Western Nevada County has dynamic varying climate, terrain, and sun exposure that need to be considered when purchasing property here. You should clearly define what you want and work with a local agent to assure you find the property that pleases you most.
We also have all four very strong seasons: cold, wet and rainy winters; beautiful, green blossoming springs; hot, dry and long summers and picturesque, transitional falls.
A real estate agent should ask: What do you like? Cold and cozy, warm and sunny?
Do you like the snow? Would you want to live in it? Nevada City and up along Highway 20 are higher elevations, with towering pines and it gets snow a few times a year on average. This means closed roads, show shoveling, fireplaces and cozy days off of school/ work. Homes at this elevation need more work in the summer to maintain the wear and tear from saturated winters and the property may require tree and watershed management.
Grass Valley( 2400’) is right at the snow line and has a variety of different terrain. You will get some snow (think 2-3 days of the white stuff a year) and in the summer it is bone dry and hot. The varying terrain here can yield cooler temperatures around creeks or on the north side of slopes. Grass Valley includes the quaint communities of Peardale and Chicago Park, along Highway 174 and the subdivision of Alta Sierra right off of Highway 49.
Penn Valley and southern Nevada County (South County) have options of open land, more sunlight and south western exposure to the Sacramento Valley for solar access and spectacular sunsets. There is almost no snow at this elevation and in the summer you are going to be baking in the sun! You might want a pool! This location is great for gardens or ranches. There is also the small communities of Rough and Ready, Newtown and the subdivision of Lake Wildwood, a beautiful gated community! In South County there is the gated community of Lake of the Pines and beautifulpropertiies off Dog Bar Road.
The eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Foothills has some of the most dynamic landscapes and seasonal weather patterns you can imagine. This includes the eastern portion of Nevada County which extends all the way to Truckee.
From wide-open spaces, to calm and closed in retreats, Nevada County has it all! Leading to my point… work with a local realtor who knows this area. You’re not in suburbia anymore! Also, consider that the homes are custom- built and as varying in design as the areas they inhabit. Is the house on a septic system, severe slope, feature high decks, high moisture content, low sunlight? What is the water source? Is is on a well or city or Nevada Irrigation Ditch (NID)? What about power? Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) or is it on solar? Does it have battery back up or a generator? Is the generator wired into the house electric panel to come on automatically? And, of course, what are the internet options? These are extremely valuable considerations for living in Nevada County, California.
Many of the same factors can be said for homes in Placer County California including Auburn, Colfax, Bowman, Newcastle, Ophir, Meadow Vista, Applegate and Foresthill.
Find at the right realtor who will work to find the property that suits you best. Find a local realtor who knows the area. Call me today!
John Boyer, born and raised in Nevada County!
