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.
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At the entry into Lake of the Pines' deepest cove, this exceptional waterfront retreat offers a rare combination of panoramic views and effortless indoor-outdoor living. With more than 250 feet of shoreline and a new dock built in 2025, this property is perfectly positioned for year round lake enjoyment, including a front row seat to the lake's spectacular Fourth of July fireworks. Designed for
Welcome to the coveted gated community of Lake of the Pines- one of North Auburn's most sought-after destinations, offering an exceptional lifestyle with 5 miles of shoreline, 7 parks, and a 19-hole golf course. This beautifully remodeled single-level home sits on a park-like parcel that feels like your own private retreat. Tucked away on a low-traffic street, the setting is peaceful, private,
Step into the serenity of lakelife with this warm & welcoming Tahoe-style home, perfectly situated just a block from the water. Enjoy peeks of the lake & direct access to the golf course, creating a unique blend of natural beauty & recreational convenience. This beautifully lit home features an open-concept floor plan with open-beamed ceilings & large windows that invite sunlight & frame
Searching for a beautifully maintained, single-level home with 3,000 square feet on a low maintenace, gorgeously landscaped lot? This exceptional property offers space, privacy, & breathtaking views all in one. Step through the welcoming entry into soaring ceilings & an abundance of natural light streaming through beautiful windows. Enjoy both a spacious living room & a large family room, each
Perched overlooking the 10th tee of the Lake of the Pines golf course, this single-story home sits on a level lot and captures lush, green fairway views from the master suite, living room, and dining room. Lovingly cared for with a new roof and new decks, new appliances, the property also features a beautifully fenced rose garden and dog run - perfect for enjoying outdoor living. You will love
Welcome to effortless golf course living in the highly sought-after gated community of Lake of the Pines. Perfectly positioned along the 17th fairway, this single-story home captures sweeping course views and a peaceful setting that feels like a year-round retreat. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the home features an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light that
Set in the beautiful Lake of the Pines community, this inviting 4-5 bedroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and resort-style living. The home sits on a very desirable cul-de-sac location that offers serenity and gorgeous views. Plenty of room for everyone. With all primary living spaces located on the main level, the home provides an easy and functional layout ideal for
Vacation Where You Live**Located in the highly sought after Lake of the Pines community! This beautifully updated home offers 3 generous bedrooms and a bright upstairs living area with soaring vaulted ceilings that enhance the open, airy feel. Step out onto the spacious deck with views of the golf course, perfect for morning coffee or sunset entertaining. Inside you'll enjoy remodeled bathrooms,
WELCOME TO PARADISE...DESIREABLE LAKE OF THE PINES!! We have a prime cul-de-sac location, flexible living and spectacular foothill views with this spectacular home. Designed with versatility in mind, the spacious floorplan features a secondary downstairs entrance with a family room, providing the ideal space for movie nights, hobbies, or extended living quarters. The primary suite offers a
Here is a gorgeous, remodeled home in Lake of Pines on a Premium Lot. This home sits on the 9th hole of the golf course and offers beautiful views from the wrap around deck which also offers a sunken spa. Wonderful great room concept overlooking the ALTERNATE 9TH (all the benefits of the golf course but minimal golfing traffic). The main floor has master bedroom, 2 full baths, kitchen, dining and
The last buildable lakefront lot in Lake of the Pines! Build your own dream on the last open lakefront lot in a high-end secluded cove of Lake of the Pines. Enjoy over 55 feet of shoreline complete with a sandy beach for lounging or launching, plus a ShoreStation lift and canopy dock for all your motorized vessels. Graded in road, tree removal, and lot grading improvements make for easy access
Sarah Stone-FranciscoCentury 21 Cornerstone Realty
Vacation vibes right at home! Welcome to Lake of the Pines, where every day feels like a getaway. Just a short stroll brings you to pickleball courts, swimming, tennis, the clubhouse, golf, and a sandy beach perfect for lazy afternoons. This charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath cabin-style home sits right on Hazel Lake, offering peaceful water views that greet you from your back deck. Sip your morning
Cute partially updated 3/2 on large lot with garden area & apple tree. This home features new tile floors in bathroom, newer wood floor in Kitchen, nice decks overlooking large back yard with plenty of room . Long level driveway and only a few steps into home. This home is furnished and available from May or June 1 until October 15, 2026 only, Bring your own dishes, linens. Minimum
Discover your dream home in the coveted gated community of Lake of the Pines! This stunning, 4 bed/3 full bath home is designed for both comfort and elegance, featuring beautiful hickory wood flooring that adds just the right amount of warmth to the open concept living/dining space. With an impressive cathedral ceiling, stone adorned gas fireplace, and views of the surrounding tree lined
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