c.1941 California Fixer Upper W/Vintage Details, Mountain Views Under $40K

$39,500

Beyond this California fixer upper lies extra yard space paired with a versatile outbuilding brimming with opportunity. Transform it into a guest suite, high-end workshop, or income-generating ADU—bring your creative vision and check with local planners to unlock its full potential.

Realtor Comments

Not every house needs to pretend it’s finished. This one is ready for someone with a plan. 13399 Mariposa sits in Trona’s Searles Valley with a covered front porch, desert surroundings and mountain views setting the scene. Inside you’ll find wood floors, French doors, built-in cabinetry and vintage details that give this older home plenty of personality. The kitchen, bath and other areas show their age, and the property will need repairs, updating and hands-on attention. This is not a polished, finished house. It’s for the buyer who can see what’s here today and already be thinking about what it could become tomorrow. ( clean up is still going on) please no open toe shoes for your own safety

2bd
1ba
912sqft
7,680sqft lot
Circa 1941

More California Properties

13399 Mariposa St, Trona, CA 93562

If interested in a property, pleases contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

Contact Realtor: Scott K Miller
Brokered by Epique Realty
Google Maps
Niche

Pros of Living in Trona, CA

Extremely Low Housing Costs:
- Real estate in Trona is among the most affordable in all of California. Single-family homes frequently sell for a fraction of state averages, making it attractive for budget buyers or those seeking low-cost remote property.
Proximity to Unique Natural Features:
- Located just minutes from the Trona Pinnacles—a striking geological feature used as a backdrop for numerous films—the region offers unparalleled access to wide-open desert landscapes, off-roading, stargazing, and exploration in nearby Death Valley National Park.
Peace, Quiet, and Solitude:
- With a small population and vast surrounding desert expanse, Trona provides a level of privacy, space, and quiet living that is practically impossible to find near urban centers.
Close-Knit, Resilient Local Community:
- The permanent residents who stay in Trona share a strong sense of self-reliance and community pride, centered around local traditions and the town’s history.

Cons of Living in Trona, CA

Severe Isolation & Lack of Local Services:
- Basic amenities are extremely limited within town. For comprehensive grocery shopping, major healthcare, or specialized retail, residents must travel roughly 25 miles south to Ridgecrest.
Extreme Desert Climate & Environmental Factors:
- Summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F to 110°F+, putting high demands on home cooling and energy costs. Additionally, dust, strong winds, and airborne mineral odors from the nearby mineral processing plants affect local air quality.
Limited Local Job Market:
- The primary local employer is the chemical/mineral mining plant (Searles Valley Minerals). Beyond industrial manufacturing or local municipal/school roles, job opportunities in town are practically non-existent without commuting or working remotely.
Aging Infrastructure:
- Decades of economic downturns and recent seismic activity (such as the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes) have left many buildings, roads, and residential properties in noticeable disrepair.
Socioeconomic Challenges:
- The town faces elevated levels of poverty, limited municipal resources, and high rates of property-related crimes typical of deeply economically depressed rural pockets.