$572,197Average Value$315Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
Cows, gold and televisions: historic town in the Sierra Nevada foothills
In the early 1800s, Grass Valley was a tiny settlement named for top-tier grazing. By the 1850s, everybody knew it for its logging and gold. The Sierra Nevada foothills flooded with miners during this time, many of them from Cornwall, England, and the area’s Empire Mine became the industrial center of the region. It went on to produce 5.8 million ounces of gold — worth over $15 billion today — until its closure in 1956. “We had a real economic downturn then because we weren’t mining or logging anymore,” says Dick Law with Paul Law Realty, a Realtor and broker that’s lived here for over 50 years. “Then a bunch of people from Silicon Valley came here, and the Grass Valley Group started making its broadcasting equipment. They called us Video Valley because we had more video engineers than anywhere in the world. That dissipated in the 2000s, and then we started building up tourism and the service industry. It became a retirement community for people from LA or the Bay Area.” Some remote workers have moved here after the pandemic, too, and now roughly 14,000 people call the valley home.
Single-family homes dominate the residential landscape in Grass Valley.
The streets of Grass Valley are walkable but have hills.Hilly terrain adds charm to the walkable downtown streets of Grass Valley.
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Endless recreation with Empire Mine Historic Park, Yuba River
Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Tahoe National Forest, Grass Valley is a recreation hub. The town’s famous mine has been converted into Empire Mine State Historic Park, a wooded area with miles of hiking, mountain biking and horse riding trails. Condon Park is another forested area with a skate park and a gold miner statue. Though the Yuba River is about 15 miles west of town, some residents think it’s worth the drive. “The Yuba River is one of the most pristine places on Earth, and very few people know about it besides us locals,” Law says. “It’s so gorgeous and photogenic, it’ll make your jaw drop.” Whitewater rafting, fishing and other water sports are common, and wooded trails line the river’s banks.
Wooden covered bridge crosses the Yuba River in scenic Yuba River State Park.
Locals stroll wooded trails at Condon Park on a crisp afternoon.
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Breweries and boutiques in Downtown Grass Valley
Downtown Grass Valley is not just a hub for tourists. It’s a blend of Gold Rush history and contemporary art. Victorian brick buildings date back to the 1850s and are often on the National Register of Historic Places; artists have converted some of these buildings into galleries, and murals depict the area’s nature and Indigenous Nisenan people. “It’s a culturally rich community,” Law says. “We have a diverse group of people that bring art and life to the area.” Restaurants, cafés, breweries, gift shops and boutiques are scattered throughout the district, but they’re mostly on pedestrian-friendly Mill Street. The Del Oro Theatre is a 1942-built, art deco outlier, and The Center For The Arts is a venue for concerts, comedy and other performances. Neighboring Nevada City has another historic downtown with restaurants and shops.
Locals browse storefronts along car-free Mill Street in downtown Grass Valley.
Center of town becomes a hub for connection and relaxed socializing.
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Street fairs like Cornish Christmas, Thursday Night Markets
In addition to small community gatherings, Grass Valley has roughly 15 annual events in its downtown district. Cornish Christmas is a traditional holiday celebration on select Fridays in November and December. This street fair has filled the air with chestnuts, cider and choirs since 1968. Grass Valley Thursday Night Markets runs in May and June, and it’s a similar fair featuring local farmers, musicians, crafters and restauranteurs. July Fourth brings a pancake breakfast and evening bands to Mill Street.
Victorian and contemporary homes in downtown, Morgan Ranch
Close to Downtown Grass Valley, Victorian homes from the 1880s are the most well-known properties in town. But they’re not the only option. Manufactured homes from the 1970s are on the northeast side, in flatter areas like Olympia Glade. Contemporary properties from the 1980s and onward are in the western hills, clustered in neighborhoods like Morgan Ranch and Bella Vista Park. The median sale price here is $535,000, roughly the same as neighboring Alta Sierra but slightly more affordable than Nevada City.
Victorian-era home from the 1880s stands proudly in historic Grass Valley.
Landscaped front yard adds curb appeal in Grass Valley’s northern hills neighborhood.
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Grass Valley School District, Nevada Joint Union High School District
Grass Valley School District has about 1,700 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, and its five schools get an overall C-plus from Niche. With another five schools, Nevada Joint Union High School District serves 2,500 students across 700-plus square miles. Niche gives it a B-plus, but its Ghidotti Early College High receives an A.
Grass Valley’s Nevada Union High School offers education for grades 9–12.
School entrance at Lyman Gilmore Middle School framed by trees and signage.
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Northern California summers, crime levels in Grass Valley
Grass Valley’s elevation allows it to escape regional weather patterns, and locals often say the city is “below the snow, above the fog.” Winters are damp in the 50s, while summers are dry in the 80s. Summer is also wildfire season. Though July 2024’s Park Fire was roughly 100 miles north, air quality reached hazardous levels in the valley.
In 2023, Grass Valley's average of monthly violent offenses was higher than state and national averages. The same can be said for property crime offense rates. However, violent crime rates were down 10% year-over-year, and property rates fell 14%.
State Route 49 and day trips to Sacramento, Tahoe
State Route 49 is the main north-south thoroughfare through Grass Valley. Starting in downtown, it goes about 4 miles north to neighboring Nevada City. It also connects west to state Route 20 for access to Penn Valley and Yuba City, and Interstate 80 is south of town. Sacramento is about 60 miles south via this interstate and state routes, and Lake Tahoe is about 70 miles east. Nevada County Connects has bus routes through seven cities, including Grass Valley. Nevada County Airport is just outside of town, but Sacramento International Airport is the closest option for commercial flights.
State Route 49 heads four miles north to Nevada City, a nearby Gold Rush town.
The closest airport to Grass Valley, SMF connects the region to major U.S. cities.
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Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Harold Frink,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Grass Valley, CA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Grass Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $519,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This light and bright three bedroom two bath open floor plan mobile home with 9 ft ceilings is located in the desirable 55+ community of Sierra Pines Mobile Home Park. It is conveniently located within minutes of downtown Grass Valley and highway 49/20 on ramps to Nevada City and Auburn. This is a well thought out floor plan which has an open concept living area with high ceilings and 3 large
This gated property has all you need to live comfortably in the Sierra Foothills. The home features 2 Bedrooms and an Office, could be a 3rd bedroom. Family, Living Room, and Formal Dining. Kitchen features a large walk in pantry. Outside, there is a covered deck, back porch for entertaining, a home generator, underground water storage tanks for irrigation, fire suppression. The back area of the
Sunny, sweet 3 bedroom home with views towards downtown Grass Valley and located on a quiet cul-de-sac! Nice open floor plan greets you with an lovely living room with vaulted ceilings and sliding glass door leading out to the concrete patio with awning and sunny fenced slope for gardening! The floor plan lives much larger and the three bedrooms are generous. 3.3 KW Roof solar panels installed
Affordable and beautifully remodeled one-story home in a charming Grass Valley neighborhood! This move-in ready home features fresh paint, new carpet, and thoughtful upgrades throughout. The well-maintained tile roof, spacious 2-car garage, large back deck, and fenced yard make it perfect for outdoor living, gardening, or pets. Additional amenities include a covered storage shed and separate tool
10978 Squirrel Creek Rd - Unique Live/Work Opportunity Near Downtown Grass Valley ##SELLER IS PROCEEDING WITH SUBDIVIDING THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FROM THE COMMERCIAL. ## This 6.9-acre property features two houses on one lot just minutes from downtown Grass Valley. The main residence is a beautiful 2,310 sq ft two-story home situated across from Scotten School, offering serene
Carman Court - Prime 5-Lot Subdivision in Grass Valley, CA Exceptional opportunity for builders or developers! Carman Court offers five build-ready parcels on a private cul-de-sac with paved road access, marvelous views, and a peaceful setting surrounded by pines and oaks. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Grass Valley and 15 minutes from Rollins Lake, this property combines convenience with
Nestled in a tranquil corner of the Sierra Foothills just 15 minutes from Grass Valley, Pine Cone Circle offers two exceptional, adjoining parcels in a private, gated setting. These lots are offered separately, but truly shine when purchased togetherfor a family compound, home + ADU, or multi-use retreat.This special parcel includes: - Well, building pad, and approved MUSDA - Shared gated paved
THIS ONE IS A BEAUTY!! Tastefully and thoughtfully renovated inside and out. Recent remodel makes the place shine, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. Nice open design makes conversation easy while preparing meals. Dining area opening to deck is perfect for those summer BBQ`s! Single level living once inside. Primary bedroom is spacious and bright. Nice size walk in closet. OWNED SOLAR means
Assumable FHA Loan at 4.25% for a qualifying buyer! Stunning sunsets and sweeping panoramic views await! This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath custom manufactured home sits on 5 private acres with multiple access points and an upper building pad offering exciting future potential. On the upper pad, you'll find a prime site for a second homeideal for multigenerational living, guest
517 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA Mixed-Use Opportunity ((LIVE, WORK, INCOME RENTAL ALL ON ONE GRASS VALLEY CITY LOT)) Nestled in the heart of Grass Valley, 517 Mill Street offers a rare commercial + residential mixed-use proposition with tremendous flexibility and exposure. Situated on an 8,712 sq ft lot, this property is ideal for a business owner seeking live/work arrangements or an investor
Steeped in equestrian history and brimming with potential, this renowned property is a once-in-a-lifetime offering. Spanning 63.34 acres across six parcels, this legendary ranch has produced prize-winning cattle and racehorses. This well-equipped property features: ✔ 60 stalls, multiple barns, and miscellaneous structures; ✔ 1/2-mile racetrack, outdoor arena, and a covered indoor
Discover the charm of Sierra Pines Mobile Home Park, a vibrant 55+ community designed for comfortable, active living. This charming, well-maintained manufactured home offers a spacious layout with a cozy living room warmed by a gas stove, a bright kitchen with ample counter space, and an inviting dining area featuring a built-in hutch for added storage. Step outside to unwind on the covered
Welcome to Berryhill, where convenience, style, and comfort enhance your apartment living experience. Our apartments in Grass Valley, CA, have everything you need to both live simply and thrive in a setting that naturally feels like home. Enjoy access to a variety of restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment to get a taste of the vibrant neighborhood that surrounds you. You will experience the
Hilltop Commons Senior Living of Grass Valley, California, is devoted to celebrating each member of our community.Stress-free living in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Mountains means more time to enjoy a morning stroll in the fresh air, an exercise class, or a cup of coffee and a chat with friends on our spacious outdoor patio. Enjoy everything our all-inclusive lifestyle offers,
Property Id: 2321977Welcome to your new sanctuary at 11724 Alta Vista Ave, a beautifully fully furnished single-family home nestled in the heart of Grass Valley, CA. This spacious 1,316 square foot residence features 2 cozy bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, making it perfect for two adults. Enjoy the convenience of modern appliances including a dishwasher, microwave, range oven, and
Property Id: 23137021 bedroom located in Alta Sierra. Quiet neighborhood. Bamboo floors in living room and kitchen. Large pantry in kitchen. Large linen closet in bathroom. Ceiling fan in bedroom. Great closet space in bedroom. Storage space also, off of bedroom.
Charming classic triplex in historic Downtown Grass Valley. Each unit features new paint, new carpeting, a new gas range, new refrigerator and a new washer / dryer. Shared backyard space. Walkable location to shops and restaurants. Must see to appreciate!
Enjoy tall pines and a quiet, modern apartment 5 minutes from downtown Grass Valley. This newly-remodeled apartment is smart and efficient, and everything is brand new. Perfect for people who want all the basics without a lot of hassle. Our neighborhood is chill, and you’ll be sharing the property with two worldly, working professionals.Modern, 1-bedroom apartment. Brand new everything.
Available February 12th. Fully furnished monthly rental. More than a backyard cottage, this newly renovated space features quality finishes and thoughtful modern and minimalist design. Light, bright and airy, large windows and a vaulted ceiling create spaciousness and connection to the outdoors. The kitchen is fully amenitized and features stainless steel appliances with everything you need
This furnished studio cottage on Banner Mtn offers 450 square feet of living space, featuring one bathroom and separate kitchen. The unit includes essential amenities such as high-speed internet access, heating, and ceiling fans for comfort. The kitchen is equipped for convenience with refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster oven, and the living area is enhanced by a vaulted ceiling, creating an
Sweet one bedroom, one bath with shower and washer/dryer included. Kitchen includes all new stove and refrigerator, cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, and new wood-tile flooring throughout. Cozy propane stove for heat, LED lighting, bedroom fan with remote control and wifi. Although the apartment is attached to our home, it has its own separate entrance on ten private acres on Banner
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