A former mining town offering quiet living in Tuolumne County
Founded in 1855, Soulsbyville saw early success as a hard rock and quartz mining area, which produced more than $7 million by the turn of the 20th century. Today, the rural town is known for its laid-back setting within the Sierra Nevada foothills. “It’s a great community for people who want a bit of quiet without being too far from the amenities in Sonora, and it's conveniently situated along Route 108 for getting up and down the hill,” says Tuolumne native Jolene Meyer, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Segerstrom. The area’s location also offers abundant outdoor recreation, from hiking to boating on New Melones Lake.
Ranch-style homes fill the community
Soulsbyville’s hilly roads wind past patches of deciduous and evergreen forests, where properties rest within open clearings. Ranch-style homes built throughout the mid-to-late 20th century dominate the area. Some sit on quarter-acre lots on subdivisions like Willow Creek, while more rural properties may occasionally feature fenced-in yards for livestock and reach roughly 35 acres. Soulsbyville's median sales price is $400,000, which is slightly below Sonora’s figure of $415,000.
Outdoor fun includes boating, hiking, youth sports and more
With Sierra Nevada passing to the east, residents have access to a series of hiking trails. Just 5 miles away, the West Side Trail has wooded paths that teem with springtime wildflowers and offer year-round mountain and canyon views. Standard Park is home to four diamonds and a soccer field, making it a hub for youth sports. West Side Memorial Park, located in neighboring Tuolumne, offers additional amenities, including a playground and open space for pick-up games. New Melones Lake is a 17-mile trip west, where the Tuttletown Recreation Area has camping, hiking and boat ramps. “We have new laws that require boats to be quarantined for 30 days before going out on the water,” Meyer says. “They are trying to keep the mussels away. You can also pay to have your boat washed on the day of, and receive a sticker to access the lake.”
Summerville Union High School students can earn college credits
Children begin their education at Soulsbyville Elementary School, which teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and earns a B-minus from Niche. Summerville Union High School has a B rating and has several opportunities for students to earn college credits, including advanced placement courses and career and technical education programs. Nearby private options include Mother Lode Christian School and Old Brethren Christian School.
Locals dine along Route 108 and shop retail at Junction Center
A collection of restaurants dot Route 108, which borders Soulsbyville's western side. Reich’s Outpost is a popular spot for quick bites like deli sandwiches and burgers. It also doubles as a convenience store for picking up daily essentials. Papa’s New Roost is a favorite among locals. The casual diner serves typical American-style breakfasts, with staples like chicken-fried steak and French toast on the menu. Residents can pick up groceries at Twain Harte Market, a couple of miles north, or head to Junction Center, 5 miles away, which has several big-box retailers, including T.J. Maxx and Kohl’s.
Route 108 supports travel across the region
Route 108 is the area’s main thoroughfare, connecting to surrounding cities like Sonora and Jamestown. The nearest commercial flights depart from Stockton Metropolitan Airport, some 68 miles west. However, Meyer says most make a 130-mile trip north to Sacramento International Airport, as it covers more destinations. Adventist Health Sonora is the closest hospital, 7 miles west.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
