Picking the right neighborhood for your family and lifestyle is a crucial step in the home buying process, but it can be hard to find all of the essential information in one place. Are you looking for a bustling town center or lots of space and privacy? Do you want to be in close proximity to a good school district or is easy access to outdoor recreation a priority for you? Learn all about Norcal Foothill’s major neighborhoods - from location, to amenities, school districts and more - below:
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Alta Sierra Estates
Alta Sierra Estates is located south of Grass Valley just off of Highway 49. The Alta Sierra community boasts a spectacular golf course, highly rated elementary school, it’s own fire station, and many small businesses including a veterinary clinic, yoga studio, dentist, salon, automotive repair shop, consignment store, gas station, fitness center, wine tasting shop, and several restaurants. Alta Sierra is a great neighborhood for those looking for single-family homes and a small-town community vibe. The Median Sale Price for homes in Alta Sierra Estates is $425K. Learn more.
Highlights: Golf course, family-friendly, amenities -
Chicago Park
Location, location, location! The Chicago Park neighborhood is located southeast of Grass Valley, just 10 minutes away from the Interstate 80 commute corridor. This neighborhood is in high-demand among commuters and telecommuters alike, with its peaceful wooded areas, pastureland, and direct access to the freeway. Most properties include a few acres of land and the neighborhood has direct access to Rollins Lake. Chicago Park’s school district is also highly regarded, including its own K-8 school with a good academic reputation. The Median Sale Price for homes in Chicago Park is $500K.
Highlights: Commuter-friendly, privacy, acreage, family-friendly -
Grass Valley
Referred to as the “gateway to the Sierra Nevadas,” Grass Valley is perhaps one of the more well known neighborhoods in Northern California. With a population of 12,817 people and ten constituent neighborhoods, Grass Valley is the 379th largest community in California. Rich in history and outdoor adventure, Grass Valley offers community members abundant amenities and recreational activities. This tight-knit community is also a great place to raise a family and boasts a great school district made up of six schools ranging from preschool to eighth grade. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds - a busy city center AND easy access to outdoor adventure - Grass Valley is a great option. The Median Sale Price in Grass Valley is $475K. Learn more.
Highlights: Busy city center, outdoor recreation, family-friendly, school district -
La Barr Meadows
La Barr Meadows is a retiree’s dream! This neighborhood is peaceful and incredibly safe. If you are looking for a quiet property with lots of space, beautiful pine trees, and few interruptions and lots of privacy, La Barr Meadows is the place for you. The Median Sale Price in La Barr Meadows is $500K.
Highlights: Peaceful, privacy, retiree favorite -
Lake of the Pines
Lake of the Pines is a 2,000-home, gated community located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Residents have access to an array of amenities including a 19-hole golf course, restaurants, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, parks and playgrounds, a marina, and four lakes and ponds for swimming, fishing, watercraft use and water sports. The Median Sale Price in Lake of the Pines is $474K. Learn more.
Highlights: Gated community, outdoor recreation, restaurants, family-friendly -
Meadow Vista
Meadow Vista is located southeast of Grass Valley in Placer County, CA, making it yet another great place to settle if you are looking for easy access to nature and outdoor recreation. With just over 3K residents, Meadow Vista is a tight-knit community and boasts many community events including an annual Oktoberfest celebration. The school district is home to Sierra Hills Elementary School which is a top-rated elementary school in the area. The Median Sale Price in Meadow Vista is $500K.
Highlights: Outdoor recreation, school district -
Nevada City
Nevada City is unique in that the entire downtown district is a national historic landmark from the California Gold Rush. Residents of Nevada City enjoy small town living, a range of arts and cultural opportunities, abundant outdoor recreation, and some of the very best schools in the state, including the Nevada County campus of Sierra College. The friendly and welcoming attitude of the community is cited as the main reason why people choose to settle and enjoy life in Nevada City. The Median Sale Price in Nevada City is $555K. Learn more.
Highlights: Historic town center, family-friendly, school district, outdoor recreation -
Peardale
Just northeast of La Barr Meadows you’ll find Peardale. Peardale is another great neighborhood for those looking for peace and quiet, beautiful views, privacy, and the opportunity to transform their land into the property of their dreams! Peardale is also the home to Peardale Farm, a certified organic farm dedicated to supplying local, sustainably-grown plant starts and fresh produce to our community. The Median Sale Price in Peardale is $500K.
Highlights: Privacy, acreage, family-friendly -
Rough and Ready
Rough and Ready is just a short drive west of Grass Valley. The Rough and Ready neighborhood is ideal for those ready to embrace country living. With just shy of 1000 residents, Rough and Ready is a tight knit community with lots of social activities like the Secession Days Chili Cook-off in June, a fundraising event for local organizations, and a monthly community breakfast held at Community Hall. Rough and Ready is also in close proximity to lots of outdoor recreation like hiking, mountain biking, and more. The Median Sale Price in Rough and Ready is $484K. Learn more.
Highlights: Remote country living, outdoor recreation