Back in the 1950s, it seems nothing can ever be wrong investing in real estate, no matter the size, site, or even just sand. California City is such a project developed by Nat Mendelsohn in the heart of the Mojave Desert in southern California. Boasted by the success of Las Vagas, Mendelsohn was quite optimistic in the prospect, so the city was planned so big geographically that it’s the 3rd largest city by area in the California and one of the largest in the country. Constructing according to plan, streets were laid in and infrastructure for the large city was constructed. However, it turned out there isn’t much demand for the city in the sand.

       Driving around California City today, the constructed portion of the city is quite small. One story residential, schools, and local grocery shops that are typical to a suburban small town is present all around. The only reminder to the ambitious project is the ever stretching roads. Most people living in the area today are employed by either Edwards Air Force Base or the prison that is situated next to the town.

       California City is the third-largest city in California by land area but most people (including many in CA) have never seen or even heard of this mostly-empty desert oasis, home to around 15,000 people. It’s not quite a city.

       Yet, the tOwn’s leadership still believes that California City could one day rival Los Angeles.

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