walked by a building and wondered about its history? Or were curious to get the scoop behind a grandiose mansion’s inhabitants? Have you asked yourself why the San Francisco landmarks are so oddly shaped? And, should we worry about the Big One? Friend, same.

These are the kinds of questions I want to explore here, in this space. If there’s a marvel you’d like to know more about, or have an anecdote or celebrity tip … Please send our way.

Here, we’ll explore San Francisco piles, old and new, cool parks, and maybe a few watering holes, retail shops, and other fave spots.

A huge thanks to editor extraordinaire Erik Gunther for his help.