Nevada City blossomed out of the California Gold Rush
Once a prominent mining town during California's Gold Rush era, Nevada City now boasts a thriving downtown area and rural reaches allow for acreage living. "You can live in the country without missing out on culture," says longtime resident Meg Curry of Nevada County Realty. "Artists, musicians, outdoor enthusiasts and free spirits are definitely drawn here, but the community is really diverse." She adds that some families have been here since the Gold Rush days, while many others are retiring or seeking a second home outside the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mining relics can be found throughout downtown Nevada City.
Enjoy a cup of coffee and soak in the California sun in Nevada City.
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Parks feature sports, trails and a swimming pool
Pioneer Park is a center for recreation in Nevada City. The 16-acre park is home to the local swimming pool, sports courts, ball fields and a playground. Little Deer Creek runs through the park and mature trees provide shade to picnic areas. Calanan Park and Robinson Plaza are passive parks located downtown. Both serve as rest spots, with sitting areas, but Calanan is decorated with mining relics. Curry says locals can walk from downtown to the Deer Creek Trail, which meanders along the water. Deer Creek flows toward the Yuba River, a popular kayaking and fishing spot.
Nature lovers will enjoy going on a hike on the Deer Creek Trail in Nevada City.
The playground at Pioneer Park is fun for children in Nevada City.
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Locally owned shops and farm-to-table food
Downtown Nevada City highlights locally owned boutiques, cafes and restaurants in some of the town’s oldest buildings. Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. specializes in farm-to-table wood-fired pizza and craft beer. Stone House, an intimate tavern built within a 1800s structure, pairs its drinks with elevated bar food. Nevada City Classic Cafe serves French-inspired cuisine, including crepes and sandwiches, with an all-day breakfast menu. SPD is the local grocery store owned by the Painter family for over 40 years. The shops downtown showcase a love for nature, culture and humanity. Spirithouse Import Gallery sells fair-trade artisan jewelry and home decor made in Southeast Asia. Soul Crafts' alpaca blankets and shawls are machine-woven by a family in Ecuador. Solstice is a resale store selling vintage clothes, jewelry and costume wear for performers.
Shop for fresh produce at SPD Market in Nevada City.
SoulCrafts in Nevada City is known for their signature blanket collection.
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Annual events and historic sites make downtown Nevada City vibrant
Downtown hosts summer and winter farmers markets and is also the site of annual celebrations. "Victorian Christmas is one of Nevada City's biggest draws. The town hosts a lively street fair where people dress in Victorian costumes," Curry says. "Vendors sell wonderful handcrafted goods — honey, candles, jewelry, pottery, and more — made by local artisans." Nevada City's historic theater is also downtown for dinner and a show. The theater has been in operation since 1865.
Historic housing near downtown and country homes
According to Curry, the median list price for Nevada City is $775,000. Location, land and architecture figure heavily into pricing. "In town, some homes are at or above the median price because they're within the Nevada City Historic District area, and walkable to shopping, restaurants and entertainment," Curry says. "Outside of the historic district, you can find properties with larger lots, from 1 to 10 acres." The historic district is known for its large Victorians, which fetch the highest price range, from $1.2 million to $3.2 million. Ranch styles, log houses, farmhouses, craftsman-style homes and custom builds blending traditional styles also have a strong presence in Nevada City. Some properties sit by creeks winding through the rolling, wooded landscape.
Historic Victorian homes are common throughout Nevada City.
Find your dream ranch-style home in Nevada City.
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Students attend schools with strong ratings in two districts
Students attend two school districts. The Nevada City School District has two schools: Deer Creek Elementary School, which earns a B-plus on Niche, and the A-minus-rated Seven Hills Intermediate School. The B-rated Nevada Union High School is through the Nevada Joint Union High School District. The school's Career Technical Education Department supports various avenues, including floral design and digital media.
Seven Hills Intermediate School prepare students for high school and beyond.
Nevada Union High School is home of the Miners.
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Taking State Route 79 and public transit around town and beyond
California State Route 49 flows through Nevada City. Nevada County Connects provides regional paratransit services and fixed routes. Locals live 60 miles from Sacramento, 84 miles from Reno and 147 miles from San Francisco.
Wildfires and heavy snowstorms can affect the town
A lightning strike in 2020 led to a massive fire that burned over 700 acres between the Yuba River and Nevada City, destroying 14 homes. A year later, the River Fire forced around 4,300 county residents to evacuate. "When emergencies happen, the community pulls together," Curry says. "We've also had a couple of winters with more snow than anyone knew how to handle. It was rough — power outages, fallen trees. My road was impassable for days. But that's life in the country."
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mimi Simmons,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Nevada City, CA sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Nevada City, CA over the last 12 months is $585,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the best of Mountain living in Luxury with 180-degree panoramic views on 12 flat, usable acres. This unique Estate features two homes, offering versatility for multigenerational living, guest accommodations, or rental income potential. The spacious main residence spans over 3,800 square feet and boasts 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Soaring vaulted ceilings and walls of windows fill the
Beautifully updated home in a great location between Nevada City and Grass Valley. Near the end of a quiet street on a very private lot, this 3-bedroom 3 full bath 1900 sq.ft. home has been meticulously prepared for its new owner. Remodeled kitchen with gorgeous granite counter tops, a new stove with gas cooktop, and new dishwasher. Impressive refinished hardwood floors and new carpet. Fresh
Nestled in the heart of historic Nevada City, this lovely 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates. Fully remodeled in 2018, the home features stylish finishes, an open-concept layout, and thoughtful touches throughout. There is a wonderful little Gardeners shed/She shed? You decide what to do with it. Enjoy the convenience of downtown living on a
Ever dream of living in downtown Nevada City in one of the most charming properties in the City? Take a look at this delightful 1880's Vintage Victorian currently used as an Air BnB, but would make a delightful home! Beautiful redwood siding and mature landscaped gardens set the mood for the desirable in-town living scene! Ironwood decks invite you into the spacious great room with high
Impeccable Nevada City contemporary home on a beautiful level lot that has fantastic natural light! Delightful open floor plan with formal living room, huge family room with rock fireplace and vaulted ceilings and big picture windows that invite the outdoors in!!! Day to day living on the main floor and guest bedrooms are upstairs. Located in the quiet part of Deer Creek Park and just
Very cool contemporary home with great architectural lines on a private, pretty 4.6 acres in Nevada City. Affectionately known as 'Quail Ridge' by the family, you will be delighted the minute you drive up the meandering paved driveway! Double doors invite you into this tiled two-story entry with glass doors to the exterior. . .this was used as the gallery for the owners fantastic photography.
Property Id: 1992186Searching for the ideal tenant, called to this unique lease opportunity! 15 minutes from downtown Nevada city:This 1 bed, 1 bath unit is downstairs connected to the Kitchen of my home. Which is to be shared w me when i'm home (only 2/4x year for a week or so); There's a brand new refrigerator and thor 6 burner stovetop/oven , total remodel done just last year.
Property Id: 1858727Charming , newly renovated: 3 bd 2 ba home - 10/15 minutes from downtown Nevada City. New woodfloors, new toilets, new sinks, new counters ; central heat/air. Swamp cooler ; peaceful wooded surroundings w/ Wonderful lighting. Sanctuary-esque ; great sunset views. Wrap around deck. Pay as you go hi speed internet ; or unlimited data hi speed ($80/mo). Water and
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