Alta Sierra blends foothill scenery with golf and a private airport
The rolling landscape of the Sierra Nevada foothills serves as the setting for the sprawling planned development of Alta Sierra. This Nevada County community dates to the 1960s, when ranchlands were being built out to hold thousands of homes, a golf course, a school and a private airport. Still, housing prices remain relatively affordable, particularly for entry-level homes. “You can actually get a fairly good value, because there are quite a few homes on the market there,” says Mimi Simmons, an area Realtor at Team Simmons and Century 21 Cornerstone Realty, with about 40 years of experience. “It has the attraction of being below the snow line, and easy access to Highway 49 for commuting to Sacramento or up to the slopes.”
Scenic roads through pine forests lead to Alta Sierra’s private airport.
Alta Sierra's homes are shaded by a bounty of trees.
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Housing variety abounds, in age, style and price
Alta Sierra has almost 3,000 homes, and they’re far from cookie-cutter. Some houses date to the 1960s, when the development first sprouted. Others were built as recently as the 2000s. The area’s eclectic mix of architecture includes ranch and Mediterranean styles, contemporary homes and farmhouses. Roomy yards are a common denominator — Alta Sierra’s median lot size is roughly a half-acre. Prices for homes with less than 2,000 square feet often fall between $260,000 and $500,000, while properties exceeding that size consistently sell for $510,000 to $990,000. Simmons notes that the Alta Sierra Property Owners Association is volunteer-only. Residents can join the association for a fee of $49 per year.
Many homes are surrounded by lush landscape in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
There is a great selection of water adjacent homes that can be found in Alta Sierra.
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Pleasant Ridge Union schools provide after-school programs
The vast majority of Alta Sierra is part of the Pleasant Ridge Union School District, which maintains a B-plus grade on Niche. The development houses the B-plus-rated Alta Sierra Elementary, which offers the statewide Expanded Learning Opportunities Program after school, with academic support. Magnolia Intermediate also has a B-plus grade. After-school programming at Magnolia Intermediate includes multiple sports teams, from cross-country to basketball. A northeast portion of Alta Sierra is zoned for the C-plus-rated Grass Valley School District, where options include the B-rated Grass Valley Charter. The charter school covers prekindergarten through eighth grade and provides hands-on instruction with its on-site science garden.
Students in grades 9 through 12 can move into the B-plus-rated Nevada Joint Union High School District. Bear River High, 10 miles south, has a B rating and a Career Technical Education department with computer science and digital media arts programs.
Alta Sierra Elementary School is a highly rated school in the area.
Nevada Union High School is located in Grass Valley, California.
Bear River High School is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in Grass Valley, California and serves southern Nevada County.
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Below the snow line but close to ski resorts, golf and mountain trails
The Alta Sierra Country Club, with its 18-hole golf course, is one of the community’s signature features. Country club memberships are available to residents and nonresidents and are separate from Alta Sierra Property Owners Association memberships. The course is open to public play in the afternoons. Those in Alta Sierra also have quick access to the Alan Thiesen Trail, a 1-mile path that allows bikes. Mathis Park in the community has a pond open to fishing.
With an elevation of roughly 2,300 feet, Alta Sierra is often below the snow line — the point when rain turns to snow. However, Alta Sierra residents can hop on California state Routes 49 and 20 for skiing and snowboarding at places like the Donner Ski Ranch, about 55 miles away. Those with a knack for higher-flying recreation can take advantage of the private Alta Sierra Airport — some of the community’s homes back right up to it. “That certainly can be very attractive to people who have planes,” Simmons says.
There is plenty of snow recreation within a short drive of Alta Sierra.
Many golfers enjoy relaxation at Alta Sierra Country Club.
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Summer nights bring music, food and more
Area communities including Grass Valley and Nevada City host a range of community events. Simmons says Hot Summer Nights in Nevada City is the most popular. Held on three Wednesday evenings in July, the event features multiple stages of live entertainment and dozens of vendors with food and other products. “It’s basically a big street fair,” Simmons says. A Fourth of July celebration is among the festivities in Grass Valley, which starts with a pancake breakfast, includes a parade and ends with fireworks.
Route 49 connects people with other communities
California state Route 49 runs adjacent to Alta Sierra and is a straight connection to downtown Grass Valley, an 8-mile trip, and Nevada City, 12 miles away. Grass Valley’s Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital has a 24-hour emergency room. Route 49 also goes south to Interstate 80 for trips to Sacramento, 52 miles away. Sacramento International Airport offers direct flights to over 50 places. A bus stop in the Nevada County Connects system is just off Route 49 in Alta Sierra.
Sacramento International Airport in Northwest Sacramento County offers direct flights to many areas.
State Route 49, aka the Grass Valley Highway, connects to Alta Sierra.
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Grass Valley is a destination for restaurants and retail
Alta Sierra residents often head toward downtown Grass Valley for commercial attractions. Simmons says Tofanelli's Gold Country Bistro and Cirino’s at Main Street are two staples downtown. Tofanelli's is known in part for its breakfast, and the sandwiches at Cirino’s are popular. Mill Street is a section of downtown Grass Valley packed with locally owned shops like Empire Shoes and Foothill Mercantile, which carries toys, housewares and more. There’s also a Safeway supermarket downtown. People in Alta Sierra looking for a bite to eat closer to home can swing by Timbers Bar & Grill at the country club or Trailblazer Craft Pizza & Brews, just off Alta Sierra Drive.
Trailblazer Craft Pizza & Brews offers a cozy dining spot in a scenic setting.
Timbers Bar & Grill offers a variety of options at Alta Sierra Country Club.
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Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Aiyshanti Green
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cheryl Rellstab,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Amazing birds eye-view of vast forest with high Sierras in the distance from windows throughout this friendly giant. Over 4,000 square feet of living/entertaining areas which include grand formal Livingroom with wood burning fireplace & beamed/vaulted ceiling just off formal entry. Lovely formal dining room with built-ins. Incredible great room wrapped with windows filled with the great views,
Manuel PradoWindermere Signature Properties Roseville/Granite Bay
Just under 5 usable acres with garage/shop, no HOA, and Race high-speed fiber internet offering usable land, flexibility, and convenience in one property. This is a manufactured home on a permanent foundation, with financing available through many traditional lenders -an accessible opportunity to own acreage, workspace, and open space at this price point. Usable, functional ground with shade
Tucked among the trees in the heart of Alta Sierra, this immaculate and beautifully updated 2,424 sq. ft. home offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and modern upgrades. Conveniently located just minutes from Highway 49, this home provides easy access to shopping, dining, schools, and commuting while still offering the peaceful feel of mountain living. With expansive treetop views,
Move in ready! Inspections complete! Home, Pest Septic and Roof certification/ Inspections available, energy-efficient 2,485 sq ft home on a usable quarter-acre lot in Grass Valley featuring a level driveway and flexible two-level layout designed for comfortable living. High ceilings and thoughtful separation of space create a spacious feeling. The main level includes a tiled entry and hardwood
Attention Gardeners! Welcome to this delightful contemporary home on a breathtaking, level parcel with an amazing back yard of flowering plants and lush vegetation that was lovingly enjoyed by the owner for years! One story home with formal entry, huge living room with vaulted, open beamed ceilings and gas fireplace, accented by lots of natural light. Spacious kitchen and dining room with quartz
Victorian elegance meets golf course living in this truly unforgettable Alta Sierra home! Overlooking the lush fairways of Alta Sierra Country Club, this beautifully maintained residence captures attention from the moment you arrive with its timeless character and inviting curb appeal. Sip your morning coffee or unwind at sunset from the covered front porch. Inside, the thoughtfully designed
Wake up to the sound of a year-round creek flowing just outside your window. Tucked away on 2 peaceful acres in desirable Alta Sierra, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a rare blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. Built in 1990 and offering 1,560 square feet, the two-story layout provides a functional flow with inviting living spaces and tranquil views from nearly every
Move in ready, maintenance free. Single story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home includes a 200+/- sq ft finished extra room with A/C adjoining the 2-car garage. Wood vaulted living room ceilings, floor to ceiling windows offer views of the surrounding trees and filtered sunsets. Upgraded interior finishes, beautiful laminate wood floors, spacious dining area, gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets, granite
Nestled in a peaceful and private setting overlooking the scenic Bear River Valley, this beautiful Grass Valley property offers breathtaking views and a true sense of country tranquility. Set on 3.71 usable acres with a few fruit and nut trees dispersed throughout the property and a seasonal creek flowing toward the Bear River, this property offers space, privacy, and room to enjoy foothill
A must see this custom 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths all level one story home on completely fenced .68 acre with views. The amazing kitchen showcases the cherry wood cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, an island & enough room for multiple cooks! This home features vaulted ceilings, solar tubes, beautiful Rosewood floors, with Hickory floors in the master bedroom. The master suite
Nearly $200,000 in recent upgrades have transformed this secluded country property into a rare blend of privacy, self-sufficiency, and modern comfort on nearly 7 acres just 10-15 minutes from shopping, dining, fuel, and everyday amenities. Located in a peaceful foothill setting, this beautifully updated ranch-style home captures stunning long-range views from both the front and back of the
Modern updates accent this lovely single-story ranch home, perfectly positioned to capture enchanting views and ultimate privacy on over 5 rolling acres. The open floorplan features a spacious kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living area with vaulted ceilings and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. The generous primary suite offers a large walk-in closet and a relaxing spa-like bathroom. Enjoy
The parcel is ready for you to design and build your home that will offer privacy and views. Lot has creek at the bottom and offers several types of trees through out. With the right design your home and decks would have beautiful views facing Southeas. Easy access to Hwy 49 one of the last few lots available on Patricia.
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Built as condominiums, Gold Creek Village offers home-style living at apartment prices. Our small community is conveniently located just 1/4 mile off Highway 49 in Alta Sierra at the corner of Ball Road and Alta Sierra Drive. We are just minutes from Grass Valley and a bus stop for area schools.Conveniences include; central heat & air, all major appliances, full-size washer/dryer
This is an updated single-story home with easy access, a great floor plan, and a large rear deck to enjoy the outdoors. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Alta Sierra home is clean and ready to rent. Kitchen features beautiful quartz counters, all NEW stainless steel appliances, and new flooring in kitchen. Bathrooms have new flooring too. Living room has vaulted ceilings and wood burning stove. Nearly
Renovated Alta Sierra Home on Nearly Half Acre with Creekside SettingTucked just minutes from Hwy 49, this beautifully updated Alta Sierra home offers the perfect balance of convenience and peaceful surroundings.Inside, you'll find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bright, open-concept living space designed for comfortable everyday living. The home features updated kitchen and
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