$504,711Average Value$284Average Price per Sq Ft51Homes 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
Mimi Simmons,
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 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $490,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set among high-end estates and working ranches, this 20-acre Southridge property sits at the end of the road, combining sweeping views with versatile land for equestrian or agricultural pursuits. The 3,549 sq. ft. home showcases a spacious great room with large windows and a wraparound deck designed to take in vineyard and mountain scenery. Each upstairs bedroom has its own attached bath, while
This beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath modern farmhouse blends country charm with modern comfort and sits on 2.37 acres of flat, fully usable land, making it a true horse property ready for your animals and outdoor hobbies. Located in peaceful Penn Valley on a quiet loop within walking distance to Western Gateway Park, you'll enjoy trails, community events, and a Sunday farmers market all
Two Charming Homes Offer Privacy and Plenty Options To Expand. Located on 2.11 Acres, this Unique Property offers 2-Living Units. At your top righthand side you have Your Primary 3-Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Home with Vaulted Ceiling along with Split Air Conditioner & Heater Units In Each Room with Remote Control for added Ease and Convenience. Quickly Cool or Heat your home or individual areas with
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
Discover the hidden gem of Lake Wildwood! This 2,641 sq. ft. home is tucked away on a serene .74-acre lot surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil, treehouse-like retreat where nearly every window frames breathtaking sunsets. Inside, the spacious layout features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a picturesque kitchen overlooking scenic landscapes. Soaring 15-foot vaulted wood ceilings and
This spacious home offers 5 full bedrooms, 2 separate living areas, and dual wrap-around decks designed for both relaxation and entertaining. On the main level, the kitchen shines with custom cabinetry, abundant storage, and a generous dining space. Just off the kitchen, the family room is filled with natural light, anchored by a cozy fireplace, and opens to the expansive deck where you can take
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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.
