$494,974Average Value$285Average Price per Sq Ft64Homes 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
Sedar S. Juarez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Penn Valley, CA sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $502,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched above the lake with sweeping panoramic views, life slows down and people naturally gather here. Sunset dinners under the covered deck, evenings sipping wine overlooking the water and trees, and peaceful mornings surrounded by nature create the kind of everyday experience buyers dream about. Beautifully maintained with desirable single-story main living, the expansive deck creates seamless
Discover the beauty and tranquility of country living on approximately 7.31+/- picturesque acres, where peaceful surroundings and wide-open spaces create the perfect place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Just minutes from the charming town of Penn Valley, you'll appreciate the small-town atmosphere while still enjoying easy access to Highway 20 for commuting to the Yuba-Sutter area
Discover this rare gem in one of Penn Valley's most coveted neighborhoods. Situated on over an acre of level usable and nearly fully fenced land this turnkey single story residence offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and functional living. Located just minutes from the heart of town you are within easy walking distance to local shopping dining and the renowned Western Gateway Park which is
Imagine the summer in Lake Wildwood! Low maintenance living with recreation nearby.Play a round of Golf, a game of Pickleball, Walk the nearby trail or take a Boat or Paddleboard out on the lake. This updated 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath home located on a quiet street in Lake Wildwood is the perfect spot to enjoy the Sierra Nevada lifestyle. Enjoy your morning coffee on the front deck or the wildlife and
Fall in love with this beautifully designed home with a level driveway that lives like a single story while offering exceptional versatility. Perfect for modern living and multigenerational families, it features two separate living areas for maximum flexibility. This home boasts impressive upgrades including fully owned solar with battery backup, a new roof (2019), and high-speed internet ideal
Located on one of the most desirable streets in Lake Wildwood, this home is all about outdoor living and meaningful upgrades that make it easy to enjoy. A new roof, new gutters, fresh exterior paint, and expansive new decking create multiple areas to relax, gather, and take in the peaceful setting, with filtered lake views through the trees adding to the everyday experience. The primary living
Enjoy the resort lifestyle in this move-in ready, single-level home with an independent Guest Unit in the gated Lake Wildwood community. The updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home sits on a spacious, level 0.44-acre cul-de-sac corner lot and features vaulted wood ceilings in the great room, a large kitchen with serving bar, propane fireplace, and a sunroom that opens to a generous back deck with
Welcome to easy Lake Wildwood living on a desirable level lot with a peaceful, tree-studded backyard and great indoor-outdoor flow. The main living area feels warm and inviting with vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beams, skylights, and large sliders opening to the back deck. A brick hearth with freestanding stove anchors the living room, while the adjoining dining area and kitchen create a
This beautifully maintained single-story home with its open floor plan offers peace of mind with an updated roof, HVAC system, and new electrical panel, making it move-in ready and ideal for comfortable year-round living. Step outside to enjoy a private courtyard, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying your morning coffee in a tranquil setting. At the back of property, it also features
Great golf course home that has been well cared and enjoys a big open floor plan and a large covered deck overlooking the beautiful views. Lots of natural light dances through each room and offers a sense of privacy and tranquility. Huge living room with gas fireplace opens into the tiled kitchen with excellent counter space which flows into the spacious dining area. Lovely covered deck is ideal
A beautifully maintained home located in the gated Lake Wildwood community of Penn Valley. This inviting property features an updated kitchen with modern finishes, wood flooring in kitchen, high end appliances, backup generator, cathedral ceilings that enhance natural light and spaciousness, and an open, comfortable floor plan ideal for everyday living or entertaining. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living
Nestled within the highly sought-after gated community of Lake Wildwood, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and year-round recreation. Set on a generous .37-acre parcel, the 1,856-square-foot home is thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The light-filled living room is a standout feature,
Exceptional location, peaceful surroundings, and resort-style living come together in this beautifully maintained contemporary home on a rare 0.60-acre parcel within the gated community of Lake Wildwood. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac directly across from the clubhouse, golf course, and main golf entrance, this property offers one of the community's most desirable locations. Enjoy convenient
Exceptional 20-acre development opportunity in the heart of Penn Valley, featuring level topography, year-round Squirrel Creek, and a prime location within the Penn Valley Master Plan's highly sought-after Downtown Core. Zoned for up to 91 residential units, with additional potential for ADUs (subject to approvals), this remarkable property offers the rare chance to create a signature residential
Let's address the elephant in the room: the driveway is absolutely insane. But honestly? That's part of the charm. Because once you survive the climb, you're rewarded with views so ridiculous they feel illegal. This 5-bedroom mountain escape is packed with potential, personality, and enough space for everyone to spread out. With 2 separate living areas and dual wrap-around decks, this is the kind
Beautiful lake front furnished 4000 sq. ft. home in the gated community of Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, CA 95946. Lake view from all rooms. Large living room with fireplace and wet bar. Kitchen with dinette area and a formal dining room, all wood flooring. Three bedrooms and 4 baths. Master bedroom suite has a fireplace, sitting room and a large dressing room. Entertainment room with air
Discover this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home spanning 1,700 sq. ft. in the desirable gated community of Lake Wildwood. A unique feature of this property is the fourth bedroom and third bathroom has it's own private entrance, from outside of the house in the backyard, it's ideal for guests, extended family, or a home studio.The functional kitchen features a dishwasher,
$3,600 per month
Large 4-bedroom Remodeled home in Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, CA 95946
Large Lake Wildwood home, 3082 sq. ft. with 2 primary bedroom suites, each with its own private balcony. Large, remodeled kitchen with granite island and butcher block counter tops. This home offers a comfortable living room with large windows providing lots of natural light. Back wrap around deck with spa and lake views. Enjoy the breathtaking nature and native wildlife. 3 car garage and
Stunning, 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a loft area. The main level has a great room floor plan with vaulted ceilings, large windows, and a stacked flagstone fireplace hearth that is truly a work of art. The kitchen has granite counters, stainless appliances, a double stainless steel sink and a pass through window that allows you to serve food out to the deck area. The deck has a peek-a-boo
Renovated 1-bedroom/studio with full bathroom. Utilities and trash included. This unit is located below an existing residence in Lake Wildwood and has its own private entrance. It is clean and ready to go. New carpet and paint. The location is quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy the back patio and fenced yard and take in the pleasant view. Tenant to obtain their own PO box. Offered at:
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