Murphys is a scenic mountain town known for its wineries
Murphys, sometimes called The Queen of the Sierra, is a small village in the Sierra foothills of Calaveras County. It has grown over the centuries from a gold rush mining camp into a minor tourist destination known for its wine-tasting and proximity to Stanislaus National Forest. “People love so many things about Murphys, it’s hard to keep it short,” says longtime resident Sara Cooper, broker/owner at Legacy Properties. “We’re close to Bear Valley Mountain ski resort and Big Trees State Park, we have wonderful restaurants and so many great wineries. On the cultural side, there are some truly gifted artists here and the Murphys Creek Theatre is outstanding — and that’s just to start.” The local economy now revolves around hospitality, wine production and visitor services — family wineries and destination venues anchor employment and draw weekend traffic from the Bay Area and Central Valley.
A wide range of home styles, often complemented by woodsy surroundings
Housing in Murphys is very diverse for such a small town. Single-family homes make up most of the market, with options ranging from rustic cabins surrounded by woodlands to midcentury ranch-style homes and New Traditional builds with yards on residential streets near the city center. Expansive luxury homes, townhouses in gated communities and manufactured homes can also be found in and around the town. Most single-family homes sell for between $350,000 and $800,000, though luxury properties can go for over $1.5 million. Townhouses sell for between $340,000 and $500,000, while mobile homes can go for anywhere from $100,000 to just over $300,000. Wildfire risk is a threat in parts of the community, which can affect housing prices.
Historic downtown Murphys has over two dozen tasting rooms
Downtown Murphys is walkable and deliberately quaint — many shops are fronted with anachronistic decor and architecture. “Walking down Main Street is like taking a stroll back in time,” says Cooper. “Its historic buildings harken back to California’s gold rush era, back when Wells Fargo’s stagecoach had a regular stop at the Murphys Hotel — a hotel which still stands today.” Restaurants and retail in the area cater to tourists, but locals are the most reliable customers of the town’s many highly rated eateries and more than 20 tasting rooms. Alchemy cafe serves classic American for lunch and dinner. A few larger shops can be found along state Route 4, including Sierra Hills Natural Foods supermarket. Residents can also grab fresh produce at the Murphys Farmers Market, which is held every Sunday from June through October at Murphys Community Park. It's a bit of a drive to the nearest big-box shops in Sonora, about 20 miles away.
The town is close to redwood forests and not far from ski slopes
Stanislaus National Forest runs right up to the edge of Murphys, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park — named for its giant redwoods — is just a few miles away, so tons of mixed-use trails and dirt roads can be found within a 10-mile drive of the town. Hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, climbing, fishing and hunting are all popular pastimes in the area. And while Murphys is in the foothills of the Sierras, it’s just a 40-mile drive along Route 4 to get to the peaks and alpine lakes near the Nevada border. That area is also home to Bear Valley Mountain Resort, one of the most popular ski resorts in the region. Within the town, Murphys Community Park along Murphys Creek has picnic facilities, a playground and a bocce ball court. “If you barbecue in the park, you’re going to make some new friends, no doubt about it,” says Cooper. Nearby Feeney Park has a skate park and a well-groomed 18-hole disc golf course. The 18-hole public Forest Meadows Golf Course is on the east side of town.
Local public schools get solid ratings
Murphys is zoned for the Vallecito Union School District public schools for kindergarten through eighth grade, while older students head to the independently zoned Bret Harte Union High School in nearby Angels Camp. Albert A. Michelson Elementary School, Avery Middle School, and Bret Harte Union High School all have B-plus grades on Niche. Harte Union High offers an independent study program that partners with Columbia College to offer college credit.
Festivals like Murphys Irish Day draw crowds
Murphys hosts several events throughout the year, including the Calaveras County Fair in May, Murphys Irish Day in March and the Calaveras Grape Stomp in October. These events regularly draw tens of thousands of visitors from outside of the county. Ironstone Amphitheatre stages large concerts and hosts touring acts during warmer months.
Route 4 connects the community to the rest of the region
State Route 4 is the main route in and out of Murphys, connecting it to other Calaveras County communities to the south and west, and Sierra passes to the east. The nearest major commercial airports are Stockton Metropolitan Airport, about 70 miles away, and Sacramento International Airport, about 100 miles away. Cars are generally necessary for getting around, as there’s no public transportation in the area.
