$536,928Average Value$303Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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
Justin Arnest,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Colfax, CA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Colfax, CA over the last 12 months is $587,500, up 14% 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
Beautiful, build-ready property just minutes from I-80, offering privacy, usability, and key improvements already in place. This gently sloping parcel features a lovely bench ideal for building, with selective clearing that preserves mature black oaks and conifers for natural beauty and shade. Seasonal creeks and treed views enhance the peaceful setting, while paved roads and an upscale rural
YOU DON`T SEE THIS EVERY DAY! Multi unit property on 2 acres, yet walking distance to downtown. End of the road privacy behind a gate. Main home is remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home on a foundation with nice covered deck to enjoy the morning or evening views while enjoying your favorite beverage or watching friends and family splash around in the pool complete with outdoor bar! Newly
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
Better Than New! Immaculate and well-maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, appx. 2122 sq ft, custom home on 6.1 acres. Enjoy lovely views from all windows in this very quiet, peaceful setting. With end-of-the-road privacy and surrounded by beautiful custom homes, this is truly One Fine Place! Sliding glass doors open to the back yard and patio, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor
Hidden Valley Sanctuary: A pristine valley sanctuary and all surrounding hills: 82+ acre estate offering abundant water, 8 permitted homes, income producing property, established infrastructure, and future development in the foothills of Lake Tahoe. Offering five times the value of comparable Tahoe estates, this has superior water security & self-sufficiency just one hour from the lake.
easily accessible, relatively flat large parcel adjacent to paved big dipper road. Perfect spot for private, off grid dream home nestled in the forest with lots of privacy. Pine, douglas fir , cedar and oak trees cover the property. Hard line telephone available. Sugar pine recreation area ~ 1.5 miles away and n. fork recreation area ~ 6 miles away as you head towards colfax
Seller just had fill dirt delivered and will be having building pad enlarged! Build Your Dream Home or Weekend Getaway! Don't miss this scenic 1.2-acre parcel, ready for your vision with well, septic, and electricity already installed, plus a building pad already cut. Nestled just minutes from beautiful Rollins Lake and the historic charm of downtown Colfax, this property offers both tranquility
Investor's dream in the heart of Colfax, 3 acres zoned for mobile home park development. This 3 acre parcel is zoned for up to 8 units per acre, zoned for home park development. This property currently features two existing dwellings. Two graded pads on a private well and septic system. City utilities are conveniently located at the end of the driveway ready for easy hook up. Whether you're
Unique opportunity in a prime location! This vacant parcel sits within a residential neighborhood yet borders the commercial district, offering the flexibility of a Neighborhood Commercial zoning designation. Build your dream home, a small business, or a mixed-use project: the choice is yours. The property enjoys beautiful views of downtown and tree-lined surroundings, providing both convenience
Sarah Stone-FranciscoCentury 21 Cornerstone Realty
Opportunity awaits in the Colfax foothills! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath fixer offers over 3,000 sq ft of living space on a beautiful 2-acre parcel. Ideal for those looking to customize and add value, the home features a functional layout with plenty of room to reimagine. Enjoy the benefits of stand-alone solar, providing energy independence, and a large 36 x 24 shopperfect for hobbies,
Craving a true Sierra mountain lifestylequiet, private, and immersed in natureyet close enough to stay connected to community and conveniences? This rare 11.7-acre wooded retreat delivers. A picturesque canal flows through the land, with the Bear River nearby for fishing, gold panning, hiking, and outdoor adventure. Whether envisioned as a primary residence, peaceful getaway, cabin or chalet,
Welcome to a beautiful custom-built home designed for comfortable living! Step inside and be greeted by a bright, open concept layout that flows seamlessly between the living area, the kitchen, and the formal dining space. The home was built to encourage enjoyment of the outdoors, featuring a large deck that extends your living space - perfect for entertaining or sipping your morning coffee. The
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