Known for its natural beauty and slower pace of life, Nevada County is an affordable option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Forested landscapes mean there are ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the shores of Lake Tahoe are within an easy drive. Coupled with world-class wineries and lively community events, it’s no wonder people choose to call Nevada County home.
Less than an hour from Sacramento, Nevada County lies parallel to Interstate 80 just north of Auburn, stretching all the way to the state line and encompassing parts of Highway 49 and Highway 20. Anchoring the county are the communities of Nevada City, Grass Valley and Truckee, all established during the Gold Rush. There are two beautiful golf course communities to name a few: Lake of the Pines, a gated community with waterside homes and a golf course, and Lake Wildwood, a planned community with a golf course.
Nevada County is a diverse region in terms of housing. Grass Valley and Lake Wildwood, for example, feature modest homes in a suburban setting, while Truckee has high-end, lakefront properties in the $1 million range and above. For the county overall, the median closed sales price comes in at $539K.
Nevada County is also diverse in terms of weather and landscape. The southwest edge of the county has an elevation of less than 2,000 feet, meaning snow is rare, but temperatures are cooler than down in the valley. Higher elevations near the 7,000-foot plus Donner Summit see plenty of snow.
Outdoor Recreation
Hands down the biggest draw to Nevada County is its outdoor recreation. Snow in the eastern part of the county make winter sports popular, and the county is home to numerous ski resorts. Comprising parts of the Tahoe National Forest, there are plenty of spots for camping, hiking and mountain biking. With dozens of lakes and streams, taking a dip in a swimming hole is a popular pastime; in fact, the South Yuba State Park is here, with tons of spots to cool off. Boating, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are popular on Scott’s Flat Lake, Donner Lake and nearby Rollins Lake.
Community Events
There are plenty of things to do in Nevada County. In fact, in 2021 Smithsonian Magazine named Nevada City one of the best small towns in the country to visit! Of note is its annual Victorian Christmas celebration, with carolers, crafts and holiday décor. Neighboring Grass Valley has a similar event, and both towns have art walks, farmers’ markets, street fairs, comedy showcases, outdoor movies, film festivals and live music, as does Truckee.
Wineries (and Breweries too!)
Thirsty? Nevada County is known for its up-and-coming wine scene, with dozens of area vintners turning out award-winning wines. Downtown Nevada City and Grass Valley are home to numerous tasting rooms, and vineyards blanket the surrounding landscape. If beer is more your thing, the area has several popular breweries as well, including Three Forks Brewing in Nevada City, Grass Valley Brewing and Truckee Brewing Company.
A Home for Everyone
Nevada County has a variety of homes to suit every taste, from family-focused country ranch-style homes and immaculate luxury estates to quaint historic homes and rustic, off-grid living. Thinking of downsizing? There are plenty of options for smaller properties and low-maintenance homes as well. Whether you’re raising a family, looking to retire or seeking a different lifestyle, Nevada County offers both active and relaxed lifestyles.
You can learn more about neighborhoods and homes in Nevada 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 Nevada County, from restaurants and shopping to events and recreation.
Nevada County Is a Great Place to Live!