Suburban living in the golden foothills of the Sierra Nevada
In El Dorado Hills, winding roads twist through the straw-colored slopes of the California countryside east of Folsom Lake. Envisioned as a master-planned community in the 1950s, this unincorporated town outside Sacramento is where the suburbs fizzle out, giving way to the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. “It’s up in the hills, above the fray,” says Victoria Witham, broker at Witham Real Estate and a longtime El Dorado Hills resident. “It’s a little escape from the hustle and bustle of Sacramento.” Gated communities, spacious homes, large lots and plenty of outdoor recreation have made this one of the fastest growing communities in the region, and one of the most expensive.
El Dorado Hills begins the climb out of the Sacramento Valley.
El Dorado Hills has miles of trails paved and unpaved.
High-end homes are available in El Dorado hills on large lots.
The winding roads of El Dorado Hills adds to the unique lay of the land here.
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Spacious homes, large lots and hillside views
El Dorado Hills offers a wide range of upscale homes in gated communities and subdivisions. Contemporary-style homes are the most common here, owing to the town’s rapid expansion over the past three decades, but there are also older homes that date back to the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Many homes are situated along rolling hillsides with sweeping views of the countryside. Some of the most exclusive neighborhoods have homes that sit just a few hundred yards from the shores of Folsom Lake. The median home price is around $900,000, with modest midcentury homes typically listing for less, while luxury homes can top $2 million.
Homes in El Dorado Hills with an unobstructed view of Folsom Lake sell for a premium price.
Red tile roofs are found all across California but are rare in El Dorado Hills.
Some El Dorado Hills homes sit close to the shore of Folsom Lake.
The median home price in El Dorado Hills is about $900,000, while newer, luxury homes can top $2 million.
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Lakeside activities, community parks and country clubs
Outdoor recreation abounds in El Dorado Hills. Residents can book a tee-time at the high-end Serrano Country Club, spend a day boating and sunbathing at Folsom Lake or hike the many trails that extend out into the hillsides outside of town. There are also 28 community parks encompassing over 500 acres within El Dorado Hills, so residents are never far from playgrounds, ballfields and picnic areas. Plans for new parks are moving ahead, with the goal of having one neighborhood park within a half mile of every home. Lake Tahoe, one of the nation’s premier outdoor tourism destinations, is only an hour and a half east.
Serrano Country Club is a high-end neighborhood within El Dorado Hills.
Browns Ravine Trailhead offers residents of El Dorado Hills a well-maintained walking path.
About 2 million people visit the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area each year.
El Dorado Hills Community Park has a covered playground for the tiny tots.
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Highly rated public schools
El Dorado Hills is home to highly rated schools. The Buckeye Union Elementary School District earns a B-plus rating from Niche, while the Rescue Union Elementary School District earns an A-minus, and the El Dorado Union High School District earns an A. Oak Ridge High is among the state’s top echelon of schools for its graduation rate, far exceeding the statewide average. It’s also known for its athletic programs, which have brought home several state and regional championships over the past 20 years.
The student population of Oak Meadow Elementary is 473.
Niche gives Lake Forest Elementary an A- grade for academics.
Oak Ridge High School is the last step before a college career for students in El Dorado Hills.
Oak Ridge High School has State Championships to their credit.
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Shopping, dining and entertainment close to home
El Dorado Hills Town Center is the go-to shopping destination. This walkable commercial district has dozens of restaurants, local businesses, a hotel and a movie theater. Groceries and everyday goods can be found at Target, Raley’s and Nugget Markets. There’s also a much smaller shopping plaza near the northern edge of the town with a Safeway, a gas station and several local eateries. For everything else, more shopping is on tap a few miles away in the city of Folsom.
The El Dorado Hills Town Center is a vast shopping area with dozens of stores.
Relish Burger Bar is a tasty go to in El Dorado Hills
Regal Cinemas was renovated and provides modern amenities to moviegoers in El Dorado Hills.
Nugget Market is a family-owned grocer that offers high-end food to El Dorado Hills residents.
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Getting around greater Sacramento
Because El Dorado Hills is in the outskirts of the Sacramento metropolitan area, residents will likely need a car to get around. U.S. Route 50 runs along the southern edge of the town and is the quickest way to get to into Sacramento, about 30 miles away. The Sacramento International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 40 miles away, with nonstop flights to major cities like Washington D.C., Los Angeles and Miami.
Low crime in El Dorado County
El Dorado Hills doesn’t have its own police department. The town falls under the jurisdiction of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office. The county’s violent crime and property crime rates are typically low. In 2023, there were 62 violent offenses per 100,000 residents, which is 63% lower than the national average and 45% lower than the statewide average, according to FBI stats.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Hulsey,
an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in El Dorado Hills, CA sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in El Dorado Hills, CA over the last 12 months is $950,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the rolling hills of El Dorado Hills, this contemporary single-story home is located within The Overlook, an exclusive gated community of just 28 homes, offering both privacy and a sense of arrival. Originally the builder's model, the home features over $300,000 in upgrades and a thoughtfully designed floor plan with approximately 3,832 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, and 4.5 baths. Each bedroom
Welcome to 8013 Damico Drive, located in the highly sought after gated community of Serrano in El Dorado Hills. This beautifully maintained four bedroom, three bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to discover a light-filled, open-concept floor plan designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the
Hard-to-find Blackstone home in El Dorado Hills with owned solar, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, main-level primary suite, upstairs loft, and an entertainer's backyard with pool, spa, covered patio, built-in BBQ, and outdoor TV. Designed for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining, this spacious home features a huge great room that opens beautifully to the backyard retreat with covered patio,
Set within the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,600 square feet of comfortable living on a quarter-acre lot in desirable Cameron Park. Thoughtfully designed with both functionality and style in mind, the home features high ceilings that create an open, airy feel throughout the main living areas. Step into the welcoming living room and continue
There's a reason people fall in love with El Dorado Hills and this home sits right in the middle of everything that makes it so easy to stay. Nestled inside the gated Bridlewood Canyon community directly across from Bass Lake, 4023 Harlington Circle offers the kind of setting that feels like a retreat while keeping you close to everything you need. The home spans 2,380 square feet across two
Nestled in the rolling hills of El Dorado Hills, this contemporary single-story home is located within The Overlook, an exclusive gated community of just 28 homes, offering both privacy and a sense of arrival. Originally the builder's model, the home features over $300,000 in upgrades and a thoughtfully designed floor plan with approximately 3,832 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, and 4.5 baths. Each bedroom
Welcome to 8013 Damico Drive, located in the highly sought after gated community of Serrano in El Dorado Hills. This beautifully maintained four bedroom, three bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to discover a light-filled, open-concept floor plan designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the
Fall in love with the charm, convenience, and community of Oakridge Village at the heart of El Dorado Hills. This updated 2 story home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2,290 square feet of well-designed living space. The main level features an open and welcoming floorplan, large living and dining room combo with gas fireplace, beautifully updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz
Eric Pine
Windermere Signature Properties El Dorado Hills/Folsom
ENCHANTING SERRANO MODEL HOME REIMAGINED ON A PARK WITH VIEWS! QUIET WITH NO REAR NEIGHBOR! THIS IS A TURN KEY MASTERPIECE, NEWLY, FULLY REMODELED PARK SIDE HIDEAWAY! Nestled within secure gates on a quiet lane in the BEST village, amidst vintage oaks, near to the legendary Serrano Golf Course and County Club. Enjoy 4-5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage with CLEAR PEST and Roof Certification. As you
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the exclusive gated community of Palisades at Blackstone in El Dorado Hills. This spacious 4-bedroom, 4 full bathroom residence offers a versatile and functional floor plan ideal for modern living this house includes a fully owned solar system for energy efficiency. The main level features a convenient downstairs bedroom with a walk-in closet and a
Nestled in the highly sought-after Waterford neighborhood, this scenic property offers an ideal blend of comfort, charm, and convenience. Located just minutes from top-rated elementary and middle schools, and a local shopping center, the location is as practical as it is picturesque. This spacious home features: an inviting front porch entry and a spacious covered back porch/deckperfect for
Prime corner lot in the desirable Lake Hills Estates of El Dorado Hills! This ready-to-build parcel offers the perfect opportunity to design and construct your dream home. Enjoy serene lake views and a peaceful neighborhood setting. Water meter is already on site, saving you time and expense. Excellent location close to top-rated schools, shopping, and recreation. No HOA and No Mello-Roos! A rare
Hard-to-find Blackstone home in El Dorado Hills with owned solar, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, main-level primary suite, upstairs loft, and an entertainer's backyard with pool, spa, covered patio, built-in BBQ, and outdoor TV. Designed for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining, this spacious home features a huge great room that opens beautifully to the backyard retreat with covered patio,
Seize the opportunity to build your dream home on this spacious lot in the peaceful community of El Dorado Hills, conveniently situated near Folsom Lake. This prime property offers stunning views of the rolling hills, a sight that will surely inspire you every day. It's in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to hiking, running, and biking trails. Embrace the nearby Folsom Lake for swimming,
Large One Story Pool Home with Large Back Yard. Don't miss this turnkey home in Stonegate Village. Kit & baths are tastefully updated. Warm colors, tile floors, both bathrooms have heated floors, Granite counters, & New Windows are among the many upgrades. Newer HVAC & Water Heater. Built in pool w/newer equipment for summer fun. Garden boxes, fruit trees and blueberry bushes complete this
Find your new dream home at Element 79, where designer details meet outstanding community amenities. Featuring brand new stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops in every home, our 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for rent located near El Dorado Hills Town Center are uniquely crafted to elevate your lifestyle. From the 24-hour fitness center to the heated saltwater swimming pool, Element 79 is
Immaculate semi-custom 4 bed, 3.5 bath home in the custom enclave of Serrano. Nestled on a quiet, private parcel behind the guarded gates of prestigious Serrano Golf & Country Club, this 4,367 sq ft residence offers a charming, highly functional floor plan in pristine condition. Enter through a private gated courtyard with fireplace into a warm, inviting interior featuring hand-scraped maple
Christopher WolfeeXp Realty of Northern California, Inc.
Offering designer condo-level finishes and amenities, our community of luxury apartment homes provides a lifestyle that is unparalleled throughout prestigious El Dorado Hills. Discover spacious floor plans featuring open concepts and gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops and sleek stainless-steel appliances. Begin and end your day savoring fresh air on your private patio or balcony. Enjoy
Welcome to El Dorado Village Apartments. Our prestigious community offers the best comfort around. We offer one- and two-bedroom apartments with wonderful views, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Each apartment home comes with a one car detached garage, and a full-sized washer and dryer. We are close to Folsom Lake, and the best schools are within walking distance. You will enjoy our
Our residences make it easy to enjoy life in El Dorado Hills, with resort amenities, beautiful gourmet kitchens, in-home washer and dryers, cozy gas fireplaces, and spacious private patios and balconies. Chic interior finishes, such as granite counter-tops and soaring ceilings, makes your home a unique retreat, perfect for lounging around.
When only the best will do, experience Lake Forest in El Dorado Hills, where we didn't just build you an apartment, we built you a home.Unmatched quality in every detail is presented to you in a classic style. Our residents enjoy a peaceful and luxurious lifestyle in beautiful El Dorado Hills.Lake Forest is ideally located-high on a wooded knoll, above the fog, in prestigious El
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Ready for new tenants to move in from 03/03! Nestled in the picturesque setting of El Dorado Hills, this stunning residence at 1712 Carnegie Way offers an exquisite blend of elegance and comfort. The property boasts a grand entrance with a beautifully landscaped front yard, enhanced by mature trees and vibrant
$6,950 per month
Unparalleled Executive Luxury Rental Home in Gated Community
Discover a uniquely SPECTACULAR LUXURY NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME with TOP OF THE LINE UPGRADES THROUGHOUT! This ENERGY SAVING Solar-Powered home with a TESLA BATTERY BACKUP AND EV CHARGERS is located at the end of a PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC backing to a GREENBELT in the prestigious Gated Community of Sienna Ridge Estates. The Home offers MULTI-GEN LIVING with a DOWNSTAIRS JR. SUITE, 5 total bedrooms with
$6,300 per month
BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW "NEXT-GEN" HOME W/ SOLAR & SIERRA VIEWS!!
WOW! The SNOW-COVERED SIERRA VIEWS and the PRIVACY afforded from this NEWER CONSTRUCITON EXECUTIVE-STYLED SOLAR home is AMAZING! This is Lennar’s “Next Generation Home”, meaning it has an in-law/guest suite with separate entrance, washer/dryer, separate live-in area AND with its own 1-car garage. There are a total of 5-bedroom, 4.5 baths, 4-car garage, plus a huge bonus room upstairs with balcony
$2,995 per month
Cresleigh near Wild Life Preserve 3 Bedroom + Den!!
4049 Monte Verde "Cresleigh near Wild Life Preserve" A 3 bedroom + large den, 2 bath, with approx. 1700sf, Formal living room, formal dining area, family room with fireplace, Large kitchen with lots of storage and a breakfast bar. It also has a breakfast nook , indoor laundry. Large primary bedroom with huge primary bath and a walk in closet. Nice back yard with large patio. Views of the
Welcome to this beautifully designed, brand-new Lennar home located in the thoughtfully planned community of Heritage at Carson Creek in El Dorado Hills. This residence offers a comfortable and modern living experience within a 55+ community, designed for convenience and ease of living.This single-story home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with an open-concept layout that
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