State of San Andreas
Counties and towns.
Blaine County
Sandy Shores
Sandy Shores is an unincorporated community located along the Alamo Sea in the heart of Blaine County, San Andreas. Known for its arid climate, rural character and eccentric locals, it provides services for surrounding desert areas.
History
Originally founded in the late 1800s as a railroad stop, Sandy Shores saw activity surge during the 1920s Alamo Sea dam construction. But declines followed until the town reinvented itself as a gambling resort town in the 1960s.
When Blaine County outlawed gambling in 1992, Sandy Shores weathered hard times again. Its isolation attracted outcasts and outlaws seeking refuge until meth labs and biker gangs filled the void. Authorities still grapple with black markets thriving in the remote area.
Sandy Shores retains its lightly populated, barren landscape. A boneyard, trailer parks and scattered houses dot the desert scrubland. The core town consists of basic shops and services along a short main street.
The economy relies on passing motorists stopping for gas, the Yellow Jack Inn bar, and local industries like cooking methamphetamine and other drugs. Some residents endeavor in legitimate businesses, though crime persists.
Locals take pride in their renegade attitude far from Los Santos regulations. Nights bring ghostly echoes across the Alamo Sea's lifeless desert shores. For outsiders, Sandy Shores' desolation harbors unease, yet many call it home.
About Blaine County
Blaine County is a rural county located in the northern region of the state of San Andreas. With a land area of over 3,000 square miles, it is the largest county in the state, though relatively sparsely populated.
Blaine County contains mountainous forests, lakes, rivers, and high desert landscapes. It is best known for outdoor recreational activities as well as isolated small towns and settlements. Below are details on some of its major population centers.
Sandy Shores - A desert town along the Alamo Sea that serves as the county seat. Its economy revolves around serving travelers along Route 13 with motels, trailer parks, and RV camping.
Paleto Bay - Situated in a forested valley, Paleto Bay is the most populous town in Blaine County with agriculture and lumber as top industries. It features a historic main street and harbor area.
Grapeseed - Primarily a farming town, Grapeseed produces crops like grapes and olives. It consists mostly of cultivated farmland with a main street and small residential areas.
Harmony - Founded by hippie communities, Harmony is known for spiritual retreats, new age shops, yoga studios, and organic farms. The relaxed, eccentric culture contrasts with Blaine County's prevailing rural conservatism.
Stab City - An illegal shantytown with open drug use and crime. The isolation allows it to exist outside formal governance despite periodic calls to dismantle it.
Challenges
Blaine County grapples with issues common in remote communities:
- Limited job opportunities and access to services
- High rates of poverty and addiction
- Underfunded schools, libraries, and social programs
- Overreliance on polluting extractive industries
- Lack of high-speed internet connectivity
Nevertheless, natural beauty and small town living continue attracting residents seeking refuge from San Andreas' urban sprawl.
Paleto Bay
Paleto Bay is a seaside town located along the western coast of Blaine County, San Andreas. With a population of just under 5,000 people, it is the largest town in Blaine County.
History
Paleto Bay was founded in 1823 by a group of fishermen and loggers settling in the area. Its economy centered around fishing, logging, and some light industry. In 1868, the famous Paleto Bay Lighthouse was constructed on the shoreline, helping guide ships into the bay.
In the early 20th century, tourism started to grow in Paleto Bay, with city folk coming to enjoy the seaside setting and take fishing trips. The town slowly transitioned to catering more to these tourists. By the 1970s, it had become a popular weekend getaway destination for residents of Los Santos looking to escape the big city.
Despite growth in tourism, Paleto Bay has retained much of its small-town charm and slower pace of life. Many lifelong residents continue to work in traditional industries like fishing, logging and agriculture. The downtown area along the shoreline has several locally-owned businesses, restaurants, and bait shops.
Geography
Paleto Bay is situated on a small natural bay, providing calm waters sheltered from ocean waves. The shoreline spans approximately 1.5 miles around the bay. The coastal areas back onto heavily forested mountains of the Mount Chiliad range.
The town itself consists of a small downtown with retail stores, government buildings, restaurants, and marina. The residential areas spread inland up into the foothills. The total area of Paleto Bay is roughly 4 square miles.
Climate
Paleto Bay enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with cool summers and mild, rainy winters. Average summer highs are in the 80s Fahrenheit, while winter highs are in the 50s. Rainfall averages 50 inches per year, with the most precipitation occurring between November and March. Occasional snowfall can dust the area but seldom accumulates much.
Government
Paleto Bay has a traditional local government, with a 5-person Town Council and elected Mayor. The Town Hall is located on the downtown Paleto Boulevard. Public services include a volunteer fire department, elementary school, Church and a small public library.
Law enforcement is provided by the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, which has a large station near the main highway leading that goes through the town.
Tourism and Attractions
Paleto Bay’s small-town charm and seaside setting continue to attract tourists and weekend travelers.
Popular attractions include:
- Paleto Bay Beach – Wide sandy beach with a boardwalk, snack bars, and areas for swimming and fishing. Lifeguards are on duty in summer.
- Paleto Lighthouse – Historic 68-foot tall lighthouse first lit in 1868 and still actively maintained by the Coast Guard. Tours available.
- Paleto Forest – Over 6,000 acres of mountain forest with hiking trails leading to scenic overlooks.Popular for hunting and camping.
- Bobcat Creek – Calm creek running through town, ideal for kayaking and fishing. Guided kayak tours available.
- Fishing – Charter boats available for deep sea fishing tours. The bay and
Bobcat Creek are also stocked with trout, bass, and perch. - Paleto Bay Museum – Located in a historic waterfront building, the museum celebrates the town’s history and maritime heritage.
Grapeseed
A remote farming town in Blaine County, Grapeseed is a quaint rural community often overlooked in favor of Los Santos' bright lights. But the dusty plains and open fields around Grapeseed see their share of action, especially at the notorious O'Neil farmhouse.
History
Grapeseed emerged in the late 1800s as a farming hub feeding the growth of Los Santos. Remote and isolated, its location was ideal for cultivating crops. Generations of farm families like the O'Neils put down roots that remain today.
Today
Beyond its central farmsteads, there is little infrastructure in the area surrounding Grapeseed. The landscape is dominated by dirt roads, fields, and the occasional barn or silo. Daily life moves at a slow pace according to the cycles of planting and harvesting.
The only gas station servicing Grapeseed is an outdated LTD filling station along Seaview Road. The aging pumps and faded LTD signs hearken back to simpler times decades ago. The gas station remains a gathering spot for locals to trade gossip and complain about the wider changes in Blaine County leaving Grapeseed behind.
To the east, the railroads cutting through the farmland are primarily used for freight transportation. However, proposals for commuter lines into Los Santos occasionally arise in county planning meetings as potential economic development. But longtime Grapeseed residents oppose such moves, believing it would disrupt their way of life.
Character
Beyond fields of grain, soy and corn, Grapeseed itself is a sleepy single stoplight town. It consists of little more than a diner, bar, gas station, church and post office along its main strip. Residents are known for being old-fashioned, plainspoken and wary of outsiders and the government.
The O'Neil Farmhouse
The dilapidated O'Neil farmhouse outside Grapeseed holds significance as a backcountry meeting spot and shootout site. Its remote location suited discreet exchanges between criminals like drug and weapons deals.
As police caught on, its isolation also lent itself to dramatic standoffs. A botched sale between biker gangs in 2013 led to a legendary shootout involving dozens of injuries. The farmhouse still bears bullet holes and scorch marks from various confrontations over the years.
Though uncommon these days, the O'Neil farmhouse remains ingrained in Blaine County lore as a landmark tied to the criminal underworld. Both police and crooks know its dirt approach road by heart for the events that unfolded there.
Overall, Grapeseed embraces its peaceful,isolated nature. The slow rhythms of rural life appeal to those uninterested in the rat race of Vinewood and Los Santos. And the open countryside provides room for activities and exchanges that benefit from discretion. For these reasons, Grapeseed persists as a unique holdover to Blaine County's roots.
Harmony
Harmony is an unincorporated community in eastern Blaine County focused on spiritual retreats, new age services, and organic food. Its alternative culture contrasts with the prevailing rural conservatism across much of Blaine County.
Harmony began in the 1970s as members of the San Andreas hippie movement migrated to the remote area to establish art communes and meditation retreats. An eclectic, eccentric community soon emerged.
Today, Harmony offers yoga studios, spiritual counselors, acupuncture, artisanal goods, and organic farms supplying regional markets. The relaxed, communal vibe draws open-minded visitors from across the state.
However, limited amenities and infrastructure partly due to resistance from more traditional county residents inhibits extensive development. Harmony retains a small permanent population.
Supporters in Harmony would like to see more inclusion and reduced stigma from surrounding communities. But many also wish to maintain the town's idyllic scale and focus on holistic living.
Los Santos
Los Santos, a sprawling metropolis nestled along the sun-drenched coast of San Andreas, is a city of contrasts and contradictions. From its gleaming skyscrapers and opulent mansions to its crime-ridden neighborhoods and gritty underbelly,With its diverse population, Los Santos is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles.
From Vinewood's glamorous movie stars to the street artists of El Burro Heights, the city celebrates creativity and self-expression in all its forms. Each neighborhood tells a unique story, and every corner is an opportunity for discovery.
Los Santos is a place where dreams are made and shattered. Ambitious individuals flock to its streets, seeking fame, fortune, and success. Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder, becoming a criminal kingpin, or pursuing stardom in the entertainment industry, the city offers endless opportunities to chase the elusive American Dream.
Mirror Park
Mirror Park is one of Los Santos' elite and coveted residential neighbourhoods. Known for its contemporary architectural homes and sweeping views, Mirror Park houses some of the city's wealthiest celebrities, executives, and professionals alongside the middle class.
History
Mirror Park began development in the early 2000s as an enclave of luxury living catering to the influx of new media money flooding Vinewood. The narrow winding roads and secluded lots allowed for grandiose estate construction unseen elsewhere in Los Santos' dense urban core.
Mirror Park remains a magnet for both upper class and middle class. Top executives and professionals in industries like tech, finance, and real estate also populate the area.
To live in Mirror Park to some people is signifies reaching a level of wealth and status in the city. Residents eagerly display their social standing through luxury vehicles in the driveways and lavish entertaining. Showy galas, charity fundraisers, and block parties are ways people socialize and assert their dominance. However frequent clashes happen with middle class families in the area.
Distinguishing Features
True to its name, the homes of Mirror Park provide views of the Los Santos skyline mirrored in the distance. The elevated lots along Jamestown Street offer some of the best uninterrupted city views. Signature elements like negative-edge infinity pools take full advantage of the scenery.
Homeowner's Association
The powerful Mirror Park Homeowners Association (MPHOA) rigorously governs the neighbourhood to maintain appearances and property values. They enforce strict design guidelines and bylaws regarding aesthetics. MPHOA sanctions are levied frequently over petty offenses like unapproved paint colors, lawn decor violations, or disrepair issues.
Residents both scorn and fear the heavy-handed MPHOA which can make living in Mirror Park rather stifling. But most accept the tradeoff to enjoy the stability and amenities of Los Santos' most sought-after enclave. For them, joining Mirror Park's ranks is the ultimate sign they've truly "made it" in the city even if it is not as rich as Vinewood Hills or Rockford.
About Los Santos
Los Santos is the largest and most populous city in the state of San Andreas. Located on the southern coast, this sprawling metropolis encompasses diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. The discovery of oil in the 20th century transformed Los Santos from a provincial town into a boomtown. Population skyrocketed as prospectors and fortune-seekers flooded in.
As Hollywood developed nearby, the glitz and glamor of celebrity seeped into Los Santos. The sunny climate, coastal access and entertainment industry turned it into a destination for the affluent. By the 1980s, Los Santos was the premier West Coast city. But wealth disparities, racial tensions and police corruption erupted into riots in 1992. The unrest and damage led to a period of decline. Renewed investment and redevelopment revived Los Santos in the early 2000s. A downtown renaissance re-established the city as an economic and cultural capital.
Los Santos spans 502 square miles of diverse terrain. Miles of shoreline define coastal areas while inland regions vary from flatlands to rolling hills to mountains. Wealthy enclaves include Rockford Hills, Vespucci Canals and Vinewood Hills. Working class and suburban areas include Davis, El Burro Heights and La Mesa. Impoverished zones afflict South LS and East LS.
Economy
A global finance and technology center, Los Santos also thrives on tourism, entertainment, shipping, manufacturing and oil refining. Major companies like LifeInvader, BlazeTech and CoolBeans call Los Santos home.
Museums, performing arts venues, galleries, live music scenes, and events like film and fashion festivals make Los Santos a cultural hub. Global cuisines reflect the city's diversity. Los Santos also hosts professional baseball, hockey, basketball and soccer franchises drawing huge crowds to its state-of-the-art stadiums. Public parks provide recreation spaces. Legendary golf clubs dot the outskirts.
Infrastructure
Los Santos International Airport connects the city worldwide. An extensive highway network links to San Andreas's other metropolises. Public transit includes subway, light rail and bus systems.
The Port of Los Santos facilitates trade. Public utilities supplying water, power and sanitation serve the high-density municipality. Ongoing infrastructure investments aim to meet growth demands.
Government
Los Santos has a mayor-council system. The current mayor is T. Williams. City policies regulate housing, transportation, policing, commerce, development and social services.
Today, Los Santos continues grappling with income inequality, unaffordable housing, infrastructure demands and social divisions as it evolves into a cosmopolitan global hub.
Vespucci & Vespucci Beach
Vespucci is a vibrant Los Santos neighborhood known for its beaches, upscale condos, nightlife, and counterculture. Families and tourists flock there by day while edgy artists and partygoers take over nights. Museums and events add culture.
Named after explorer Amerigo Vespucci, it became a resort destination in the early 20th century before experiencing postwar suburban growth. By the 1980s, rising crime and neglect earned a seedy reputation until waves of gentrification renewed wealth and vibrancy.
Landmarks like the colorful boardwalk, Ferris wheel, skatepark, and shipwreck on the beach fuel a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. High-rise condos overlook the oceanfront. Eateries and bars attract diverse crowds.
But beneath the sheen, indie galleries, street art, dispensaries and lingering grittiness reflect Vespucci's radical bent. Rising costs imperil bohemian enclaves, though protests try safeguarding them. The beach remains an open and welcoming space.
Vespucci Beach
Vespucci Beach refers both to the main beach itself and the surrounding neighborhood of trendy apartments, condos, shops and dining lining it. The iconic area balances old-school character and new money vibrance.
Visitors flock to "Vespucci Beach" year-round to enjoy the white sands, boardwalk, street performers, beach volleyball, wave-filled shoreline and festive atmosphere. The oceanfront seems a world away from urban life.
Yet beach culture here retains an artsy, hip edge. Surf shops, weed dispensaries, tattoo parlors, bars and street art mix seamlessly with luxury towers, fusion restaurants and yoga studios. Mellow vibes prevail day and night.
Millennials, creatives and tech workers call Vespucci Beach home for its character and convenience. But unrelenting rent hikes strain family budgets as developers add more glass high-rises catering to the moneyed class.
The Pier
The Vespucci Pier is an iconic oceanfront landmark stretching out into the sea. Fishermen flock there along with tourists seeking seaside charm, salty breezes and sweeping coastal views. It bustles with joy and activity day and night.
Constructed in the late 1800s, the wooden pier served vital cargo and passenger needs before Vespucci's port expanded. As commercial uses faded, it reinvented itself as a recreational and entertainment hub.
Locals and visitors now pack the Pier's plentiful food vendors, play carnival games, pose for photos by the central tower, rent bikes and fishing poles, watch the daily catch come in, and marvel at the Pacific's vastness while waves crash below their feet.
By night, the Pier becomes a moody yet magical scene illuminated by strings of lights. Romantics stroll hand in hand, while daredevils tempt fate leaping into the dark sea's swirling surf down below despite restrictions.
For Vespucci residents, the nostalgic Pier remains a daily escape. Its timelessness offers refuge from the surrounding city's rapid changes and serves as a gathering place for the community.
Rockford Hills
Nestled at the foot of Vinewood Hills, Rockford Hills is one of Los Santos' most affluent neighborhoods. Home to sprawling estates and the headquarters of corporations like Lifeinvader, Rockford Hills caters to old money power players in the city.
Origins
Rockford Hills emerged in Los Santos' early history as an enclave of the business elite. Tycoons built opulent mansions along its palm tree-lined streets. The concentration of family wealth cemented its reputation as the apex of high society in the city.
Distinguishing Features
From its perfectly manicured lawns to Roman-inspired architecture, Rockford Hills exudes prestige. Properties range from two-story Mediterranean villas to modern sleek compounds with floor-to-ceiling glass.
Security is paramount in Rockford Hills. Homes sit behind gates and tall privacy hedges away from prying eyes. Security patrols vigilantly guard the neighbourhood around the clock. Some accuse Rockford Hills residents of being snobbish and aloof from greater Los Santos.
Corporate Headquarters
Rockford Hills serves as the corporate base for major LS companies including Lifeinvader, Fleeca, and Von Crastenburg International. Lifeinvader in particular has made Rockford Hills synonymous with new money tech wealth. Its sprawling 10-building campus occupies a large portion of the neighborhood.
Residents Multi-generational wealth dominates Rockford Hills. Old tycoon families like the Von Crastenburgs and Richards have resided here for decades. They look down on new money inhabitants like Lifeinvader lawyers and startup CEOs.
Regulations
Just like in Mirror Park, a homeowner's association governs Rockford Hills. They enforce rules on appearances, noise, guests and more. Fines for infractions like overgrown lawns or visible trash cans are common. But Rockford Hills residents are willing to pay the price for the exclusivity, security and social prestige.
Vinewood & Downtown Vinewood
Vinewood is a district and historic neighborhood in Los Santos, San Andreas. Vinewood is most famously known as the centre of the city's world-renowned film industry.
The expansive district covers over 7 square miles and contains a mix of commercial strips, low-rise apartments, historic homes, modern mansions, and entertainment venues. While still part of the greater city, Vinewood has cultivated a unique identity and culture over its history.
History
The area now known as Vinewood was first settled in the late 1800s by wealthy ranchers and landowners looking to escape the crowded downtown area. The arid soil proved unsuitable for farming, so the district remained sparsely populated for decades.
In the 1910s, early filmmakers discovered the area's open rugged terrain ideal for shooting Westerns. They built the first basic movie sets and studios, kicking off Vinewood's association with cinema.
When talkies emerged in the late 1920s, Vinewood cemented itself as the heart of the motion picture industry. Major studios like Edison Studios, Vinewood Pictures, United Film Enterprises, and Galaxy Films set up backlot facilities and offices throughout the district.
Glitz and glamour followed quickly. Extravagant movie star mansions popped up in the hills. The main boulevard downtown became a buzzing commercial and nightlife hub. By the 1940s, Vinewood had come to epitomize the Golden Age of cinema.
Over the decades, Vinewood weathered rises and falls along with the movie business. But even through changing tastes and economic trends, it maintained its status as Los Santos' movie-making machine. A new wave of studios and media companies still call Vinewood home.
In recognition of its history, the Vinewood Historic District was officially designated in 1979. Many of the landmark studios and celebrity homes built between the 1920s-1950s gained protected historic status.
Today, Vinewood remains both a functional working district for the entertainment industry and a beloved landmark historic neighbourhood. Tourists flock to see the Walk of Fame and historic studio lots. But a new generation of actors and filmmakers also inhabit Vinewood, keeping its future bright.
Downtown Vinewood
The heart of the district is the Downtown Vinewood commercial and entertainment corridor centered along the main Vinewood Boulevard. This bustling historic stretch features Broadway-style theaters, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and major studio facilities.
The iconic Capitol Pictures building anchors the downtown area with its famous domed tower. Other studios like Vinewood Pictures and Edison have their main gates and administrative buildings lining downtown Vinewood Boulevard.
Several live performance theaters are also located downtown, including the Flamingo Theater, the Vine Theater, and the Vinewood Bowl outdoor concert venue.
Upscale hotels like The Von Crastenburg cater to visiting celebrities and tourists. Famous cocktail bars and dining institutions like The Brown Streak railroad cafe and Up-n-Atom Burger have been neighbourhood fixtures for decades.
The Paramount Theater hosts glamorous movie premieres where the stars come out to walk the red carpet. Impersonators and street performers are a common sight, recreating the golden years.
Downtown Vinewood's mix of historical charm, mystique, and urban energy makes it one of Los Santos' most dynamic districts. Walking down the Boulevard feels like stepping straight into showbiz lore.
Davis & Strawberry
Davis and Strawberry are two interlinked neighbourhoods located in southern-central Los Santos, San Andreas. Together, these diverse communities make up an area of almost 3 square miles along the La Puerta freeway corridor.
Davis
Davis is the larger of the two neighbourhoods, covering the southern portion near the La Puerta Freeway. It is home to roughly 25,000 residents.
Davis emerged in the 1940s-50s as families migrated from the rural South looking for manufacturing work. However, unemployment, poverty and unrest grew in the later 20th century. This led to increasing street crime and gang activity from groups like the Families. Efforts are underway to re-vitalize Davis through new businesses and community programs.
Notable landmarks in Davis include Davis Mega Mall, one of Los Santos' largest shopping centres. The Davis Police Station operates constantly to try to curb local gang violence. The Davis Neighbourhood Estate Projects are large public housing blocks that have been hotspots for drug-trade activity.
Strawberry
Strawberry occupies the smaller northern area along the freeway. Its population of around 20,000. This diverse working-class community has a bit less crime than neighbouring Davis. Landmarks include Strawberry Stadium, home to local high school football and soccer games. Rancho Towers are mid-rise apartment buildings with unique Spanish-style architecture.
Issues & Controversies
Tension and rivalry have simmered between Davis and Strawberry for decades, occasionally escalating into outright violence. Both neighbourhoods have issues with gangs like the Families and Ballas staking claims over turf.
Police struggle to contain regular gun crime occurring in the streets, alleys, and housing projects. Efforts to foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community have had mixed results.
Some long-term residents feel the area has declined severely since earlier generations, while new residents and businesses bring optimism. Ongoing investment and neighbourhood improvement initiatives seek to provide jobs and opportunities for locals.