Pine Grove is a forested community in the Sierra Nevada
Located along Highway 88 in the Sierra Nevada, Pine Grove is enveloped by pine and oak forests, close to nearby hiking areas and campgrounds. “A lot of people like Pine Grove because it’s above the fog and below the snow,” says Tera Donahoo, a Pine Grove resident and Realtor at Davenport Properties. “We do get snow here, but not heavy snow like you might get in towns like Pioneer.” Originally founded as a mining town, the community has maintained its rural character, offering opportunities for acreage and lots of mom and pop shops in the small downtown area.
A wide variety of housing styles, some on multiacre lots
Ranch-style homes and wood-built cabins are set along narrow, winding roads, with lot sizes ranging from a quarter-acre to as many as 10 acres. Mostly built in the latter half of the 20th century, many homes feature Craftsman-inspired elements like overhanging roofs and covered front porches. Most homeowners rely on private well water and septic systems. Prices mostly range from $100,000 to $600,000, though some 21st-century builds and properties with multiacre parcels can range from $640,000 to $1 million. There’s also a 55-plus manufactured home community at the center of Pine Grove that offers two- and three-bedroom units for between $130,000 and $200,000. Empty lots for new construction typically range from $60,000 to $180,000. Some low-lying areas are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, and the surrounding region falls within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone according to the California State Fire Marshal. The Amador Fire Protection District serves the community.
A central community park, along with nearby hiking and camping sites
Pine Grove Community Park is centrally located with a playground and picnic areas, making it the home base for social gatherings and events in the area. The wider region is filled with dense forests, with Mount Zion State Park spanning its namesake mountain peak with hiking trails and a lookout tower. In addition to hiking areas, there are nearby camping sites like the Roaring Camp Mining Company, where visitors can pan for gold and look for other precious metals. Lake Tabeaud is less than 10 miles away and surrounded by trails, making it a popular spot for kayaking, fishing and hiking.
Lots of local eateries are located along the highway
Local businesses line the highway, including Pine Grove Market, the area’s main grocery store. “Even though the downtown is small, it’s got a great Italian restaurant that’s been there for two generations and an ice cream parlor that was actually featured in the San Francisco Chronicle,” Donahoo says. Giannini’s Italian Dinners and Munnerlyn’s Ice Creamery are two staples in the area, as well as Las Minas Mexican Restaurant, which serves authentic cuisine. Roadside Coffeehouse is another popular gathering spot.
Public schools score in the B range
Pine Grove Elementary earns a B-minus from Niche, with boys’ and girls’ volleyball programs. Ione Junior High School also earns a B-minus, offering basketball programs as well as volleyball. The B-plus-rated Amador High has career-oriented pathways, including agriscience, agriculture mechanics and ornamental horticulture.
Commuting to nearby towns on Highway 88
Pine Grove is located on Highway 88, around 55 miles away from both Stockton and Sacramento. Jackson, the seat of Amador County, is under 10 miles away and has the closest medical center, Sutter Amador Hospital. Amador Transit’s Route 2 bus line stops in Pine Grove, connecting passengers with surrounding towns like Sutter Creek. Stockton Metropolitan Airport is under 60 miles away, while Sacramento International Airport is about 65 miles away.
Local organization hosts a free community concert in the summer
The Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club hosts the annual Groovin’ in the Grove celebration in May at Pine Grove Park. The event includes a free concert and food vendors, some selling local wine and brews from Amador Brewing Company.
