El Dorado County is an affordable option for those priced out of the Bay Area housing marking. With its scenic natural beauty, proximity to outdoor recreation and slower pace of life, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call El Dorado County home.
El Dorado County is part of the greater Sacramento region, the fastest-growing large community in California. According to the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, more than 30,000 Bay Area residents move to the area each year. In fact, the housing market in El Dorado County is up nearly 21 percent since last year, with a median sales price of $540K.
El Dorado County stretches from the Sacramento County line near El Dorado Hills along the Highway 50 corridor all the way to South Lake Tahoe. Its western edge is defined by rolling foothills, while further east are the Sierra Nevada and crystal-clear Lake Tahoe. In between is rural countryside, quaint Gold Rush towns, and scenic lakes and rivers to explore.
El Dorado County’s largest communities include El Dorado Hills, which has higher-end, family-focused neighborhoods and great schools; Cameron Park, known for its strong sense of community and local parks; and Placerville, a historic Gold Rush town with a charming Main Street.
Outdoor Recreation
El Dorado County is home to dozens of alpine lakes, as well as the South Fork of the American River, meaning water sports like rafting and kayaking are popular activities, as is taking a dip in a swimming hole. Comprising parts of both the El Dorado and Tahoe national forests, camping, hiking and biking opportunities abound, as do boating and fishing. The fun doesn’t stop when the summer season is over — several ski resorts are located within El Dorado County as well.
Farm-Fresh Produce
El Dorado County is known for its farm-fresh produce. At the heart of the El Dorado County growing region is Apple Hill, a collection of growers in the hills north of Placerville who — you guessed it — specialize in apples. In addition to every variety of apple imaginable, you can also pick up pears, pumpkins, peaches, berries, fresh veggies, and even Christmas trees. Most farms have onsite bakeries, so you can indulge your sweet tooth too!
A Home for Everyone
El Dorado County has a wide variety of housing types to choose from, including family-friendly suburban homes, high-end luxury estates, rustic horse properties and secluded mountain cabins.
Following are some of the Sacramento area’s most popular neighborhoods:
For Families: If you have school-aged children, some areas in El Dorado County to consider are El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park and Placerville, all of which have great schools, community parks, and large homes with backyards.
For Empty Nesters: If your kids are grown and flown, it may be time to downsize. Some areas to consider for empty nesters are the gated communities in El Dorado Hills, the charming town of Placerville or the rural countryside of Shingle Springs.
For Those Looking to Get Away From It All: Those hoping to escape the confines of urban living will find plenty of room to roam in the Greater Sacramento area. Ranch-style homes with acreage are common in the Diamond Springs and El Dorado areas, while further up the hill is the forested town of Pollock Pines.
For Luxury Properties: Although El Dorado County has homes at all price points, those looking for luxury properties won’t be disappointed. Some areas to consider are El Dorado Hills, which has custom estates near Folsom Lake, Shingle Springs, which has high-end horse properties with acreage; and South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma, which have charming mountain homes steps away from the lake and ski resorts.
You can learn more about neighborhoods and homes in El Dorado County by exploring our website, where you’ll find neighborhood videos and listings, and lyonlocal.com, which details all the amazing things to do in Sacramento, from restaurants and shopping to events and recreation.