More affordable homes, recreation and highly rated schools in Diamond Springs
Diamond Springs was named for its crystal-clear springs, a luxury during Gold Rush times when miners fended for themselves. The water, along with the discovery of a 25-pound gold nugget transformed the area from a place to pass through to one to put down roots as well as brick and mortar. The town lives on today as a bedroom community for Placerville, 3 miles away, and Sacramento, 42 miles to the west. “You’re very close to Highway 50 here,” says Samuel Weiner, broker associate with Exp Realty of California, Inc., with over 20 years of experience. “And you have the potential to own a more affordable home, as some prices here are lower than in Placerville. Shopping and recreational areas are also right in town.”
Remnants of the gold rush era are kept alive by saloons and restaurants in Diamond Springs.
Soak in some sun and glance at the beautiful springs found throughout Diamond Springs.
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From modern ranch-style homes to custom-builds
The median sale price for single-family homes here is $494,000, lower than the state and higher than the national median. Ranch-style homes from the 1960s and ‘70s range from around $320,000 to $575,000. These typically feature up to four bedrooms and sit on over quarter-acre lots. New traditional Craftsman-style homes on acre lots range from about $665,000 to $850,000, while up to 10-acre custom estates in more rural areas are priced between $1 million and $2.35 million. Towering pine and palm trees surround most homes here.
Modern ranch-style homes with two car garages are common in Diamond Springs.
Large properties with custom-build homes are located on the northern end of Diamond Springs.
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Highly rated school districts
Kids can attend the Mother Lode Union Elementary School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche and serves around 850 students. They can transition to the El Dorado Union High School District, which earns an A from Niche. Mountainside Success Academy, a charter school, is an alternative high school here. Folsom Lake College—El Dorado Center to the west offers flexible scheduling, career development and transfer opportunities.
Herbert Green Middle School in Diamond Springs is a highly rated school in the Mother Lode Union Elementary School District.
The El Dorado Union High School District is committed to providing excellent education for students in Diamond Springs.
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Recreational trails and stargazing
Toward the southwest, the El Dorado trail features a paved and unpaved path that follows the railroad tracks. Sections are being updated, and work to extend it is ongoing. Locals can fish or kayak in nearby reservoirs, or run around in pocket parks, typically featuring playgrounds and basketball courts. Stargazers can view constellations at the Community Observatory, located outside Folsom Lake College. They can also enjoy sky tours or lounging in the theater while viewing.
Go for a hike or run on the El Dorado trail in Diamond Springs.
Residents in Diamond Springs can go stargazing at the Community Observatory on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Downtown eateries and coffee shops
Diamond Springs’ two shopping centers sit to the southwest and offer chain businesses, big-box stores like Target and retailers like Ross Dress for Less. Grocery stores also occupy these strip malls. Additional shops are found further into Placerville. In downtown, coffee shops, thrift stores and local businesses line Main Street, along with a burger joint and clapboard hotel turned restaurant. Other eateries serve Tex-Mex fare, pizza and sandwiches, and an Irish pub features live music. The Diamond Springs Flea Market is open year-round.
Start your morning with a cup of coffee from Love Birds Coffee & Tea in Diamond Springs.
Besides Halloween graveyard tours and haunted rides, Weiner says Diamond Springs doesn’t have a lot of community-wide events like Placerville, so most go there for fun. Annual art walks and music fests, along with the Rock and Gem Show, are popular. Area wineries fill up on the weekends.
Diamond Springs residents can take a 10 minute drive to nearby Placerville for community events.
Main Street Placerville is where Diamond Springs residents can go on art walks held every third Saturday.
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Two routes out of town and city bus services
Diamond Road (State Route 49) leads 3 miles north to Placerville and the nearby El Dorado Freeway (U.S. Route 50) leads roughly 43 miles southwest to Sacramento. El Dorado Transit offers fixed bus routes and dial-a-ride services, and the Sacramento Commuter provides trips to the capital. Marshall Hospital is about 10 minutes north, and Placerville has a domestic airport that only provides local flights in light aircraft. For international flights, residents head to Sacramento International Airport about an hour west.
Increasing crime rates and fire risk
According to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Diamond Spring’s violent and property crime rates have risen slightly year over year, but are still below state and national numbers. Diamond Springs experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cool winters. “If we get any snow, it usually melts pretty quick,” says Weiner. Like the rest of the county, the town has a high fire risk and fire insurance is difficult to obtain.
Written By
Tess Evans
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Kandi Thompson
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Divine Properties
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Brenda ManginelliWindermere Signature Properties Cameron Park/Placerville
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