Set in the Sierra Nevada foothills between the Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe basin, the city of Placerville was once a supply center for mining camps during the California Gold Rush. Its name derives from the type of gold deposits found in the city’s riverbeds in the 1840s. “The city’s a tourist town now,” says Matt Lishman, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Placerville. “But a lot of people move up here from the San Francisco Bay Area to enjoy the recreation and the small-town atmosphere.”
Placerville maintains it's small town atmosphere and charm in the downtown area.
Families come to Benham Park in Placerville to enjoy the open green space.
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Unique parks for an active community
Gold Bug Park and Mine may be the city's top attraction, Lishman says, adding anyone can still go there and try to strike it rich. “It’s got an underground gold mine that goes down 252 feet, a working blacksmith shop and gem panning.” During the summer, kids flock to City Park’s Aquatic Center to swim and play. To the southeast, Lions Park has four lighted pickleball courts, two softball fields, tennis courts and walking trails. Lishman adds that there are camping areas in every direction of Placerville, and folks are only about an hour away from Lake Tahoe’s ski slopes.
Gem panning at The Gold Bug Park Mine in Placerville is a fun family activity.
In the summer time, kids can stay cool at the Aquatic Center in Placerville.
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From dirt track races to art and history
Established in 1965, the Placerville Speedway draws large crowds with its dirt track racing. “It’s a pretty big deal here,” says Lishman. “They bring out the World of Outlaws, which is top-level sprint car racing. And 10 minutes away is Apple Hill, where you can buy apples and pies, pick pumpkins and visit tons of wineries; it’s a huge tourist draw.” Downtown hosts the Placerville Art Walk every third Saturday, where Main Street’s galleries and shops feature art exhibits, live music and refreshments.
The Fountain and Tallman Museum features period photos, furniture and memorabilia inside an 1852 stone-and-brick soda shop. The El Dorado County Historical Society also leads walking tours of the city and hosts seasonal celebrations inside Placerville’s oldest residences. Riding a genuine stagecoach along Main Street has been a Placerville tradition for over two decades, giving locals a taste of a bygone era.
On race night, Placerville Speedway draws large crowds to it's dirt track.
Explore historic buildings and landmarks on a fun walking tour of Placerville.
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Career Technical Education at El Dorado Union High School District
Placerville Union Elementary School District, which earns a B from Niche, serves roughly 1,200 students from kindergarten to Grade 8. The district consists of three schools, and according to Niche, 49% of students are proficient in reading and 32% proficient in math. El Dorado Union High School District earns an A from Niche and serves just over 6,500 students. Students can also join the district’s Career Technical Education and Regional Occupational Program to gain skills needed for high-demand jobs, such as automotive services, health careers and cosmetology.
Sierra Elementary School encourages diversity and inclusion in Placerville.
The student to teacher ratio at El Dorado High School in Placerville is 23 to 1.
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Mom-and-pop shops and a farmers market
Downtown Placerville is the main hub for shopping and dining. Mom-and-pop shops border bakeries and American fare pubs along Main Street. A particularly popular haunt, the Enchanted Dining Experience delights patrons not just with its seafood, Irish pies and cocktails but with its decor, too - shrubbery is draped over booths and tree leaves fan out across the ceiling, draped in fairy lights. Big-box stores like Home Depot and Walmart sit to the west and south, while retailers, such as T.J. Maxx, line the El Dorado Freeway. Main Street’s historic Ivy House hosts a Farmers Market from mid-May through October, offering fresh vegetables, flowers and other goods.
Enchanted Forest Dining Experience is a popular Placerville eatery.
You can eat American fare and a game of pool at the Placerville Public House.
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Consistent home prices
On average, homes in Placerville sell after 48 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44. Over the last 12 months, the average sale price for single-family homes is $570,000, which is even with the average home sale price year over year. Centrally, three-bedroom ranch-style homes can sell for $385,000, while historic four-bedroom bungalows near downtown can sell for $750,000. Million-dollar estates on roughly 3 acres are found on the outskirts of town.
Bungalows are a common house style near the downtown area of Placerville.
Homes have very little yard space in the downtown area in Placerville.
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Access to nearby highways, buses and bike lanes
Highway 50 (El Dorado Freeway) cuts right through the town east to west, while Highway 49 (Golden Chain Highway) bisects it north to south. The city is about 45 miles northeast of Sacramento. “We’re in a great location,” says Lishman. “We’re only about 2 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area.” He says residents here are more dependent on cars, but there is public transportation here, and bicyclists strap motors to the back of their bikes and ride around town. El Dorado Transit offers bus services, and sidewalks and bike lanes run through downtown. The city has its own domestic airport for small aircraft, and Sacramento International Airport is 55 miles west. Marshall Emergency Department is just south of downtown.
Low overall crime rates
Overall, Placerville has lower crime rates than the national average. The police department’s latest report shows a 2% uptick in violent crimes from 2020 to 2021, and a 24% decrease in property crime. The department has hired more officers and is utilizing social media for public awareness and education. The city experiences hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
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On average, homes in Placerville, CA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Placerville, CA over the last 12 months is $557,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lot 26 - MODEL HOME in a Fire-Wise Certified Community! Welcome to Sutter's Ridge, where small-town charm meets modern luxury! Ideally located just off the Broadway Exit and close to town, this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers tranquility, privacy, and plenty of space for everyone. Inside, you'll find a versatile upstairs bonus room and the option to use the fifth bedroom in lieu of a
Lot 37 - MODEL HOME in a Fire-Wise Certified Community! Discover the possibilities of this pool-sized lot! This stunning home is nestled against majestic pine trees, delivering breathtaking views from most rooms. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3-car garage, this expansive layout is tailored to fit your lifestyle, featuring a generously sized living area, bedrooms, and plenty of storage. The
Welcome to your peaceful country escape. This ranch-style home sits on approximately 9.73 acres and backs to BLM land, offering plenty of space for livestock, RV parking, and all your toys. It's just minutes from Finnon Lake and Rock Creek, giving you that perfect balance of rural living with nearby recreation.The home features updated flooring, & and a bright sunroom. While it has great charm
Beautiful Placerville estate, with 4 Ensuite Bedrooms on 5+ acres with sweeping local views and a seasonal pond. This custom-built home was designed to capture the scenery with expansive picture windows throughout the back rooms and an oversized deck that's ideal for entertaining and enjoying the peaceful local views. Four ensuite bedrooms provide comfort and privacy, including a main-floor
Rebuilt in 2024 and nearly brand new, this beautifully reimagined property blends modern construction with timeless charmplus the rare advantage of commercial zoning, offering possibilities beyond the typical single-family home. The light-filled interior features brand-new flooring and plush carpet throughout. The inviting living room opens to a sun-kissed deck, ideal for morning coffee or
Rare, restful and relaxing are qualities of the retreat styled home found at 5011 Clear Creek Road. This waterfront oasis is refreshing ...splash in the creek, rest under the soaring mature trees, enjoy the starry nights twinkling through the tree top canopy, the solitude and silence found here...relax in the spa, sleep deeply in the 4 beautifully appointed bedrooms, cozy up with a book,
Nestled privately on 3.21 acres is a terrific 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home ready for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. The entry level features the one car garage, laundry & mud room, and 2 bonus rooms which could be used for offices, storage, fitness, home theatre, music studio, etc...the mid level of this house features kitchen, dining, primary suite, living room and a large covered deck on
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking grandeur of 5901 Traverse Creek Road, a ranch-style haven nestled in the heart of Garden Valley, CA. This exquisite property promises an unparalleled living experience. **A Home That Celebrates Nature's Artistry**Perched like an eagle's nest, this home offers a dual vista that will leave you in awe. To one side, the lush vineyards gracefully roll
Unforgettable Canyon Views & Historic Gold Mine on 10 Acres! Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning 10-acre property in Placerville featuring sweeping canyon views and your very own historic gold mine. This well-maintained manufactured home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a spacious eat-in dining area. Enjoy modern comfort with recent updates including a new roof, new cement
Welcome to your very own hilltop retreat at the end of a beautiful country road. Life moves a little slower here on Sagittarius Rd as nature lovers will enjoy the peaceful sight and sound of the cosumnes river below and the gentle breeze blowing while you take in your very own 21acre hillside view from your expansive patio and deck. This lovely home features a rustic mediterranean vibe with
Welcome home to the charm of the Victorian era at this 1895 home which features a lovingly updated interior, terraced gardens, outdoor dining, kitchen & fire pit area all within walking distance to the charming historic Main Street with a wide variety of storefronts, antique shops, museums, fraternal organizations, iconic landmarks, terrific restaurants, a vibrant arts scene, live music, street
Welcome to your country retreat with AMAZING VIEWS! Nestled on 4.7 peaceful acres, this single-story home offers 1,392 sq. ft. of comfortable living with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. **PRIVATE ACCESS to a resident-only picnic area and river (see photos). 3000gal water tank added June 2025. NEW well pump added June 2025.New front lawn August 2025. Sept 2025-400 ft of pipe replaced in the well and
Minutes to the fun of historic downtown Placerville but yet very private - this incredible 2,142 sf nestled on 2.38 acres features vast northly Sierra views, Boeger Vineyards, and breathtaking Sunrises & Sunsets. This pristine single-story, 4 bedroom, 3 full bath custom craftsman inspired home offers the perfect blend of country living and modern convenience-just a short walk to the city pool,
Looking for the perfect spot to build your dream home in a tranquil, picturesque setting? This beautiful parcel, nestled in the charming Gold Strike subdivision on Glory Hole Road in Camino, offers the best of both worlds: peace and privacy with easy access to all the best local amenities! Located just minutes from the famous Apple Hill area, you'll be able to enjoy fresh apple orchards, local
Opportunity awaits! Located in Hidden Springs Villa, this home offers comfortable, affordable living. Take a look at the floorplan...this home offers so many wonderful spaces. In addition to the expansive family room with built-in bookcases, vaulted ceiling and cozy fireplace, there is also a separate living room and formal dining room. There are also several wonderful flex spaces that can be
Discover Gold Country Senior Living, an Independent Living community in Placerville, CA where every day provides a fresh experience and the freedom to follow your own path. With a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, comfortable pet-friendly apartments, and excellent amenities, our community is the perfect place to call home. Wherever you are on your lifes journey, our maintenance-free living options
Where quiet comfort meets old world charm, Willow View has something for everyone. With its classic 2 bedroom /2 bath floor plans, desirable amenities like central heating and air, walk-in large closet and two full baths , laundry facilities and a playground for the children; this is a warm, pet friendly community you will want to call home. Give us a call and schedule a tour today.
Property Id: 23418822 bedroom 1 bathroom with eat in kitchen. Covered parking spot. Nestled amongst trees in a quiet residential area just minutes from downtown Placerville. Rotary Park just a few blocks away. Water, Trash and sewer included. Stove, refrigerator and in unit washer/dryers included.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to live in the area’s premier senior living (55+) community! Eskaton Placerville has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including gymnasium, social areas, cafe, dining hall, swimming pool, gorgeous outdoor walkways, and much more.This home has two bedrooms (the master is huge!), two full bathrooms, office/study/craft room, living room,
This large studio apartment is located just minutes from Holiday Market in Pleasant Valley. The home features a large fenced yard, plenty of parking, a large studio room with kitchenette (includes microwave and refrigerator) and large bathroom.Tenant to pay flat rate of $50/month for high speed internet, water, sewer, and garbage.Contact Placerville Realty for showing details.
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