NOW YOU CAN BUY AN ENTIRE SMALL TOWN IN CA

Matt Case - May 16th, 2024 - 7:35am PDT 

Small California Town Listed for $6.6 Million, Comes with Hefty Renovation Costs

CAMPO, Calif.  — For just $6.6 million, you can own an entire town located an hour outside of San Diego. The small town of Campo is on the market, listed by Nick Hernandez and Joseph Barela through Top Gun CRE, and includes 28 buildings with a mix of residential and commercial properties.

While the price tag might seem appealing, the new owner will need to invest significantly in renovations. Many of the residential units have already been updated with new roofing and plank flooring, but the town's infrastructure requires extensive work.

Potential buyers have the opportunity to shape the future of Campo's downtown area. The vacant buildings could be transformed into new businesses such as gyms, laundromats, daycares, or community centers. Additionally, investors could choose to build more housing units on the available land without altering the existing structures. Options include constructing apartments, townhouses, or other multi-unit dwellings.

Alternatively, a significant part of the town could be demolished and rebuilt to modernize its facilities, including new housing options, commercial spaces, and improved infrastructure.

Barela shared in an interview with local Fox affiliate KUSI that there has been interest from several parties, including a famous movie producer (whose identity he did not disclose) and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Campo, originally built during World War II to house soldiers in case of an invasion, currently has around 100 residents, all of whom rent from a single owner who is now ready to sell. "Border Patrol rents a commercial building here. I have six other commercial tenants as well. There are 28 residential units spread across 21 buildings," said Barela.

Local residents are open to new ownership, provided the town's charm is preserved during redevelopment. "It's pretty nice; it's a lot quieter than in town," said Campo resident Michael Hoffner. "You don't get the hustle and bustle; you get to sleep peacefully and see the stars out here."

Tony Martinez, another local, echoed these sentiments, saying, "Love it down here, the surroundings and the wildlife."

Campo offers a unique opportunity for investors looking to take on a project with the potential for significant returns, but it comes with the challenge of maintaining the town’s unique character while modernizing its facilities.