Placer County is an affordable option for those priced out of the Bay Area housing market. Take its high quality of life and lower cost of living, add world-class restaurants, artisan wineries and craft breweries, and proximity to outdoor recreation, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to call Placer County home.
Less than 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento, Placer County stretches from the Sacramento County line along the I-80 corridor all the way to Lake Tahoe. Along its southern border are the family-friendly housing developments of Rocklin, Roseville and Granite Bay, further east is the quaint Gold Rush town of Auburn, the wooded foothills of Colfax and Foresthill, and the Lake Tahoe communities of Tahoe City and Kings Beach on the western edge.
Two Placer County cities — Roseville and Rocklin — were named among the fastest-growing cities in the state by the Department of Finance. And with a median home value of approximately $490,000, it’s clear that Placer County is a great choice for those looking to establish roots. Whether a family home or a vacation property, those looking for a life away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life will find it in Placer County.
Outdoor Recreation
One of the main draws of Placer County is its outdoor recreation. Folsom Lake, Lake Tahoe and the North Fork American River are within its bounds, meaning water sports like rafting and kayaking are popular pastimes. There are plenty of spots for camping, hiking and taking a dip in a swimming hole. But the fun doesn’t stop when the summer season is over — many Sierra ski resorts are located here as well.
Farm-to-Fork Cuisine
Agriculture is a big business in Placer County, which is home to family-run farms, ranches and orchards. Placer County is known for its amazingly sweet mandarins, and its annual Mountain Mandarin Festival, held in Auburn, is not to be missed. Locals reap the reward of this bounty via year-round farmers markets and restaurant dishes made from the freshest ingredients possible.
Craft Breweries (and Wineries too!)
Thirsty? Placer County has a thriving craft brew scene, with small-batch breweries turning out award-winning drafts from Loomis to Auburn and everywhere in between. It also has an up-and-coming wine scene, with area wineries producing everything from Albariño to Zinfandel along the Placer Wine Trail.
Shopping
If there’s nothing you love more than to shop till you drop, Placer County is for you. It’s home to one of the largest shopping malls in California, the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, home to department stores, high-end boutiques, and national home and fashion retailers. Beyond the glitz, you’ll also find quaint gift shops, art galleries, indie clothing and antiques in the small, historic downtown areas in many towns.
A Home for Everyone
Placer County has a wide variety of housing choices, from ranch-style suburban homes to charming historic homes. If you’re looking for space to spread out, there are even secluded mountain estates, horse properties with acreage, and countryside ranches. Thinking of downsizing? There are plenty of options for smaller properties and low-maintenance townhomes as well. Following are some of Placer County’s most popular neighborhoods:
For Families: If you have school-aged children, some areas in the region to consider are Roseville and Rocklin, 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 in Placer County to consider for empty nesters are Lincoln, known for its Sun City Lincoln Hills retirement community, and Auburn, known for its small-town charm.
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 Placer County. Ranch-style homes with acreage are common in Loomis, while the mountain towns of Colfax and Foresthill have scenic, remote properties.
For First-Time Buyers: With affordable prices, housing developments in Placer County are ideal for those just starting out. Spots to consider include Roseville, Rocklin, and Colfax.
For Second Home Buyers: With so much natural beauty, Placer County is a popular choice for those looking to buy a second home or vacation home. Whether a cabin in the Tahoe National Forest or along the shores of Lake Tahoe, there are several options to consider, including Tahoe City, which has luxury properties close to all the amenities, Olympic Valley, known for its townhomes just steps away from world-class skiing, and Kings Beach, a resort town near the Nevada state line.
For Luxury Home Buyers: Placer County also has many options for those looking for a luxury home. Granite Bay, Loomis, Auburn, Lincoln, Penryn and Meadow Vista all offer high-end custom estates on acreage, some with vineyards or ranches. Many are located in prestigious country club communities that offer plenty of privacy.
You can learn more about neighborhoods and homes in the Greater Sacramento region 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.