Lake of the Pines provides seclusion in a corner of Nevada County
In Lake of the Pines, sloping streets within the Sierra Nevada foothills cut through a packed development offering recreation, restaurants and spacious homes. The community is gated, offering more security, and has a lake and an 18-hole golf course. “All of those things are very attractive,” says Realtor Mimi Simmons of Team Simmons and Century 21 Cornerstone Realty, who has roughly 40 years of experience. Lake of the Pines residents are also within 20 miles of more amenities in Auburn and Grass Valley, and just under 50 miles from Sacramento.
The Lake of the Pines gatehouse ensures secure entry to this private community.
Five miles of shoreline frame Lake of the Pines' parks and beaches
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Late-20th-century homes come in a variety of settings
Founded in 1967, Lake of the Pines was California’s first artificial lake community. Most houses here were constructed during the late 20th century, yet some are under 25 years old. “You have a lot of ranch-style houses,” Simmons says. “The older houses are going to be ranch, the newer houses are a little bit more contemporary.” Floor plans in Lake of the Pines average over 2,000 square feet, and many of the lots are between one-fifth and four-tenths of an acre. Some homes sit on waterfront property, along the community’s 232-acre lake. Most properties in Lake of the Pines sell for $300,000 to $880,000, but houses on the lake can command $1.1 million to $2.3 million.
After-school opportunities include sports and academic support
The area’s Pleasant Ridge Union School District earns a B-plus grade on Niche. The B-rated Cottage Hill Elementary participates in California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, a daily after-school activity with academic help. The B-plus-rated Magnolia Intermediate offers extracurriculars including basketball, cross country, track and volleyball. Bear River High, a B-rated school in the B-plus-rated Nevada Joint Union High School District, has elective courses in topics including film and media arts, debate and speech, and journalism. Forest Lake Christian School is a B-rated private option just outside Lake of the Pines, with preschool through 12th grade. Students at Forest Lake can earn college credits through an online dual-enrollment program.
Important information is displayed on the Bear River High School front signage.
Forest Lake Christian School is the home of the falcons.
Important information is posted on the Magnolia School signage.
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Lake, parks and golf are at residents’ fingertips
The lake is the centerpiece of this community. Five miles of shoreline border the water, dotted with seven parks and Main Beach. The beach includes a spot for swimming and a playground, and borders a community pool open in the warmer months. There’s a boat launch at South Shore Park, and the lake is stocked with bass, catfish, trout and more. Anglers can also drop a line in one of Lake of the Pines’ three ponds, including the 4-acre Hazel Pond. Lake of the Pines’ private golf course stretches 6,140 acres. Simmons says the community has a mandatory HOA, and residents pay extra for golf course access.
Community events are a common occurrence
The Lakes of the Pines Association homeowners group promotes a stacked calendar of events from month to month. The periodic Music on the Lake concerts are popular in the summertime. There’s also an Easter egg hunt, a multi-day Fourth of July celebration with fireworks and a boat parade, and a Halloween party with a costume contest.
Route 49 is a door to the rest of the region
Drivers in Lake of the Pines are just about 3 miles from California State Route 49. The highway carries commuters 13 miles south into downtown Auburn and 16 miles north to Grass Valley. Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, a 10-mile trip just off 49, has a 24/7 emergency room. Route 49 also carries people to Interstate 80 for drives to Sacramento, 46 miles away. Travelers can go to Sacramento International Airport for nonstop flights to more than 50 destinations. The Lake Center shopping plaza adjacent to Lake of the Pines has a bus stop on the Nevada County Connects system’s Auburn route.
Clubhouse and Sports Lounge provide on-site dining options
Lake of the Pines has two restaurants. “It’s very convenient just to be able to be right there and to be able to drive their golf cart to the restaurants,” Simmons says. The Sports Lounge, by the golf course’s pro shop, is open seven days a week. The Clubhouse restaurant offers a more formal, white tablecloth setting and is open on Thursdays and Fridays. Lake Center features breakfast spot Sunrise Café, plus Bear River Library, Lake of the Pines Ace Hardware and Combie Market, a small grocery. A Holiday Market supermarket is roughly a mile away, next to a CVS. More big-box retail is available in Auburn and Grass Valley. Auburn’s Crossroads Shopping Center includes Target, Ross Dress for Less, Famous Footwear and Safeway.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Francisco de la Vera
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the highly desirable gated community of Lake of the Pines, where everyday living feels like a Lakeside retreat. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,086 sq. ft. home has been thoughtfully refreshed with modern style and quality finishes. Designed to live comfortably as a single-story, the main level features bright, open spaces with vaulted ceilings, a
Jill LakomyNick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty
Stop Scrolling! This exquisite, single-level cottage delivers the ultimate resort-style living experience & is now available. This prime location grants you effortless access to waterskiing, fishing, swimming, pickleball, tennis, bocce, & golf. The home is privately situated on a generous 0.24-acre lot, offering a serene backyard view overlooking the 17th fairway. Enjoy the golf course views
NEW PRICE! Need some SPACE? This WELL-PRICED spacious 4-bedroom home featuring an additional family room is perfect for growing FAMILIES and MULTI-GENERATIONAL living. The layout includes a bright GREAT room with vaulted ceilings, a roomy kitchen with an island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Kids have plenty of space to play on the TWO YARDS and can walk to the local
Wow! Walk through the front door and into the spacious living area where you'll be drawn the luscious green GOLF COURSE beyond! Many views of the open rolling hills at the 15th tee box of the Lake of the Pines GOLF COURSE. Easy access to walk your pup, or to take a stroll. Sit out on one of two peaceful decks. You'll never get enough of it! WATCH the VIDEO! Upstairs, this handsome four bedroom,
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the highly desirable gated community of Lake of the Pines, where everyday living feels like a Lakeside retreat. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,086 sq. ft. home has been thoughtfully refreshed with modern style and quality finishes. Designed to live comfortably as a single-story, the main level features bright, open spaces with vaulted ceilings, a
Jill LakomyNick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty
Property Id: 1532658Set in the peaceful haven of Lake of the Pines, this fully furnished home blends rustic charm with modern luxury. A new front deck overlooks the lake & Hazel Park, while vaulted ceilings & an open layout create a bright, inviting interior. The updated kitchen features new appliances & granite counters, ideal for cooking & entertaining. The home includes two bedrooms, a
Welcome to your new home in Auburn, CA! This charming property offers a lake view with a comfortable living space in a convenient location. Walking distance to the marina, clubhouse, golf, and pool!This home features central heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Keep in mind that rent does not include utilities such as gas, electricity, water, heat, trash service. ,
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