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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Grass Valley, CA sell after 51 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 $516,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into history with this charming 1,189 sq ft Contemporary Craftsman gem, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Grass Valley. Built in 1865, this lovingly restored and home blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering two spacious bedrooms and two full baths, plus a versatile extra room that could easily serve as a third bedroom if need be, home office, or cozy den. There's a
🏡 CHARMING 2 Bed / 2 Bath Home in Beautiful Ponderosa Pines - A Senior Community! Come HOME to this Darling, well-maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath HOME nestled in the highly sought-after Ponderosa Pines, A serene, tree-filled resident-owned senior park just minutes from downtown Grass Valley and conveniently located right off Highway 49. This home has been LOVINGLY cared for and is Move-In
Lavender farm? Check. Guest quarters? Check. Dream home? Check! Sprawled across 5+ enchanting acres located in the coveted Peardale area, this 3,600+ sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 3 1/2-bathroom masterpiece is a haven of serenity and style. This mostly fenced, sunlit home features vaulted ceilings, a sprawling master suite, gourmet kitchen and tasteful details throughout. Beyond the main residence, a
Nestled in a serene forest setting, this charming 3-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bath home offers the perfect blend of nature and convenience. Large windows in the inviting living room bring in natural light and stunning woodland views, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The kitchen is a true showstopper, featuring leathered granite countertops and custom-painted backsplash tiles so gorgeous that Martha
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
Welcome to Berryhill Apartments of Grass Valley, California. This beautiful community features a rural setting with a number of amazing benefits. Berryhill Apartments has something positive to offer tenants of all ages and backgrounds. Choose an apartment that overlooks the wooded ravine or out onto the surrounding hills. At Berryhill Apartments, the entire staff is dedicated to helping you
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,
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