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.
Written By
Tess Evans
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Video By
Timothy Cerva
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Placerville, CA sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Placerville, CA over the last 12 months is $565,470, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Be prepared to be impressed! Set on over five acres in beautiful Pleasant Valley, this custom home captures quiet country living with room for everyone inside and room to roam outside! ~~ There are four primary suites... YES! All four bedrooms have their own private bathroom. ~~ The main-floor suite has an adjoining flex room that is ideal as a craft room, homeschool space, game room, or
Just 5 minutes from the freeway, yet still offering the country living you're looking for, this lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is tucked away in a peaceful setting on .69 acres, offering comfortable single-story living on the main floor. Recently updated with energy-efficient windows, the home enjoys natural light, including large dining-area windows that capture serene treetop views. Notice in
TWO ~1500 sq ft homes! Discover a unique opportunity with two spacious single-story units, each offering approximately 1,500+ sq. ft. of living space, private entrances, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Perfect for multigenerational living, rental income, or an owner-occupant looking for additional space. LOW LOW fire insurance! The upper unit features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with recently
Discover this contemporary 2017-built cottage nestled in the highly sought-after 55+ community of Eskaton Village Placerville. Offering 1,492 sq. ft. of low-maintenance living, this versatile 2-3 bedroom, 2-bathroom home is designed for both comfort and efficiency. Step inside to find a bright, open floor plan featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring and a modern kitchen equipped with
This home has an assumable loan at 3.25%. Beautiful 2024 sq ft 3-bedroom home with 550 sq ft private apartment on 5 acres! This property delivers flexibility, income potential, and lifestyle all in one. A standout feature of this property is the private lower-level apartment with its own entrance, offering a kitchenette, Spa like bath and additional storage. Ideal for multigenerational living,
Set beneath a canopy of towering trees and surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Sierra foothills, this extraordinary Placerville estate offers a rare blend of serenity, space, and possibility. Spanning approximately 10 acres of usable land, this 3-4 bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, built in 1986, encompasses ~3,319 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, creating a private retreat that
Be prepared to be impressed! Set on over five acres in beautiful Pleasant Valley, this custom home captures quiet country living with room for everyone inside and room to roam outside! ~~ There are four primary suites... YES! All four bedrooms have their own private bathroom. ~~ The main-floor suite has an adjoining flex room that is ideal as a craft room, homeschool space, game room, or
This custom Victorian inspired home is bright, clean & shows pride of ownership. The easy to care for kitchen features Corian countertops, a center island, plantation shutters, and LVP flooring that continues through the kitchen and entry. The main level offers excellent flexibility with a formal dining room, a living room with a gas log fireplace, a bedroom/office with an ensuite bath, and an
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
Move in ready! This 2 bedroom, 1 full bath home with newer decks is sparkling clean with fresh flooring & paint, energy efficient woodstove, wall heat & evaporative cooler. Easy access to public transportation, schools, medical offices & Marshall hospital, Apple Hill and great restaurants plus the fun of downtown historic Placerville and US Highway 50 for commuters. ALL Age park. Park Application
This beautifully updated 2,562 sq ft hilltop home sits on 5.02 acres and offers stunning panoramic views, energy independence, and thoughtful fire-hardened construction. It features 28 solar panels with 2 backup batteries for significant energy savings and seamless power during outages, a new HVAC system, new Class A roof, new interior and exterior paint, auto on-demand hot water, a wood-burning
Downtown Placerville FIXER - needs just about everything. May qualify for 203K rehab financing. This 73 year old petite cutie is ready for a face lift - bring your imagination, your gloves, your desire to build sweat equity and your checkbook and make this a Home Sweet Home, again.
You've found it! 3000+ sq ft of easy single-story living tucked away in the serene foothills of Placerville yet moments away from Main Street, Boeger Winery, and all of the scenic jewels of the Apple Hill region. Ultimate privacy and tranquility are created from the lot's orientation and towering trees surrounding the property. Every room of the home invites abundant light and nature's wonder via
Get away from it all in this stunning lodge-style home on 9.88 private acres. This impressive custom home is traditionally framed, yet enjoys the beauty of half-log siding and dramatic log trusses, purlins, posts, and soaring ceilings that create a warm mountain-lodge feel. Spacious, with 3,938 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. The great room features striking 25 ft.
Just minutes from Historic Main Street, this home was built in 1938 by Nellie Bosworth Dormody, a pioneering El Dorado County educator, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath legacy home blends original character with meaningful modern updates. Set on .2 acres near the walking bridge into downtown Placerville, the home offers the charm of a historic residence with the comfort buyers want today, including a new
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 life's 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: 2009204 ** Available from 15 Sep 2026 onward ** A charming one bed residence with private entrance ideally situated within a short stroll of both Marshall Hospital and the vibrant heart of downtown Placerville. This cozy home offers an inviting atmosphere, combining comfort and convenience in a prime location. Emphasizing the essence of walkability, this home grants
Rent: $1,449/monthUtilities: $49/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,400Enjoy beautiful Sierra views from this cozy 1-bed/1-bath apartment at the end of a quiet road just 1 mile from Downtown Placerville and Hwy 50. Features:- Open living, dining & kitchen layout- Refrigerator + electric stove included- Lots of storage + closet space- On-site laundry room (washers &
Property Id: 807339 Beautifully renovated 1 bedroom 1 bathroom house in Placerville for rent. Completely renovated top to bottom with new kitchen, bathroom including gorgeous tile shower with glass, electric appliances including range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and onsite washer and dryer. Includes Bosch mini-split heating and air conditioning system. Very peaceful with plenty of
Beautiful and quiet Duplex unit on a private street. 2 bed 1 bath and 1 Car garage. Lots of space to park vehicles/comes with a beautiful side yard. Small cats/dogs are ok. Water/sewer IncludedTenant only pay for garbageMinnium credit score 620+(exceptions may apply for somone with no debt/ strong income)Income 2.5 times+ asking rentNo prior
Don't miss this darling 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home nestled in a quiet suburban neighborhood just a couple of minutes from downtown Placerville. Home features an attached garage (not good for a vehicle, but great for storage), central hear and air, storage sheds, two enclosed yards, an enclosed car port, and plenty of off-street parking. Small dogs and cats OK.Contact Placerville
$3,350 per month
Luxury Hilltop Rental Retreat Overlooking the Cosumnes River Canyon
Escape to your own private hilltop retreat at the end of a quiet country road on Sagittarius Road. Perched above the breathtaking Cosumnes River Canyon, this exceptional Tuscan-inspired estate offers sweeping panoramic views of the river, surrounding pine forest, and rolling foothills from its secluded 21-acre setting.Designed for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and the beauty of
Welcome to 3686 Heady Ct in Placerville, an exceptional rental property offering a combination of luxury, space, and flexibility that is rarely available. Situated on a large, beautifully maintained lot, this unique property provides approximately 3,448 square feet of living space between the main residence and detached ADU. The single-story main home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across
Introducing our charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment with a 1 car garage in the desirable location of Placerville, CA. This cozy unit boasts convenient amenities such as on-site laundry facilities, central heating and air, a small back yard, garbage disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator, and an electric stove. With new paint throughout, plenty of storage space, and an abundance of natural light,
We are accepting applications NOW. All listings should be presumed available and are removed immediately after taking deposit from an approved applicant.Please email or call to fill out application. We do not release information on the application activity and encourage you to apply if you are interested in this property. You will generally receive an email update on your application
846 Holly Way, Placerville, 95667 – Available Now!•3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 story house with attached 2 car garage.•Located in the city limits of Placerville.•Living room with a fireplace, dining room & a downstairs master bedroom/bathroom.•Two bedrooms & hall bathroom are located upstairs.•Kitchen with dishwasher, electric range, & refrigerator.•Inside laundry room. Tenant
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