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?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Placerville, CA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Placerville, CA over the last 12 months is $575,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 this peaceful 3-acre mountain retreat featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex room, all set on a private cul-de-sac with added space between neighbors for privacy. Enjoy the serene setting, expansive deck for relaxing or entertaining, and abundant natural light that fills the home throughout the day. Inside, high ceilings accented with faux wood beams create a warm
1-story custom 3/2 ranchette on ridgetop acreage, and massive 40x60 detached workshop building with 16-foot-wide roll-up doors. Covered back deck overlooks the down-sloping property, dotted with black oak trees. 40-year presidential roof. Separate 12x20 storage shed. Inside this home you will find engineered hardwood flooring, new carpeting in bedrooms, Anderson windows and sliders. Freestanding
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
Rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained 5 Acre property in an exceptional location with stunning views, a seasonal pond, and picturesque creek. This spacious home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, plus a versatile downstairs room that could serve as a guest suite, home office, or potential ADU conversion. Designed for both comfort and functionality, the property features OWNED SOLAR ,NEW
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
Beautiful Placerville estate on 5+ acres. 4 Ensuite Bedrooms...YES all 4 bedrooms have their own private bathroom! 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 and the seasonal pond. Four ensuite bedrooms provide comfort and privacy,
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
Creek front home with lake access. Travel along the nicely paved Lake View Drive through the friendly 55+ community to your updated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath. The large covered porch is the perfect space to take in the surrounding natural scenery during all 4 seasons. Upon entering, you are greeted with a modern focal-point electric fireplace with stone and quartz hearth. The recently remodeled kitchen
Rebuilt in 2024 and nearly brand new, this beautifully reimagined property blends modern construction with timeless charm plus the rare advantage of mixed-use zoning, offering possibilities beyond the typical 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 evening relaxation.
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
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,
This gorgeous mountain house is nestled on 10 park like usable acres just minutes from where the new Mosquito bridge is being built in Swansboro. With full views of the property, the interior boasts glowing wood from floors to vaulted ceiling and updated appliances throughout your new home sweet home. The kitchen is an entertainers delight with space for multiple chefs, their helpers & guests.
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
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
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: 1128509Very peaceful and private 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom unit available in Placerville. The upstairs contains the kitchen, living area, and primary bedroom with full bathroom. The downstairs has the 2nd bedroom, 1/2 bath, and laundry room. The unit has a remote-controlled mini-split heating and air system, all stainless appliances, vinyl flooring, and a washer and dryer.
This cozy unit features 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 well-appointed bathroom, providing the perfect space for comfortable living. Nestled in a convenient location, this apartment is designed to meet all of your needs. Located close to schools, shopping, dining, and easy freeway access, this is a prime location. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, there is something
This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property located at 2829 Manor Dr offers 800 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and features air conditioning for comfort. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and includes a designated area for a washer and dryer. Each bedroom is designed for functionality, accommodating various furniture arrangements. The bathroom is
$2,950 per month
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,680 Sq Ft
Feel right at home on Blue Bell Court! Owned solar is included, offering the potential for little to no electricity costs. This thoughtfully updated home blends modern comfort with timeless character, creating a warm and inviting retreat just moments from Downtown Placerville. A rare feature, the home offers two sunrooms that provide valuable additional living space filled with natural light that
Sheena DaltonVista Sotheby's International Realty
$2,300 per month
A gardener's delight! 3-bedroom home nestled in the countryside but close to town.
A gardener's delight! This 3-bed 2-bath home is close to town but nestled in the peace & privacy of the countryside. This home features a large living room, deck, multiple storage sheds, and the joy of rural living. Home has central heat, a wood burning stove, and a window AC unit in the living room.Minimum qualifications are 650 credit score and 3x the rent for income. Security
Coming soon! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath upstairs apartment will be available in mid-June 2026. Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, this apartment home offers a peaceful retreat with modern finishes and thoughtful upgrades.Interior Features•Modern Aesthetics: Custom interior paint throughout.•Premium Flooring: Stylish, durable plank flooring in every
$1,995 per month
Unique fully furnished 1-2 bedroom property secluded on Newtown Road ten minutes from Placerville!
Don't miss this unique property located on Newtown Road. All utilities (including internet) are included in the rent! Nestled on the grounds of Placerville's oldest home, this charming one to two bedroom property is looking for the right person to call it "home." Upstairs you'll find a living room with kitchenette, large full bathroom, and large bedroom. In the photos you'll see a bed set
$2,600 per month
Large 3-bedroom home on peaceful acreage with usable yard on Lotus Road!
Don't miss this large 3-bedroom mobile home situated on acreage on Lotus Road. Home features a large living room, kitchen, separate dining area, huge master bathroom with primary bath, two guest bedrooms and second bathroom. Home also has a dedicated laundry room with appliances. Outside you'll find a huge private deck overlooking your private yard. This home is pet friendly! Lots of off-street
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