$495,710Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes 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
Pamela Morey,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Penn Valley, CA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $513,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This exquisite single-story golf course home is perfectly positioned on the 10th fairway, making it one of the most coveted lots in the community. This cleaner energy, all-electric home, boasts an array of impressive features and recent renovations including a new HVAC system, sophisticated tile flooring and quartz counters in kitchen and baths. The kitchen's sleek design is a focal point,
Now $475,000! Live the Lake Wildwood lifestyle at an even more attractive price. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, resort-style amenities, and a home that's ready to welcome you. This is your chance to make the move!Discover the joy of lake life in this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home with views of Lake Wildwood, located in one of Nevada County's most sought-after gated communities. From
Marsha SmithProfessional Realty Services International Inc.
This inviting Tahoe-style chalet backs up to open space and is set on a level lot. Vaulted ceilings with wood beams and a fireplace anchor the open floor plan. The home offers two bedrooms plus a loft, providing flexible space for guests or home office. French doors open to the patio and backyard, extending the living area outdoors. A fenced garden with raised beds is ready for planting, and an
Welcome to easy Lake Wildwood living in this inviting 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home designed with a comfortable, functional flow. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the open-concept layout connecting the family room, kitchen with island/breakfast bar, dining area, and a cozy fireplace room, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Vaulted ceilings and hardwood flooring add warmth
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
Set at the end of the road among high-end estates and working ranches, this 20-acre Southridge property delivers privacy, sweeping vineyard-and-mountain views, and versatile land for equestrian or agricultural use. The home offers a light-filled great room and wraparound view deck; upstairs, each bedroom features an ensuite bath, while the lower level provides additional finished space with
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
Darling Home With End Of The Road Privacy ~ Easy Walk To Lakeside Explorer Park ~ This Home Is Turn Key & Move In Ready. Vaulted Wood Ceiling ~ Cozy Vertical Fireplace ~ Many Large Windows Allowing For A Lot Of Natural Light ~ Open Floorplan ~ New Ceiling Fans & Lighting ~ Gorgeous Newer Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring ~ Private Primary Bedroom & Balcony Deck + Beautifully Updated Bathroom ~ Updated
Enjoy lake views and the Lake Wildwood lifestyle at an approachable price. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,056 sq ft and lives larger than expected with vaulted ceilings and a light-filled, open layout. The kitchen features stone countertops, a pantry, ample cabinetry, and a dining bar, with direct access to a spacious deckideal for everyday living and
Natalie JermynProfessional Realty Services International Inc.
Come see this Charming single-level home offering comfort, character, and thoughtful care throughout its 1,372 square feet. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence welcomes you with an open floor plan filled with natural light and an easy flow for everyday living. The living room features a cozy wood stove, creating a perfect gathering space during cooler months. The primary bedroom
Margaretich TeamChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Sunlight fills this warm and inviting Lake Wildwood home with vaulted wood ceilings and expansive windows frame peaceful- manicured golf course views and create a bright, airy feel throughout. The stone fireplace anchors a great room designed for comfort and connection. Sliding doors opens to a spacious deck-perfect for quiet mornings or sunset evenings. Located on quiet Chickadee Court near Gate
Cacie MularchukAshford Real Estate and Investments
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
Welcome to Lake Wildwood. Beautiful one level home in one of Lake Wildwood's best locations. Vaulted ceilings in the living room with large windows taking in the nice view of the back patio area. Great entertainment area with built-in cabinets and propane fireplace insert. Nice kitchen with wood flooring, tile counters with a center island, breakfast nook, Pantry cabinet, pull-out drawers in the
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
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