Phoenix Lake draws buyers with views, value and location
Phoenix Lake is a community and reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills, roughly 5 miles from Sonora. Suzie Mills, a local Realtor with Century 21 Sierra Properties, says the community's draw is its waterfront properties, location and relative affordability. "We're adjacent to Calaveras County, and people come here because they can get a little bit more for their money." The town preserves much of its land for living and enjoying the outdoors. However, it does have a local distillery and restaurants along its bordering highway. The lake primarily serves as a source of drinking water for Tuolumne County and is only lightly used by nonmotorized boaters. Larger recreational lakes are nearby when people want to sail, swim and fish. The CAP Index Crime Score in Phoenix Lake is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Phoenix is a source of drinking water for the residents of the City of Phoenix Lake, CA.
Spend time with friends at Indigeny Reserve in the City of Phoenix Lake, CA.
1/2
Forested surroundings, lakefront vistas and community features
Ranch styles, cabins and custom builds, including those in Mediterranean and Tudor Revival styles, have a foothold in the area. Phoenix Lake features established communities and homes on their own plot of land, whether on the water or in the countryside. Homes in the gated Apple Valley Estates offer easy access to the lake; many properties there are surrounded by forests and open spaces. The centerpiece, Phoenix Lake Country Club golf course, closed in 2019, but changes may be coming. Mills says, “they do have tennis courts, and there is talk of the golf course being turned into a vineyard, so we’re thinking that’s going to be a plus." Phoenix Lake's manufactured homes are the minority. They begin in a range of $13,000 to $30,000 for tiny options and fixer-uppers. The range rises from $60,000 to $115,000 as condition and size increases. The median sales price in town is $550,000, which is significantly lower than the state median of more than $900,000.
Homes within the private community of Apple Valley Estates offer homes along Phoenix Lake in Phoenix Lake, CA.
Tudor Revivals have a foothold in the City of Phoenix Lake, CA.
1/2
Access to hiking, swimming and Yosemite within an hour
Phoenix Lake doesn’t allow swimming and only permits nonmotorized boats. Much of the land surrounding the water is privately owned, but the county has proposed creating three public access sites. Larger lakes built for recreation and hiking trails are accessible from town. Dragoon Gulch Trail is a destination for hiking around 8 miles away. “Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a 40-minute drive up the road, and it’s pretty popular,” Mills says about the ski spot. “Pine Crest Lake is up by the resort. It's gorgeous and packed all summer long with boaters and swimmers.” New Melones Lake is about the same distance from town for another place to boat and swim. Yosemite National Park is less than 60 miles away.
Yosemite National Park is less than 60 miles away from the City of Phoenix Lake Sonora, CA.
Grab a bite at the Village Grill at Yosemite National Park near Outer East Stanislaus.
1/2
Hard cider, homestyle meals and grocery stores nearby
Commercial businesses are located on or along California 108, which passes through the town's southern edge. Indigeny Reserve, a distillery, is an exception, located on a 160-acre preserve and apple orchard. The distillery crafts hard cider, apple brandy and citrus-infused liqueur from homegrown apples, which guests can enjoy in its tasting room. Papa's New Roost is a popular breakfast spot serving homestyle classics such as biscuits and gravy. Mike's Pizza of Sonora offers burgers, salads, sandwiches and specialty pies like Mike's Hawaiian and Greek Goddess. Taco Shop El Rey is a casual taqueria known for its salsa bar and carne asada fries. Divine Market, Grocery Outlet and Safeway are nearby for grocery runs. Downtown Sonora is less than 7 miles away. "It has art galleries and locally owned restaurants," Mills says. "There are a lot of consignment-style stores."
Papa's New Roast is a city favorite in the City of Phoenix Lake, CA.
Indigeny Reserve in the City of Phoenix Lake a distillery, located on a 160-acre preserve and apple orchard.
1/2
Two public school districts serve the local area
Students in the community attend public schools within two districts. These are the Summerville Union High School District, which receives an A-minus from Niche, and the B-plus-rated Sonora Union High School District.
Summerville Union High School is where the local children attend school in the City of Phoenix Lake, CA.
Students in the City of Phoenix Lake attend public schools within two districts.
1/2
The lake supports emergency efforts, but suffers from drought
Periodic droughts and wildfires reduce Phoenix Lake's water level, which was exceptionally low in 2021. Aside from being a source for drinking water, the reservoir is also the principal fill source for Cal Fire helicopter operations in the Highway 108 corridor.
Highway access and dial-a-ride service
State Route 108 crosses through the southern side of town and connects Sonora to the Nevada border. Tuolumne County Transit offers dial-a-ride services covering Phoenix Lake.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Carnie
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shantel McDonald,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Come live above the valley fog and below the snow level in the PRESTIGIOUS RIDGEWOOD ESTATES subdivision of Sonora, California in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevadas with INCREDIBLE VIEWS!! Come build your dream home in this highly sought after neighborhood surrounded by beautiful custom homes! Next door neighbor is using Starlink for fantastic and affordable HIGH SPEED internet at
BRAND NEW ROOF, SOLAR & BACKUP BATTERIES!! Welcome home to this stunning retreat nestled among majestic oaks in the picturesque Sierra Foothills. Offering 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, this spacious 2,623 sq. ft. home is designed for comfort and versatility. Inside, you'll find room for everyone, including a basement with a full bathroom, a main-level primary suite with a cozy fireplace, and a
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Apple Valley Estates! This stunning property features a main house with three spacious bedrooms and two and a half baths, designed for comfort and elegance. A large living room boasts amazing views, perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation. The formal dining room complements the living room with double doors, providing ample space for gatherings. The
This is it! A Gorgeous Victorian-style, solar-powered home on 2.90 scenic acres in desirable Ridgewood Estates. This 3,290 sq ft house offers a comfortable, well-designed floor plan with formal dining, dinette, and a great room featuring a stunning stone fireplace. The gourmet kitchen includes Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, 48" Thermador range with double ovens, two sinks, instant hot water,
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after gated community of Apple Valley Estates! This stunning residence features four spacious bedrooms, plus a separate office and two beautifully appointed bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests alike. As you step inside, you're greeted by elegant hardwood floors that flow throughout the open-concept living areas, creating a warm
Location, Location, Location! Unfinished home at sheetrock stage with an attractive floorplan. Many options for customizing the home, including room for extended family. Finish this home that best suits you!
This incredible property is situated in the highly sought-after Ridgewood Estates. Imagine building your dream home on this beautiful 2.54-acre lot, where you can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. Approved for a septic system supporting a 5-bedroom home, this site is ready for your grandest visions of the perfect forever home. Conveniently
This is your opportunity to own your own buildable acreage parcel in the Apple Valley Ranches. Located on Kebra Lane and goes just across the access road to Indigeny Apple Ranch. There is a seasonal creek and views of the apple blossoms. This parcel is nicely treed with oaks and is a gradual grade making it a nice building lot. The access is just before the private gate on Kebra Lane. Only
INCREDIBLE VIEWS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK! An uninterrupted view of Crystal Falls water fall. This location offers a peaceful setting within a very small community of 4-5 custom homes on a private cul-de-sac. The building pad and septic system are in. The water and electric are at the beginning of the driveway. Water only requires a meter hookup from Tuolumne Utilities District. There are
Buildable Lot in the Desirable Gated Community of Apple Valley Estates – Near Indigeny Reserve...Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in Apple Valley Estates, a peaceful and scenic community known for its spacious lots, natural beauty, and well-maintained surroundings. This buildable lot is located near the end of Apple Valley Drive, close to the boat launch. The property
Single-level living in the heart of Sonora's desirable Belleview area. This 3 bed / 2 bath home (with an extra space for an office or another bedroom) spans 1,725 square feet and sits on a half-acre lot. The attached 2-car garage provides convenient access and ample storage, while the back patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Well-maintained and truly move-in ready... if
Welcome to the Groovy House located minutes from Twain Harte and Sonora! This home has three levels with the bottom level that could be a separate space for those who want to have a place for guests that is self contained. It has a bedroom, living room and kitchen area and a full bath. The laundry area is located down here, too. This home has decks that look towards the sunset and views towards
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
