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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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?
Reach out to
Marco Esquivel,
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
On average, homes in Placerville, CA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Placerville, CA over the last 12 months is $568,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location, location, location! Welcome to this charming, updated vintage cottage sitting right in the heart of Placerville just under a quarter-mile from historic Main Street and less than a mile from El Dorado High School. Framed by a classic white picket fence, the inviting interior offers high vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, bright natural light, and warm lvp flooring throughout. The
This stunning 3-bed, 2-bath ranch home, located on just over five acres, is only seven minutes from Highway 50. You'll find stone siding on the exterior and also within, giving the property a rustic farmhouse feel. Inside, enjoy the upstairs primary suite, which not only takes up the whole floor, but has been thoughtfully remodeled. Relax in the updated bathroom with its beautiful tile floors, a
Custom Craftsman Style Home on Nearly 24 Acres! Tucked away in a serene, private setting, this custom-built Craftsman home offers a rare blend of timeless design, natural beauty, and modern sustainability. Set on nearly 24 acres with vineyards, gardens, and resort-style amenities, this property is truly a sanctuary. Enjoy lush landscaping, tranquil water features, and multiple outdoor 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
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
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
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.
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
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, guests, or potential rental income. Set on 5
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
This property is tucked away and quiet, but still close to town. It offers a fully remodeled bathroom, a kitchen with an island, and a deck with a stunning view. The one car garage makes a fantastic workspace and the outdoor shed offers additional tool storage. The RV hookup in the front is perfect for having family and there is plenty of space to park. This home is also the only house on the
Welcome to Mayberry USA...aka Swansboro - this charming mountain top community is the home of over 2,500 residents with a fire department, restaurant, airstrip (01CL), miles of hiking, lakes, creeks & the American River to fish & splash in, biking, 4wd off road and giddy'up trails plus a brand new 93M modern two lane bridge opening in Fall of 2026 replacing the one lane wooden bridge & switch
Uncover an extraordinary opportunity to build your dream home on this prime 9.06-acre parcel of vacant land, perfectly positioned on Sand Ridge Road, only .3 miles off Bucks Bar Road, offers an ideal balance of tranquil solitude and everyday convenience. With a gated entrance, the expansive, raw landscape features gently rolling terrain studded with magnificent native oaks, towering pines, and
This well maintained apartment complex located in the heart of Placerville is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their portfolio or start their real estate investment journey. This 5-plex has five 2bd/1ba units, each with a 1 car garage with washer/dryer hookups, & a fenced backyard. The fenced backyard provides a secure and private outdoor retreat for each unit. 3 new A/C systems were
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.
This condo is centrally located close to downtown Placerville and Marshall Hospital, and with a very brief walk to Lyons Park. Home features 2 large bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, central heat & air, private enclosed yard, washer/dryer and refrigerator. Home comes with one reserved covered space and one reserved uncovered space.The homeowners association takes care of the grounds at no cost to
This darling 3-bed, 2-bath home is situated just minutes from Marshall Hospital and downtown Placerville. This duplex home features a large living room, 3 good-sized bedrooms, dining room, laundry, and fenced yard for your pets. Mini splits in each room provide economical, localized air conditioning and heating. Home also has a 2-car garage. This is the downstairs unit in the duplex. Dog and cat
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 &
Darling studio home on Broadway near downtown Placerville. Home features kitchen with refrigerator, electric range, and microwave, and full bathroom. Home is one side of a duplex, and has plenty of parking. Also does not have a laundry, but there are laundromats nearby. Home is pet friendly for small animals, but no yard. Rent includes water and sewer!Minimum requirements are 600 credit
Beautiful home recently remodeled. New carpet, new appliances, new Refridgerator and new washer and dryer. 2 seperate living rooms, spacious guest rooms as well as a master suite with 2 closets and seperate vanity from shower and toilet, and a private deck. Efficient newer HVAC and new hot water heater. 4 miles from Jenkinson Lake. Close proximity to Lake Tahoe as well as Shenondoah Wine Country
Property Id: 1661039 Beautiful 1-bedroom 800 sq ft unit in a very private triplex in Placerville. Newly painted with refinished countertops and new flooring. Comes with a gas wall heater, wall AC unit, new microwave, new refrigerator, and 1-year old electric range. The unit has a dedicated washer and dryer and ample storage. All utilities but propane included for extra $200 ($2,095
$1,695 per month
Darling 2 bed, 1.5 bath condo near Lyons Park and downtown Placerville!
This condo is centrally located close to downtown Placerville and Marshall Hospital, and with a very brief walk to Lyons Park. Home features 2 large bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, central heat & air, private enclosed yard, washer/dryer and refrigerator. Home comes with one reserved covered space and one reserved uncovered space.The homeowners association takes care of the grounds at no cost to
This home is ideally located just minutes from downtown Placerville and close to Apple Hill on historic Smith Flat Road. Home features a large living room, large kitchen, dining room, bonus room, two large bedrooms and one smaller bedroom, bathroom, and huge fenced back yard perfect for animals and parking your toys!Heat includes electric wall heaters, gas wall furnace, and wood stove.
$1,025 per month
Darling studio home on Broadway near downtown Placerville.
Darling studio home on Broadway near downtown Placerville. Home features kitchen with refrigerator, electric range, and microwave, and full bathroom. Home is one side of a duplex, and has plenty of parking. Also does not have a laundry, but there are laundromats nearby. Home is pet friendly for small animals, but no yard. Rent includes water and sewer!Minimum requirements are 600 credit
* 2 Bedrooms* 1 Bath* Laundry Hook Ups in garage* One car garage* Fenced Yard* Wood Floors throughout* One year lease* Pets negotiable* Renters Insurance required* No smokingQualifications:Minimum 650 Credit ScoreIncome to be 3x the monthly rentNo evictionsNo property management collectionsDRE#01372979
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.
