Though it's been known by a half dozen or more different names, Ione has always had the same sort of atmosphere it holds today. A major supply area during the California Gold Rush, the city has had a long (and at times turbulent) history that makes it a source of historical interest as well as a great place to live.
Though it's around 4
Though it's been known by a half dozen or more different names, Ione has always had the same sort of atmosphere it holds today. A major supply area during the California Gold Rush, the city has had a long (and at times turbulent) history that makes it a source of historical interest as well as a great place to live.
Though it's around 4.8 square miles in size, Ione packs around 7,300 people into the city limits, resulting in a population density of about 1,661 people per mile. Considering how spread out some of California is, it's strange to see that many living in such close proximity! Located in the heart of California about an hour's drive away from Sacramento, Ione presents its residents with a long and colorful history heavily influenced by the gold rush of the 1800s, when forty-niners would walk the streets and rush outside into the California wild lands in hopes of finding their fortune buried there. It's also the historical home of an indigenous group of people called the Sierra Miwok whose descendants still live in the area today.
The history of the city is very important to the people here. You can still see it reflected in the architecture of the main street, which looks eerily similar to a place where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid might come bursting out of any second. If you're planning to come to Ione and take up residency in the town, there are a few things you should know.
What Are the Costs?
Unlike most areas of California, Ione is a relatively inexpensive place to stake one's claim, to use the jargon of the gold rush. The average property value is a fair amount lower than the state average, although individual properties can still be quite expensive! Living on the outskirts of town can save you on rental costs, though, as the inner areas, near S Church Street and the main shopping section of town has the highest prices.
Availability of Rental Properties
If you're worried about the availability of rental property in Ione, you can stop now-the city is great for renters! The population has actually decreased a slight amount since 2000, which means there are plenty of apartments for rent in the area. On top of that, the community is comprised of about 895 detached homes, with another 119 homes inside of structures with two more rooms. Mobile homes are another housing option available in Ione and surrounding areas.
What Will I Need Before Moving In?
Make sure you bring proof of income, your credit history, and previous rental history if it's available. A letter of recommendation from a previous landlord doesn't hurt, either. There are several rental agencies in the area, but there are an equal number of independent landlords who are more willing to negotiate, possibly even up to an all bills paid apartment. The key to finding great deals like this is to have all of your information on hand when you start the negotiations!
Because the area has such a vast selection of rental properties, you have plenty of time to search. It's probably best to spend a month or two watching the homes in the area and deciding which part of Ione you'd like to live in. Living closer to the middle of the city can cut your commute time in half, compared to living on the outskirts. Plus, if you take more time to search, you've got a better chance of stumbling across a great deal you might not have found otherwise!
There are no distinct neighborhoods in Ione, but the residents tend to live packed together in a few areas. A large amount of the land within the city is wide open and untouched, particularly near the southern border. Many of the homes like along Fairway Drive and Ashworth Drive, which are separated by a nice park with a large green space, perfect for children to play in. Properties near Ione Michigan Bar Rd are usually in high demand, because it's the easiest way in and out of the city and the easiest way to get to the interstate for a trip to Sacramento!
As mentioned before, Ione has a lot of history buried within its borders. One of the main pieces of history is Preston Castle, a supposedly haunted location that often attracts ghost hunters from all over the Bay Area. Another big thing to do is to attend wine tastings at Greenstone Winery, part of the acclaimed California wine tour which produces some of the best American-made wines in the world. Another attraction, particularly for the gun enthusiasts among you, is the Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve, an area with at least three shooting ranges perfect for clay pigeons and target practice.
For local residents, however, the tourist attractions hold little appeal. You'd be more likely to find them at Clark's Corner, a well-known sandwich shop, or at Fran & Kathleen's Grill. The latter has an outdoor seating area-perfect for Ione's hot summer days-and menu items that regulars rave about. Perhaps the best-known menu item at Fran & Kathleen's is the order of house-made chips, which come piping hot from the kitchen and are seasoned with salt and pepper. It's undeniable: Even though Ione has the population of a honest-to-goodness city, it has the atmosphere of a much smaller town-an atmosphere reflected in the menus and service at local eateries.
A lot of people will head out to Lake Camanche, Lake Amador, or Pardee Lake to sit by the water and enjoy Ione's temperate climate, all while casting a line and drinking a cold brew with their friends. There are numerous parks in the area for those who want to get outside into the sun, and much of the area surrounding the city is empty brush lands ripe for exploration. The summers here do get quite warm, so if you venture out for a hike, be sure to pack sunscreen, shades, and a hat (to fend off the glare).
For big-city amenities and small-town friendliness, Ione is your place!
