$502,221Average Value$277Average Price per Sq Ft57Homes 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
Sheryl Ramanis,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Penn Valley, CA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $513,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready where it counts this single-level 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a sprawling .79-acre mostly level lot offers the kind of big-ticket peace of mind that's hard to find at this price point. The seller has taken care of the expensive items: a brand-new fire-rated composition roof with new gutters and downspouts (permitted), new HVAC system with all-new ducting (permitted), fresh exterior
Two homes, two pools, and breathtaking panoramic Lake and Sierra views with owned solar on this exceptional 5-acre estate. Perfectly configured for multi-generational living, a premium guest setup, or an income-generating rental. The main home is 3,524 square feet, offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hardwood flooring, an elegant great room, and a gourmet kitchen. The luxurious master suite serves
Margaretich TeamChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Welcome Home to the Lake Wildwood Lifestyle! Easy, single level living meets resort-style amenities in this beautifully maintained home, nestled in the heart of Lake Wildwood, one of Northern California's premier gated communities. This inviting 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers an open floor plan, flexible living spaces, and everything you need to enjoy the lifestyle you've been dreaming about.
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 an OWNED solar system with battery backup, a newer roof (2019), and high-speed internet
Enjoy peaceful country living in this beautifully maintained single-story farmhouse on 4.4 usable, low-maintenance acres with breathtaking panoramic western views. A charming wraparound porch welcomes you into approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of inviting living space featuring formal living and dining rooms, a bright dining area with picture windows, and an updated kitchen with granite countertops,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lovely home in gated community of Lake Wildwood. Three bedroom, two bath with vaulted living room ceiling, woodstove, central heat and air, spacious kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area. Spacious guest bedrooms, master with slider to deck. Attached 2-car garage, low-maintenance yard with natural landscaping. NO PETS, NO SMOKING Contact Tammy for info, Lovely home in gated community of
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 has an open floor plan filled with natural light and an easy flow layout. The living room features a wood stove as a second source of heat and vaulted ceiling. The primary bedroom offers direct walk-out access to the back
$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
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