Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Rough and Ready is a small, historic community with a unique gold rush heritage. Its rural charm is defined by rolling hills, open spaces and a streetscape dotted with historic buildings and country homes. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, strong community ties and easy access to outdoor recreation, all while being just a short drive from Grass Valley and Nevada City.
Homes in Rough and Ready primarily consist of single-family detached houses and some mobile homes, with prices typically ranging from the low $400,000s to the low $800,000s, depending on size and acreage. “There isn’t much going on in Rough and Ready. It’s a quiet, rural area,” says Realtor Darlene Dee Mariani of Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years. “The appeal is having a little more space and easy access to the outdoors.” The streetscape is rural, featuring hilly scenery, meadows and historic buildings that line Rough and Ready Highway. Older, gold rush-era buildings blend with modern residences, offering small-town charm alongside wooded lots and open space. Many properties feature mature trees and large yards.
Founded during the California gold rush in 1849 by a group of Wisconsin miners, Rough and Ready was named after U.S. Army general Zachary Taylor, who was nicknamed “Old Rough and Ready.” The town famously seceded from the Union in April 1850 as the “Great Republic of Rough and Ready” to dodge mining taxes, then rejoined a few months later. Historic landmarks include a toll house built in 1859 and a handful of buildings also dating back to the 19th century.
Local public schools serving Rough and Ready include Ready Springs Elementary, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and is part of the Penn Valley Union Elementary School District. Nevada Union High School is part of the Nevada Joint Union High School District and has received the California Distinguished Schools award and the National Blue Ribbon award.
Commuting in Rough and Ready is primarily car-dependent, with limited public transportation options. Most residents travel to Grass Valley, Nevada City or Sacramento for work, so owning a vehicle is essential.
Amenities in Rough and Ready are limited and often require a drive. There’s a small grocery store, basic community services and a few local businesses. “There’s not much in town. There’s a grange, a fire department and a winery, but that’s about it,” Mariani says. For more shopping, dining and entertainment, residents head to Grass Valley or Nevada City. High-speed internet is available throughout the town, making it well-suited to remote work.
Rough and Ready’s rural setting offers numerous outdoor opportunities for nature lovers. Its proximity to the Sierra Nevada foothills makes it ideal for year-round recreation. “Nevada County really lends itself to a lot of outdoor activity,” Mariani says. Residents are within driving distance of:
The community is tight-knit, with many longtime residents and retirees. The Rough and Ready Chamber of Commerce, Grange Hall and the volunteer fire department host monthly social events. The Rough and Ready Grange hosts monthly breakfasts and community events, functioning as a central gathering spot. Annual events include a celebration of the town’s quirky history, featuring a small festival and chili cook-off.
Teresa Dietrich
Gold Country Ranches and Realty
(530) 557-3112
114 Total Sales
1 in Rough and Ready
$218,000 Price
Mimi Simmons
Century 21 Cornerstone Realty
(530) 557-3600
412 Total Sales
9 in Rough and Ready
$330K - $950K Price Range
Zach Mongston
eXp Realty of California Inc.
(530) 450-3477
35 Total Sales
1 in Rough and Ready
$580,000 Price
Moriah Blue
Century 21 Cornerstone Realty
(530) 460-6493
53 Total Sales
1 in Rough and Ready
$600,000 Price
Kelly Woessner
Century 21 Cornerstone Realty
(530) 460-4953
54 Total Sales
1 in Rough and Ready
$600,000 Price
Cheryl Rellstab
Re/Max Gold
(530) 460-4501
247 Total Sales
2 in Rough and Ready
$150K - $498K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Rough and Ready | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
| Larceny | 2 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Rough and Ready, Grass Valley sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rough and Ready, Grass Valley over the last 12 months is $599,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$675,000
Modern homestead. Solar sanctuary. Total peace of mind. Welcome to 13579 Haas Ct in Rough & Ready, nearly 3,000 sq ft of soaring ceilings, wide-open living, and calming views from almost every room, set on 3 acres with no close neighbors and backing to 168 acres of protected BLM land. Privacy, wildlife, and wide-open space come standard. Inside, the open-concept kitchen and dining area flows into
Sheryl Ramanis Sierra Homes Realty
$175,000
Build your custom foothill retreat on this peaceful 3.5-acre parcel in Ridge View Woodlands. Tucked at the end of the road for extra privacy, the setting offers a blend of open meadow and mature trees with multiple potential building areas. A capped well is already in place, and NID irrigation water is available. Prior perc and mantle support a standard septic system. Enjoy the quiet of a country
$740,000
Refined Living in Rough & Ready Ranch Estates - A Rare Opportunity! Welcome to this elegant, custom-built estate in the exclusive gated community of Rough & Ready Ranch Estates.. Designed for multigenerational living or extended guest stays, this expansive home offers two distinct living quarters: a spacious main-level residence and a second-story suite with private access. Nearly 4,000 sq ft of
$290,000
Fixer opportunity with views, acreage, and privacy! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home offers 1,440 sq ft and sits on 3.49 acres at the top of a knoll, capturing scenic views and a peaceful setting. Located at the end of a shared driveway, the property backs directly to BLM land, providing exceptional privacy and open space. A shared pond with one neighboring property adds to the rural
Sherry Blair Century 21 Cornerstone Realty
$199,000
Discover a clean, well kept mobile home offering comfort, space, and affordability on its own land. With approximately 1,100 square feet of living area, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home provides a practical layout that suits a variety of lifestyles. Whether you are a first time home buyer looking for an accessible entry into the market or someone looking to downsize, this property delivers.
Zac Mallette Crosby Real Estate
$639,999
Tranquil, private country living on a gated lane just 7 minutes from downtown Grass Valley and 15 minutes to Nevada City! Easy commute to Auburn, Yuba City, Sacramento Airport, and Lake Tahoe. Enjoy peaceful views, minimal traffic, and excellent defensible space. The property features a private well with new pump, plus NID irrigation (1 miner's inch, expandable). Gardeners will love the fenced
Joshua Caldwell Roots Real Estate Group
$235,000
This property is next to 12820 Rough and Ready Hwy and has frontage on both Bitney Springs, where the entrance to the property is located, and Rough and Ready Hwy. Its dual zoning RA/C2 offers unlimited use possibilities.
Larry Ormsby L.E. Ormsby, Broker
Bike Score®
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.