Wilton is a rural community in the countryside south of Sacramento
Wilton is rural community tucked away in the countryside south of Sacramento. Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and horse properties sit alongside winding lanes, with views of bucolic scenery all around. It’s sought after for its remote lifestyle, but still close enough to commute to California’s capital city. “It’s a country setting with a real sense of community. It’s a well-kept secret around here,” says Realtor Miranda Borg of Coldwell Banker Realty, who has lived in Wilton since 2005.
Homes are on large lots with wells and septic systems
Sprawling rural properties are on display in Wilton. Most homes have more than two acres of land, with some offering upward of 10 acres. Home styles range from early 20th-century farmhouses to recently built Traditional and ranch-style homes. “All the homes out here are on well and septic. It can be a little bit of a change of pace for people who haven’t experienced country living,” Borg says. New construction has become more frequent, and some newer properties feature luxury amenities like in-home saunas and movie theaters. Prices range from around $650,000 to $1.7 million depending on the size, age and acreage of the home. “You get a little more bang for your buck in terms of the size of your home out here,” Borg says.
Wilton is at risk for flooding and wildfires
The Cosumnes River runs along Wilton’s western edge and has been a frequent cause of flooding for decades. In 2017, Sacramento County ordered thousands of residents to evacuate or shelter in place during a major rain storm. The river has a system of levees to help stem the flooding, but water damage to properties and homes has been a recurring issue. The area is also at risk for wildfires because of its rural locale. The Wilton Fire Protection District has a full-time team that works to prevent fires.
Outdoor recreation along the Cosumnes River
There are no public parks in Wilton, but residents are only a short drive from the Cosumnes River Ecological Preserve, a sprawling wetland park south of the community. It’s a popular area for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and hiking, with four miles of trails. Bird- and wildlife-watching are a big draw for people who want to see river otters, chinook salmon and hundreds of bird species. For community parks, Elk Grove is about 10 miles west and has dozens of parks, green spaces and sports facilities. It’s about a two-hour drive to Lake Tahoe, one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations.
The community has a convenience store, a gas station and several antique shops
Wilton only has a handful of shops. Dillard Store is the local stop for gas, snacks and everyday goods, while Steve's First Class Secondhand Shop and Wilton Hall sell vintage and antique goods. Farmstands with local produce are also found here, including All Roots Allowed, a local farm and bakery that sells homemade cookies, bread, greens and eggs. For everything else, Elk Grove has an array of restaurants, shops, grocers and big-box stores.
Highly rated schools in the Elk Grove school district
Students attend highly rated schools in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Dillard Elementary School, located in the center of Wilton, has served the community since 1956. It was fully rebuilt and remodeled in 2015 to bring it up to modern standards and gets an A-minus from Niche. The next steps are Katherine L. Albiani Middle School and Pleasant Grove High School, both of which earn A ratings. Pleasant Grove's graduation rate was just over 97% in 2024, putting it above the statewide average. “The schools are very highly rated, and we’ve also got some private and religious schools nearby. There are a lot of options for parents and kids,” Borg says.
Getting to Sacramento, Elk Grove and the Bay Area
Residents of Wilton will likely need a car to get around because there is no bus service to the community. It’s about 6 miles to the nearest on-ramp for state Route 99 and 14 miles to Interstate 5, the area’s primary commuter highway. It’s 25 miles to downtown Sacramento, 37 miles to Stockton and 106 miles to San Francisco, or about two hours without traffic. Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center is about 17 miles away. Those who need to catch a flight will have to make the trek to the Sacramento International Airport, about 36 miles north of Wilton.
