Quaint 'secret' California town that's undiscovered by tourists has stunning mountain views, great food, kitsch hotels - and exceptionally friendly locals

A tiny California town has seen its home values rocket as Americans flock to its scenic mountain views, outdoor adventures and unique downtown attractions.

Bishop, a small city with a population of 3,800 people, is nestled in between the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east.

It boasts stunning views of mountains with 14,000-foot peaks and draws in hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail to its boutique hotels.

Known for its friendly locals, Bishop describes itself as 'a small city with a big back yard.'

The median listing home price in Bishop for June was $687,500 - trending up 14.8 percent year-over-year, according to Realtor.com.

'I hadn't prepared for the kindness that I found here,' resident Deena Davenport who moved in 2017 told The San Francisco Standard.

Bishop, a small city with a population of 3,800 people, is known for its friendly locals and draws in hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail

Home values have rocketed in Bishop as Americans flock to its scenic mountain views. Pictured: Bishop home on the market for $477,000

'Here, you can know someone who's MAGA, but they're still your neighbor. I really appreciate that.' 

In 2022, the median age in Bishop was 48.6 and there was a median household income of $75,451, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The City of Bishop said on a busy day it draws in over 30,000 visitors for various events and recreation.

Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, climbing, hunting - and its downtown has mom and pop shops, bakeries and a variety of restaurants.

'The town knows what's up,' said Hostel California employee Matt Sadzewicz. 'They'll pick people up coming down off the trail if they're up there just day-hiking. It can be really easy.' 

In 2020, Inyo County - where Bishop is the only incorporated city - passed restrictions on short-term rentals leaving only 900 beds in town including hotels, motels, hostels and AirBnbs.

There is a variety of fare available ranging from classic American cuisine to international. 

Bishop is nestled in between the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east

Located about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and five hours from Las Vegas, residents have turned to gardening to supplement their food supply. 

'We pay more for groceries than people in San Francisco do,' Davenport said. 'And they actually go bad faster, because [truckers] shut the fridges off in the desert.' 

Others have noted the sleepy town is not the spot for visitors looking for robust nightlife.

'If you're young and you're into going places for entertainment, there's not so much,' said local bartender Cerra Thomas. 'Cool hangouts is what Bishop kind of lacks.'