Living in Placerville, CA
Historic Gold Rush Town • Foothill Living • Wine Country Gateway • Charming Small-Town Lifestyle
Placerville offers one of Northern California’s most charming and historic living experiences—combining Sierra foothill scenery, Gold Rush heritage, local wineries, open land, and rural lifestyle amenities. Known for its historic Main Street, boutique dining, outdoor recreation, and seasonal events, Placerville attracts families, retirees, acreage seekers, second home buyers, and those seeking small-town living without being far from Folsom, Sacramento, or Lake Tahoe.
Located off Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, Placerville offers easy access to skiing, lakes, wineries, orchards, hiking trails, equestrian land, and outdoor recreation, while still maintaining a strong sense of community, culture, and heritage.
Location and Lifestyle
Placerville sits in El Dorado County along Highway 50, offering a scenic foothill lifestyle with proximity to wine country, Apple Hill, Folsom, Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, and Lake Tahoe. Residents enjoy rural charm with modern conveniences, historic downtown shopping, year-round festivals, farmers markets, museums, theater, and small businesses.
Popular lifestyle features include:
• Historic Main Street (Bell Tower, boutique shops, antique stores, farmer’s markets)
• Apple Hill region (orchards, wineries, seasonal events, festivals)
• Equestrian properties, wineries, ranch land, rolling hills, and scenic drives
• Fishing, boating, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and lake access
Placerville offers a blend of residential neighborhoods, acreage properties, custom foothill homes, ranch estates, and historic homes with character.
Schools Serving Placerville
Placerville is served by the Placerville Union and El Dorado Union High School Districts, known for strong parent participation, small class sizes, and student-focused programs.
Schools serving local residents include:
• Schnell Elementary School (K–5)
• Markham Middle School (6–8)
• El Dorado High School – Academics, agriculture, athletics, trades, and performing arts
Nearby private and charter options include:
• El Dorado Adventist School
• Cedar Springs Waldorf School
• Blue Oak Academy Charter
• Golden Sierra High School (rural alternative option)
Placerville also offers homeschooling networks, agricultural education, equestrian programs, and career technical training through local regional academies.
Dining, Culture, and Local Social Spots
Placerville balances small-town charm with a vibrant local dining, arts, and winery scene.
Popular local establishments include:
• Heyday Café – Local favorite for upscale casual dining
• Bricks Eats & Drinks – Historic pub-style American dining
• Sweetie Pie’s – Iconic brunch and bakery in a historic home
• Smith Flat House – Restaurant and cellar in a restored Gold Rush-era building
• Placerville Public House – Taproom, music, and local events
• Main Street Coffee, Totem Coffee, and Cozmic Cafe – Community gathering spots
Wineries nearby include Lava Cap Winery, Boeger Winery, Skinner Vineyards, and Madroña Vineyards—part of the growing El Dorado County wine region.
Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle
Placerville residents enjoy access to year-round outdoor amenities:
• American River — rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking
• Sly Park / Jenkinson Lake — boating, camping, horseback riding, trails
• Apple Hill — seasonal festivals, wineries, orchards, holiday events
• Tahoe Region — skiing, snowboarding, hiking, lakes, and cabins (within 1 hour)
• Equestrian properties, ranch land, and agricultural estates in surrounding areas
The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts, acreage homeowners, agricultural investors, horse owners, and vacation home buyers seeking lifestyle living and privacy.
Real Estate in Placerville
Placerville offers a wide range of housing and land options—from historic downtown homes to custom foothill estates, vineyard properties, and agricultural acreage.
• Historic District Homes: Walkable, character homes near Main Street
• Custom Foothill Estates: Scenic views, larger lots, privacy, and outdoor spaces
• Vineyard & Winery Properties: Wine country investment and lifestyle living
• Ranch & Equestrian Estates: Acreage, barns, workshops, guest homes
• New Construction & Subdivisions: Modern homes near schools and parks
• Second Homes & Retreat Properties: Mountain cabins, wooded land, recreational homes
Placerville appeals to full-time residents, second-home buyers, investors, and land seekers due to its lifestyle amenities, scenic setting, affordability, and proximity to Sacramento and Tahoe.
Considering a Move to Placerville?
Whether you're looking for acreage, a foothill custom home, historic downtown living, or a second home near wine country—we help you compare neighborhoods, land use types, schools, and long-term property value.
Commercial Land Luxury
Residential • Land • Ranch • Investment
Serving Placerville • El Dorado Hills • Folsom • Greater Sierra Foothills
