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Pioneer

Pioneer

$400,295 Average Value
$217 Average Price per Sq Ft
53 Homes For Sale

A nature-based lifestyle in Pioneer

Pioneer is a rural community in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of eastern California. For years, it has been a popular jumping-off place for outdoor adventures. A rise in remote work has allowed more people to leave busy cities and settle full time in Pioneer, where they can enjoy a calmer lifestyle surrounded by nature.

Finding a home in Pioneer to fit your needs

With its rolling landscape, tall evergreens and large lot sizes, Pioneer often attracts “buyers seeking more space and a slower pace of life,” says Neeta Patel, Realtor with Vista Sotheby's International Realty, who has lived in neighboring Pine Grove for more than 25 years. If you’re looking for a little place for weekend getaways, you might find rustic log cabins and rustic A-frames ranging from the upper $100,000s to the upper $200,000s. Larger homes outfitted for year-round living typically range between the low $300,000s and the upper $700,000s.

Preparing for snow and protecting against fires

On top of home costs, buyers should expect steeper homeowner’s insurance premiums because the Pioneer area has a very high fire risk. “The community as a whole is very aware of fire safety, and residents are very proactive about keeping properties maintained,” Patel says. “Preparedness is a part of mountain living.”

Winter weather is another thing to keep in mind. Patel says while main roads like state Route 88 are well maintained, “residents should have all-wheel drive or chains available.” Snow levels can vary greatly from one part of the community to another, depending on elevation and sunlight. “Some spots don’t get much snow at all, and when they do, it melts quickly,” Patel says. “In other places, snow tends to stick around longer.”

Things to do near Pioneer

While snowy winters aren’t for everyone, they’re a big part of the appeal for many new residents, Patel says. “Pioneer is lifestyle driven and ideal for those who enjoy outdoor recreation,” she says. Some popular area adventures include:

  • Exploring Black Chasm Cavern
  • Swimming and kayaking in Tiger Creek
  • Fishing at Silver and Caples lakes
  • Skiing at Kirkwood Mountain Resort
  • Picnicking in one of the Shenandoah Valley’s many vineyards

Internet and cell service in Pioneer

Internet options vary based on where you live in the community. Some properties already have cable internet service, but in other areas, you might need to rely on satellite or cell-based internet. Cell reception can also be spotty depending on your location and carrier. “I always recommend that buyers test service at the property itself, particularly if they plan to work remotely,” Patel says.

Pioneer Elementary and other nearby schools

Pioneer is part of the Amador County Unified School District, and many kids go to either Pioneer Elementary School or Pine Grove Elementary School. Older students can attend the highly rated Amador High School in Sutter Creek, which offers dual-enrollment classes through Columbia Junior College.

Where people go for food, medical care and jobs

There are a few small businesses in Pioneer, including Plate 88 American Grill and Bar. One trade-off to having privacy and access to nature, however, is that you’ll need to drive to reach most stores and services. If you’re looking for:

  • Emergency care: the Sutter Amador Hospital is in Jackson, less than 15 miles away
  • Groceries: there’s a locally owned market in nearby Buckhorn, and Jackson has larger chains
  • In-person jobs: employment hubs like Sacramento and Lodi are within 60 miles

Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jill Gardner, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,076
Number of Homes for Sale
53
Median Year Built
1979
Months of Supply
6.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,641
Below the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
27,878

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Pioneer Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$1,850
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,850

Demographics

Total Population
1,911
Median Age
55
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$80,682
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$113,383

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
17.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.4%
% Population in Labor Force
47%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Somewhat bikeable

Bikeability®

20 / 100

Not walkable

Walkability®

10 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
Pioneer
Jill Gardner
Sierra Homes & Properties
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