$501,373Average Value$286Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Penn Valley is largely rural with suburban charms
During California's Gold Rush era, Penn Valley's farmlands served as the "pantry" for the northern mines. More than 170 years later, the community remains largely rural, with homes on acres, while also incorporating suburban lifestyles, including a golf course community. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, Penn Valley could be described as a sweet spot geographically. "We're above the fog and below the snow," says Realtor and broker Dick Law, president of Paul Law Realty. "In California's Central Valley, winter fog can get so thick you can't see your hand in front of your face." He adds that just 12 miles away, Nevada City experiences harsher winters due to its higher elevation. Residents of Penn Valley enjoy a large recreational park, riding their horses through the valley and aren't too far from swimming holes and trails along the South Yuba River canyon. There are also enough restaurants to satisfy a wide range of cravings in Penn Valley, even if retail is relatively slim.
Lake Wildwood Golf Course is an 18-hole course in Penn Valley.
The beautiful Yuba River gorge is a hiker, and swimmers paradise just north of Penn Valley.
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Homes in the countryside or on the golf course
Ranch styles, farmhouse styles and custom builds settle on small residential lots and expansive acreage in Penn Valley. Some newer properties are built in old-world styles, from Mediterranean to Victorian. Many properties are zoned for horses, often with barns, riding trails and fenced-in pastures. Lake Wildwood, a gated community established in the 1960s, has homes overlooking an 18-hole golf course and a 300-acre lake. Residents also enjoy private parks and over 40 clubs supported by The Lake Wildwood Community Association, including for golf, fishing, gardening, music and pickleball. “Before Lake Wildwood was created, we called Penn Valley Penntucky. It just had a really rural downhome feeling, and Lake Wildwood created a more suburban atmosphere,” Law says, adding that he lived in the golf course community for decades. The median sale price in Penn Valley is $520,000, but a lakefront home can go for over $2 million and a tiny, manufactured home for less than $30,000.
This custom-built home offers a dormer window, 3-car garage and rock face accents in Penn Valley.
This ranch-style home is the typical style of home you will find in Penn Valley.
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Penn Valley's sports courts, dog park and swimming holes
Western Gateway Park is a community hub on the north side of town. Spanning nearly 90 acres, it encompasses diverse recreation, including a swimming lake and a range of sports courts, baseball fields and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park also offers playgrounds for various ages and an off-leash dog park. Hamilton Raptor Center is a volunteer-run, bird of prey rescue that educates the public on raptor history and their integral role in nature. South Yuba River State Park is in the greater Penn Valley region. Stretching along the South Yuba River canyon for 20 miles, the park hosts 9 trails, including the Independence Trail, which is wheelchair accessible. Swimming holes and historic bridges punctuate the park, and native flowers brighten it during the springtime.
The Yuba River, just north of Penn Valley, has some great swimming holes.
Your dog will love the dog park at Western Gateway Park.
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Places to buy chicken feed and get a good meal
Most shopping and dining surround Penn Valley Drive and Highway 20. Players Restaurant and Sports Bar is a go-to for their pizza of the month specials and family spaghetti nights. The bar also hosts jam sessions and open mic nights on Wednesday nights. Daybreak Cafe whips up breakfast staples, from omelets to pancakes. Blue Cow Deli’s menu has a long list of sandwiches, from chicken pesto paninis to simple ham and cheese. Crazy 4 Yogurt is in town for a sweet treat. Western Gateway Park hosts the Penn Valley Farmers Market from spring to fall. Holiday Market is in town for groceries. Retailers from True Value Fence and Ranch Supply to Pearsons Feed serve local farmers and homesteaders. For more options, including chains such as Target and niche locally owned boutiques selling fair trade products, locals can head into Grass Valley, less than 9 miles away, and Nevada City, roughly 12 miles from Penn Valley.
Penn Valley’s Blue Cow Deli has amazing, tasty sandwiches.
Penn Valley offers a local farmers market every Sunday.
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Penn Valley Rodeo gives back to the community
The Penn Valley Rodeo is one of the biggest events of the year. The rodeo began in 1956 by local ranchers as a way to raise money for volunteer firefighters. Today, the rodeo still supports the community in numerous ways, including awarding scholarships annually to agriculture students and paramedics serving The Penn Valley Fire District.
Travelers take Route 20 and Nevada County Connects
California State Route 20 flows through Penn Valley. Route 6 of Nevada County Connects travelers to Grass Valley.
Public schools through two districts
Students attend the Penn Valley Union Elementary School District and the Nevada Joint Union High School District. They may begin at Ready Springs Elementary School, which is rated B-minus on Niche and covers Kindergarten through eighth grade. From there, they may filter into Silver Springs High School, which earns a C. The elementary school's "Meaningful Enrichment" program provides individual support to students, helping them through their academic challenges.
The courses at Silver Springs High School encourage critical thinking and creativity.
Ready Springs Elementary School provides a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for students.
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Penn Valley poses a fire risk
Fire is a concern here. A wildfire in 2024 led to the evacuation of parts of town, including Lake Wildwood.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Reagan
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melanie Cook,
an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Pierce Plam
Windermere Signature Properties Roseville/Granite Bay
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Penn Valley, CA sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $499,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in Penn Valley this 2180 sqft, 4 bed 2 bath attractive property offers a serene residential experience located within the Wildwood Ridge community. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and style that makes this house a truly exceptional find. The living room is a welcoming space, enhanced by a high ceiling and vaulted ceiling that create an airy and expansive atmosphere. A fireplace adds a
A beautifully maintained home located in the gated Lake Wildwood community of Penn Valley. This inviting property features an updated kitchen with modern finishes, cathedral ceilings that enhance natural light and spaciousness, and an open, comfortable floor plan ideal for everyday living or entertaining. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with two expansive decks offering serene lake views, perfect for
Nestled at 20564 Wildwood West Dr in Penn Valley, California, this attractive property awaits those seeking a blend of refined interiors and desirable outdoor amenities. Its great condition promises an effortless transition to a lifestyle of comfort and leisure. The living room provides a striking focal point with its fireplace, encouraging cozy evenings spent in its warm glow, while the high
Charming Home in Prime Lake Wildwood Location - Ideal for Your Gold Country Lifestyle! Discover an ideal retreat in Lake Wildwood! Located close to the tennis courts on Thistle Loop, this warm and inviting home offers easy access to the lake, recreation center, pool, volleyball and pickleball courts, parks, and the main gate for easy commuting. Enjoy a large living room and a cozy family room
Fantastic development opportunity on this breathtaking LEVEL 20 acres with year round Squirrel Creek in the heart of Penn Valley. Zoned for 91 parcels with two deeded accesses, as required by the County. This prime location combines freeway exposure with the charm of being just a short walk to downtown Penn Valley's shops, restaurants, and nurseries. With close proximity to Lake Wildwood, the
A fantastic opportunity for instant equity in this 2350 square foot home in the desirable Lake Wildwood community. Welcome to 13312 Thistle Loop Dr. This home boasts a large tri-level living room with a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, tons of natural lighting and double sliding glass doors to back porch for an open-air environment and entertaining area. Three good size secondary bedrooms and a
Investor opportunity on an east-facing parcel near Pilot Peak with land value and utilities in place. Accessed via a shared, remote-controlled gated entrance, the property includes two large pastures, a circular gravel driveway, fenced garden area, chicken coop, and a detached garage pre-wired for an EV charger. The existing home features a unique floor plan with two primary ensuites and flexible
Tucked away in the serene setting of Pleasant Valley Ranches, this beautiful country retreat offers peace, privacy, and space to truly unwind. Encompassing approximately 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the home features separate upper and lower living areas, each with its own private entrance, ideal for creative living, guests, partial rental or flexible use. Set on over
Classic Car Enthusiasts. Custom Mediterranean style home with distant views. 4460+/-sq. ft. home plus 2500+/- sq. ft. Garagemahal fully insulated, heated, and air-conditioned. Perfect for your car collection, room for 10 cars or your prized possessions, includes shop, office, hoist, full bathroom, and built-in cabinets. Home offers a large kitchen with center island, breakfast area, formal
Easy Living In This Charming One Level Home With Forest Views & Seasonal Creek ~ Generous Sized Living Area For Entertaining With Vaulted White-Washed Wood Ceiling + Beautiful Cozy Gas Fireplace ~ Bright Oversized Kitchen + Loads Of Counter Space ~ Breakfast Bar & Dining Area To Host Large Groups & Perfect For The Holidays ~ Wood Flooring & Carpeting ~ 3 Generous Sized Bedrooms ~ Primary Offering
Turn-Key & Totally Tempting! ✨This beautifully maintained home comes with a rare ASSUMABLE VA LOAN at 2.57%, making it an incredible opportunity for qualified buyers! With 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, this split-level stunner is designed for flexibility perfect for multi-generational living, creating rental income, or simply enjoying plenty of space to spread out. You'll love the
Lake Views As You Enter The Front Door! This Picture Perfect Completely Remodeled & Professionally Designed Home is One Of A Kind ~ Gorgeous High-end Kitchen ~ Carrera Marble Backsplash ~ Quartz Counters ~ Built-In Butcher Block In Center Island ~ Coffee Bar Area ~ Beautiful 6 Burner Propane Cooktop ~ Convection Microwave & So Much Workspace. This All Leads To Your Fabulous Oversized Dining Area
Charming Lake Wildwood Home with LAKE VIEWS! This thoughtfully designed home lives larger than its footprint, offering approximately 1,056 SQ. FT. with 3 BEDROOMS, 2 FULL BATHS, and VAULTED CEILINGS for an open, airy feel. The kitchen features STONE COUNTERTOPS, A PANTRY, AMPLE CABINET SPACE, AND A DINING BAR, with DIRECT ACCESS FROM THE KITCHEN TO A LARGE DECKperfect for entertaining and
Natalie JermynProfessional Realty Services International Inc.
20 acres ready for your dreams to come true! Perfect redoubt location on the far side of Camp Far West. This side of the street is in Nevada county. Seller has owned since 1980 and their dreams have taken them in another direction. Lots of potential. Needs soils test and well. Public record shows property in Penn Valley but post office is Grass Valley per address for adjacent improved parcel.
Welcome to 146 Lark Street, an affordable homeownership opportunity located in Creekside Village, an ALL AGES mobile home community with a convenient and peaceful setting near the community clubhouse, greenbelt, and nearby creek access. This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home features several recent upgrades, including a brand new HVAC mini-split system installed in June 2025, as well as new
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
