$540,189Average Value$306Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Mountain town with lakes, rivers and hiking in Colfax
Colfax is a mountain town between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Its quaint downtown scene features saloons and locally owned businesses, while houses rest on large, wooded lots in the pine-covered hills. Within reach of clear-water lakes, rivers and scenic hiking trails, residents have unrestricted access to bustling West Coast metros and famed natural attractions in the great outdoors of Northern California.“Most of the homes are on country properties because people like to have space. There are rivers, hiking trails and canyons. You’re an hour from Lake Tahoe and Sacramento,” says Kelly McNabb, a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate in Auburn with over 20 years of experience in the area. “The town is adorable. They do parades all the time, and it’s great for hunting and fishing. There are tons of reasons to move up to Colfax.”
Foothill views stretch across eastern Colfax with neighborhoods set among tall pines.
The Historic Colfax welcome sign greets drivers near the town’s main roundabout.
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Outdoor activities from local hikes to Lake Tahoe beaches
Stevens Trail is a popular hike with wildflowers, waterfalls and wooded canyons carved by the North Fork of the American River. The Bear River Fishing Access area is also nearby, with rock-covered shores used for gold panning and trout fishing in the rapids. Just north, the Rollins Reservoir has swimming areas, boat docks and campgrounds. Lake Tahoe is just over an hour from Colfax, with white-sand beaches, panoramic mountains and clear-blue water in places like Kings Beach. "There are tons of lakes and rivers," McNabb says. "You can still pan for gold in the rivers, and the hiking is just beautiful. If you're an outdoorsy person, it's perfect."
Lush canyon views frame this riverside picnic area along the North Fork American River.
Boat docks sit along Rollins Lake, a frequent spot for swimming and summer camping.
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Acre lots and mountain views in this Placer County community
Residents live on acre lots surrounded by towering pine forests and mountain views. Many of Colfax's homes feature Midcentury, Victorian, or Mediterranean stylistic elements. The city's main architectural styles are a mix of contemporary and Craftsman-style homes, with prices ranging from $170,000 to $1.3 million. Home values are higher for properties with panoramic views. Some layouts can span up to 4,000 square feet. Manufactured homes cost between $40,000 and $580,000.
Colfax is located in Placer County, which, like much of California, is prone to wildfires due to the dry conditions and its native plant life. Wildfire smoke can also contribute to poor air quality and exacerbate ozone pollution. While the area benefits from sunny weather, droughts can impact local agriculture and increase the likelihood of wildfires.
A split‑level home sits on a quiet residential street near the pine‑lined hills of Colfax.
Manufactured homes and ranch‑style layouts are common on wooded lots across Colfax.
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Western-style taverns and cocktail bars near downtown Colfax
Downtown Colfax is home to multiple restaurants and bodegas with a Western vibe. Locals gather at the Basement for craft beer and locally sourced wine. It is known for serving loaded pizzas and crispy chicken wings in a tavern-style atmosphere. The S.S. Minnow pontoon sits outside of the Red Frog, a cocktail bar that specializes in burgers and hot dogs. It also has a scenic back patio with a view of the canyons. The town’s primary grocery store is Mar-Val’s Sierra Market, which has a pharmacy and a wide selection of produce. Colfax Market is a local convenience store on Main Street. For essential items, there is a Dollar General just south of town.
The Wrecking Crew Bakery & Café anchors Main Street with outdoor tables and seasonal decor.
Mar‑Val’s Sierra Market serves as the primary grocery stop for families across Colfax.
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Colfax High earns a high grade and has career pathways
Colfax Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Grades nine through 12 attend Colfax High School, which receives an A-minus. Families in Colfax Elementary and Placer Union High School Districts can pursue open enrollment with available intradistrict and cross-district transfers. Both processes hinge on space availability and deadlines, with a lottery system if applications exceed capacity. The Placer Union High School District has work-based learning opportunities with pathways in agriculture, engineering and digital media.
Students thrive at Colfax Elementary School.
Colfax High School in Auburn, CA is surrounded by mature pine trees.
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Interstate 80 links the town to Reno, Sacramento and the Bay Area
The Colfax Amtrak Zephyr train connects Colfax to other cities in the Central Valley and the Bay Area, including Sacramento. "Most people can work from home. It's a great place for families," McNabb says. "The old steam engines still come into town, which is pretty cool. You can take the train up to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Sacramento and all the way to the Bay Area." Residents can also catch the Placer County Transit bus at Colfax Station. The bus reaches nearby Alta and has a commuter route to Sacramento. Interstate 80 is the region's expressway. Reno is approximately 85 miles northeast on I-80, and San Francisco is just over two hours away. Sacramento is about 50 miles southwest. The Sacramento International Airport is roughly 55 miles southwest, offering direct passenger flights to cities throughout the U.S., as well as destinations in Mexico and Canada.
The historic Colfax Depot sits near pine‑lined tracks at the edge of downtown.
Interstate 80 links Colfax to Sacramento in about an hour through the Sierra foothills.
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Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Bradley
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Megan Blackwell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Colfax, CA sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Colfax, CA over the last 12 months is $565,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury single story custom home located above the Bear River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mtns. Upon entering notice one of a kind custom acid etched front door glass depicting mountain fauna & flora. From the entry your eyes are drawn to the stunning floor to ceiling curved living room windows offering views of the mountains above the Bear River. Gorgeous engineered wood floors run
Welcome to Shade Glen Estates, a desirable 55+ community nestled in the scenic foothills, where comfort meets convenience in a cozy, move-in ready setting. This inviting 1,440 sq. ft. home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a spacious primary suite with a spa-like bath and large soaking tub, perfect for unwinding. The updated kitchen is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining,
GORGEOUS FORESTED SETTING 5 MINS FROM ROLLINS LAKE REC AREA. NEAR I-80 TO TAHOE OR SOUTH TO SAC. ABOVE FOG/BELOW SNOW. GARDENER'S PARADISE. VARIETY OF FRUIT TREES & PLANTS PLUS NATURAL HABITAT FOR INTERESTING WILDLIFE! SEASONAL STREAM W/WTRFALL! NEWER ROOF 3.5 ACS.
Lot#3.APN- 100-180-015-000. This 9.6 Acres was part of the Bear River Fire 2021. A building site has been cleared that has panoramic views of the local area and overlooks the Bear River. This could be the perfect place for your new home or a weekend cabin. Conveniently located near Interstate 80 which makes easy commuting. There is Underground electrical at the Road which goes through the
Darling Light and Bright Home in Desirable Shady Glen Estates (55+ Community) Welcome to this beautifully remodeled mobile home in the sought-after Shady Glen Senior Mobile Home Park of Colfax. This charming 2+ bedroom, 1-bath home offers a welcoming open layout with abundant natural light throughout. Enjoy the convenience of indoor laundry with a stackable washer and dryer included. Relax on the
Imagine the possibilities! Floating in your pool taking in the 360 degree views, including the High Sierra, from your mountaintop oasis. Taking the short 2.5 mile drive into town to grab a bite, procure provisions, or catch a show. Listening to the sounds of the surrounding wildlife and the Bear River just below. This can all be yours with these ready-to-build parcels. The hard work of
This 2 Story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, including a media room, sun room, and wine cellar, 2512 sq. ft on .72 acre lot. Upon arrival you are greeted by enhanced curb appeal featuring Hardie Backer siding, water features, and landscaped garden beds. The property boosts RV access, 2 covered car ports, detached garage/workshop with 220 voltage, observation deck, upgraded windows, newer roof,
Bryan HoshallNick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty
Come enjoy this charming Arts & Crafts home on 1.6 acres, ideal for multi‑generational living. The main level offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, dual master suites with a Jack & Jill bath, an office area, and a laundry room (approx. 1936 SF). The lower-level apartment with its own entrance includes 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a full kitchen, laundry room, new carpet, its own water heater, and a power
Framed by sweeping panoramic views of the Crystal Range mountains of Lake Tahoe, this Colfax foothill retreat offers a setting where open sky, distant peaks, and surrounding trees shape the experience of home. Elevated above the landscape, the property captures both privacy and a quiet sense of escape. Outdoor spaces are designed to embrace the views, with a large Trex deck extending from the
Sara RaudelunasNick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty
Located at 645 Rigby Ln in Applegate, CA, USA, this residential property presents an inviting home, thoroughly ready for immediate enjoyment. The kitchen provides a captivating space for culinary endeavors, featuring a stylish backsplash and elegant shaker cabinets. A prominent kitchen bar alongside a large kitchen island offers generous surfaces for meal preparation and informal dining. Equipped
Discover an opportunity to own approximately 10.5 acres in the beautiful Colfax area. This private, wooded property offers serene surroundings, a peaceful creek running through part of the land, and established trails for exploring your own slice of nature. With selective clearing, the property may offer stunning potential views. Power runs overhead through a portion of the property, and a perc
Laura SuddjianWindermere Signature Properties Auburn
Beautifully furnished home nestled on 5 private acres in the peaceful Colfax countryside. This serene retreat offers privacy, space, and modern convenience with owned solar and a backup generator for added efficiency and peace of mind. Enjoy the natural surroundings, fresh air, and quiet lifestyle while still being just a short drive to town. Located only a couple miles from Sugar Pine Reservoir,
Tucked among towering pines, just minutes from Rollins Lake and close to Interstate 80, this rare property combines privacy, natural beauty and opportunity. Set on 4.1 acres of forested land, the cozy residence serves as a perfect home for those looking peace and tranquility. Located half way between Sacramento and Tahoe this is your chance to find your perfect home boasting Tahoe vibes without
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