Tuolumne offers diverse outdoor recreation and vibrant community
Settled within the Sierra Nevada foothills, Tuolumne is a rural community that's home to about 3,200 residents. Tuolumne was founded as a mining and logging town, but gained popularity in the late 20th century due to its proximity to Yosemite National Park. "We have a real mixed bag when it comes to our community. There's a large retirement population, and lots of secondary homeowners. Everyone wants to move here for the outdoors," says Leeann Lupo, a Realtor with Keller Williams Sierra Foothills. As a local of Tuolumne County, she has been assisting homebuyers in the region for nearly a decade. "I think the residents here are so special. We all really look out for each other, it's just awesome. And, of course, it's a beautiful place to live.”
Access to lake beaches, mountain trails and community parks
Tuolumne's position in the Sierra Nevada foothills provides access to a diverse range of outdoor recreation. "We're a short drive from a beach, the one at New Melones Lake, and a short drive from the mountains. I think our recreation is unbeatable," Lupo says. "We're only 50 miles from Yosemite National Park, which is a huge draw for our area. Hiking, biking, skiing — you can really do it all around here." The West Side Trail, an 11-mile path that follows old railroad tracks, provides scenic views of the foothills, canyons and natural vegetation. The Tuolumne Park and Recreation District maintains a central recreational area in town, anchored by West Side Memorial Park. The park and the surrounding blocks are home to a community pool, sports fields, a playground and picnic areas.
Housing ranges from downtown bungalows to rural farmhouses
The roads here wind through the hilly landscape, past evergreen forests and expansive pastures. "There aren't a lot of densely populated neighborhoods. You can live right in downtown or find something on 100 acres. Housing options are diverse out here, it just depends on what you want," Lupo says. In Tuolumne's town proper, bungalows and ranch-style homes, typically built during the early to mid-20th century, are common. On the town's outskirts and stretching into more rural areas are rustic cabins and classic farmhouses. The median sales price for Tuolumne is roughly $350,000, which is lower than Sonora's median of $415,000. Due to the area’s dry, dense vegetation, the fire risk is high, and many homeowners purchase additional insurance.
Local diners and small stores line Route 108, big-box shopping nearby
Independently owned restaurants and quick errand stops, such as Dollar General, are dotted along the sides of Route 108. Papa's New Roost, a casual diner serving American-style breakfasts, is a local favorite. There are a few small grocery stores close to Tuolumne, like Twain Harte Market. However, Lupo mentions that most people will make the 15-minute drive into Sonora to shop at larger stores, such as Walmart and Safeway.
Year-round events with the Tuolumne community
Tuolumne's community is an active one, hosting numerous events and gatherings throughout the year. "In the summertime, we have multiple farmers markets and the Concerts in the Park series," Lupo says. "On Mother's Day weekend, we also host a huge parade and rodeo, it's been going on for over 60 years. It's the biggest event for our area."
Public schools earn B ratings with support for arts and athletics
Summerville Elementary School District and Summerville Union High School District both serve the Tuolumne area. For kindergarten through eighth grade, most students will attend Summerville Elementary School, which receives a B from Niche. Students can move on to B-rated Summerville High School. The Summerville High School Foundation partners with both local and national businesses to provide funding for the school's athletic and art programs, as well as scholarships and grants. Nearby private options include Mother Lode Christian School and Old Brethren Christian School.
Route 108 links Tuolumne to Sonora, health clinics and major roads
Route 108 is the main thoroughfare, connecting to nearby cities like Sonora and Jamestown. Stockton Metropolitan Airport, located 69 miles west of Tuolumne, offers limited commercial flights. Sacramento International Airport is 130 miles north. Adventist Health Sonora is the closest hospital, 7 miles west. Though Tuolumne has a couple of small medical clinics, the largest local hospital, Adventist Health Sonora, is 9 miles away.
