$508,207Average Value$274Average Price per Sq Ft62Homes 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
Jill Callaco,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Penn Valley, CA sell after 58 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 $505,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful home is located within the highly sought after gated community of Lake Wildwood. It features two gorgeous water fountains in the front and backyard. It's an updated single story residence with an open concept. Recently installed brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring. There are two skylights and plenty of natural light showcasing vaulted ceilings. The remodeled bathrooms add a fresh
Bring your vision and a little TLC to 10640 Devonshire Circle! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom Penn Valley property sits on a level .97-acre lot in a great neighborhood close to town. The home features a 2-car garage, newer HVAC, city water, and a fire hydrant conveniently located directly in front of the property. Multiple sheds provide plenty of storage and workspace, while an additional
Welcome to 18891 Hummingbird Drive, a three-level home with FLAT Driveway in Lake Wildwood designed for comfortable living and entertaining. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property offers three exterior decks, creating multiple spaces to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and gather with friends and family. Inside, the kitchen provides a functional space for everyday meals and entertaining, while an inside
Lake Views, Refined Comfort & the Lake Wildwood Lifestyle. Welcome to 10980 Swallow Way, where peaceful lake views and thoughtful updates create an inviting Lake Wildwood retreat. The primary suite is designed as a private spa-like escape, featuring radiant-heated flooring in the bathroom, a jetted Jacuzzi tub, dual vanity, large tiled shower, remote-controlled blinds, and a spacious walk-in
Rare level lot in Lake Wildwood! Single story living with all Section 1 work cleared (no dry rot or water damage inside or out) and room to spread out with ramped access in back. Tucked along a peaceful year round creekside setting with no rear neighbors. This home offers filtered golf course views and a private, natural and newly landscaped backdrop that's hard to find in the area's typically
This Lake Wildwood home has the space, light, and layout buyers are looking for, with nearly 2,000 sq. ft., vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and beautiful sunset views. The main living area feels open and inviting with a cozy fireplace, large windows, and easy flow into the dining area and kitchen, making it a great home for everyday living or entertaining. The kitchen offers granite counters,
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
Perfectly perched to capture a sweeping 180-degree ridge view, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 2,059 square feet of thoughtfully designed living and a setting that makes you exhale the moment you arrive. The view isn't reserved for one lucky window; it follows you through the entire side of the home, framing the ridge line from wherever you stand. Step onto the
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
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,
Build your dream home on this beautiful parcel offering peaceful surroundings, scenic views, and multiple potential building sites. With a well already in place and a power pole at the corner of the property, this lot gives you a great head start toward future development. From the upper portion of the property, enjoy views toward the nearby golf course and surrounding landscape. Whether you're
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
Welcome to your new home in beautiful Penn Valley, CA! This charming property is situated in a vibrant community with easy access to a variety of amenities, making it a wonderful place to call home. This spacious property features multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living. Its location is a gem, with several fantastic restaurants and department stores just
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-level residence located in a desirable gated community with panoramic golf course views. The spacious open floor plan features cathedral ceilings in the living room creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for everyday living and entertaining. There is also a formal dining room area. The kitchen is equipped with stainless
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Lake Wildwood featuring a mix of carpet and wood floors throughout. The property includes central air, a whole-house fan, and propane service. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator and dishwasher. Additional highlights include a 2-car garage, washer/dryer hookups, a deck, and a separate shop space. Pets may be considered. Practical comforts and functional
Charming Penn Valley Studio Available Now Spacious and bright studio available now in Penn Valley. This private studio offers a comfortable living space with abundant natural light, a full kitchen, and a spacious bathroom. Please note the studio shares a structure with occupied main house. Property Features • Spacious studio floor plan • Full kitchen • Large bathroom
Showing will be made by appointment only, since unit is still occupied Welcome to the Home in Lake Wildwood, a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence nestled in the heart of Penn Valley, CA. This home is situated in the vibrant Lake Wildwood Community, offering plenty of amenities to enhance your lifestyle. Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to the beautiful
This 500 sq. ft. downstairs apartment has it's own separate entrance, private deck and sweet local views in a quiet and peaceful setting. The owner lives in the home upstairs. Utilities are $200/month, including PG&E, propane, garbage and Xfinity, payable in advance. Shared use of the washer and dryer is included. No pets. Lake Wildwood is a gated community with access to the beautiful lake
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