The community of El Dorado Hills enjoys the kind of location that Californians dream about; close to skiing, the ocean, wineries, and state parks. Located 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento and 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Hills boasts acres of lush rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Sacramento Valley.
EL DORADO HILLS CALIFORNIA GUIDE SUMMARY:
- What to Expect When Living in El Dorado Hills
- Top Things to Do in El Dorado Hills
- El Dorado Hills Neighborhoods: 53 Villages Explained
- El Dorado Hills Location: Proximity to Major Cities
- El Dorado County: Home to El Dorado Hills
- El Dorado Hills Weather: A Year-Round Guide
- Education in El Dorado Hills: School Districts and Options
- El Dorado Hills Homes For Sale
Pros & Cons of Living in El Dorado Hills
Let's start with the elephant in the room - what might you not love about El Dorado Hills? No place is perfect, and I believe in giving you the full picture.
What You Might Not Like About Living in El Dorado Hills:
- Suburban Feel: El Dorado Hills is definitely suburban. If you're looking for a bustling city vibe, this might feel a bit too quiet for you.
- Cost of Living: Let's be real, living here isn't cheap. The cost of living is higher than most places in the US, and it's one of the pricier areas in Sacramento.
- Mello Roos and HOA Fees: These can be a real shock if you're not prepared. Some neighborhoods have pretty hefty HOA fees, and Mello Roos taxes can add a significant amount to your annual property tax bill.
- Limited Nightlife: If you're into late-night partying, El Dorado Hills might not be your scene. We're more of a "dinner and drinks" kind of place.
- Summer Heat: Our summers can get pretty toasty, with temperatures often hitting the 90s in July and August.
But don't click away just yet! There's a reason El Dorado Hills is consistently ranked as the #1 place to live in Sacramento County. Here's what makes it special:
What We Love About Living in El Dorado Hills:
- Natural Beauty: El Dorado Hills is drop-dead gorgeous. We're talking stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, beautiful parks, and tree-lined streets.
- Top-Notch Schools: If you've got kids, you'll be thrilled with the schools here. They consistently outperform state averages, and we've got some of the best schools in the region.
- Strong Sense of Community: We've got a real small-town feel here, despite being so close to Sacramento. There are regular community events, and it's the kind of place where you get to know your neighbors.
- Location, Location, Location: We're perfectly situated. Close enough to Sacramento for an easy commute, but far enough out to feel like you're away from the hustle and bustle.
- Four Distinct Seasons: Unlike some parts of California, we get to enjoy all four seasons here. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful.
- Outdoor Paradise: If you love the outdoors, you're going to love it here. We've got hiking trails, bike paths, and we're close to some amazing lakes and rivers.
- Safety: El Dorado Hills is known for being a safe community, which is a big draw for many families.
- Growing Restaurant Scene: While we're not San Francisco, our food scene is definitely on the up and up. We've got some great local spots that are becoming real destinations.
Now, let's dive a bit deeper into what life is really like here in El Dorado Hills.
What to Expect When Living in El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills has a bit of a reputation for being an upscale community, and there's some truth to that. You'll see plenty of nice cars and big houses. But don't let that intimidate you - at its heart, this is a down-to-earth place where people value community and quality of life.
One thing you'll notice pretty quickly is how family-oriented El Dorado Hills is. On weekends, you'll see kids riding bikes, families having picnics in the park, and lots of youth sports activities. If you've got kids, or you're planning to start a family, this is a great place to do it.
But it's not just for families. We've got a growing population of retirees who are drawn to the beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle. And for young professionals, the proximity to Sacramento and the growing number of local job opportunities make it an attractive option.
The People
So, who lives in El Dorado Hills? It's a mix. You'll find everyone from young families to retirees, longtime locals to recent transplants from the Bay Area. One thing most people here have in common is a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for a high quality of life.
The community here is generally pretty friendly and welcoming. It's the kind of place where people wave to their neighbors and stop to chat at the grocery store. If you're coming from a big city, this might take some getting used to - but most people find it's a nice change of pace.
Top Things to Do in El Dorado Hills
Now, you might be wondering, "Okay, but what is there actually to do here?" Well, let me break it down for you:
Outdoor Activities in El Dorado Hills:
- Explore our 33 parks: Yeah, you heard that right. 33! My personal favorite is Promontory Community Park, which has amazing views of the valley.
- Hit up Folsom Lake: It's just minutes away and perfect for boating, fishing, or just lounging on the beach.
- Hiking and biking: We've got miles of trails. The New York Creek Nature Trail is a local favorite.
- Golf: Serrano Country Club has a beautiful 18-hole course.
Shopping and Dining in El Dorado Hills
- El Dorado Hills Town Center: This is our main hub for shopping and dining. It's got everything from big chain stores to local boutiques.
- Restaurants: We've got some great options. Sienna Restaurant is a personal favorite for a nice night out.
- Farmers Market: Every Sunday from May to October. It's a great place to get fresh, local produce.
Entertainment in El Dorado Hills:
- Regal Cinemas: Catch the latest blockbuster at our local movie theater.
- Live music: The Town Center often has live music events, especially in the summer.
- Community events: We've got events year-round, from summer concerts to holiday parades.
For the El Dorado Hills Foodies:
- Wineries: We're not Napa, but we've got some great local wineries. Mraz Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers.
- Farm-to-Fork: Being so close to agricultural areas means we've got access to amazing fresh, local ingredients. You'll see this reflected in many of our restaurants.
Day Trips From El Dorado Hills:
One of the great things about El Dorado Hills is its location. We're close to so many amazing places. Here are a few popular day trips:
- Apple Hill: Just a short drive away, it's perfect for apple picking in the fall.
- Lake Tahoe: About 1.5 hours away, it's great for skiing in the winter or lake activities in the summer.
- Napa Valley: A bit further at 2 hours, but doable for a day trip if you want to explore wine country.
- San Francisco: About 2 hours away, perfect for when you need a big city fix.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. El Dorado Hills isn't just one place - it's made up of 53 different villages! Each has its own unique character, so there's truly something for everyone. Let me break down some of the most popular ones for you:
- Serrano: This is the largest and probably most well-known village. It's a gated community with a golf course, country club, and its own elementary school. Homes here range from moderately priced to luxury estates.
- Blackstone: This is a newer development that's become really popular with families. It's got great amenities including pools and a clubhouse. One thing to note - high school students here are bused to Union Mine High School, which is about 20 minutes away.
- The Summit: If you're looking for luxury, this is it. It's a gated community with stunning custom homes and amazing views. Prices here start at around $1 million and go up... way up.
- Waterford: This is a premium village that's super popular due to its location. It's walking distance to Folsom Lake and has some great trails. No HOA here, which is a plus for some folks.
- Governor's West: This is one of the more affordable areas in El Dorado Hills. You'll find some older homes here, many of which have been remodeled. It's a great option if you're looking for a more budget-friendly entry into El Dorado Hills.
- Highland View: This village has some of the original luxury homes in El Dorado Hills, built back in the 80s. The homes are big - we're talking 4,000 to 5,000 square feet. Many need some updating, but they're on large lots with great views.
- Hills of El Dorado: This is a bit of a hidden gem. It's one of the more affordable areas, with homes starting under $650,000. It's smaller and quieter than some of the other villages.
- Crown Valley: Another great option for those looking for larger lots. Many homes here are on 1-5 acre parcels, perfect if you want some space between you and your neighbors.
- Stonegate: This is one of the original villages in El Dorado Hills. The homes are a bit older, but many have been beautifully updated. It's close to the freeway, making it convenient for commuters.
- Lake Forest: This village is known for its great elementary school and community park. It's popular with families and has a mix of home styles and sizes.
A few things to keep in mind when choosing a neighborhood:
- School districts can vary, even within El Dorado Hills. If schools are important to you, double-check the school boundaries.
- HOA fees can vary widely between villages. Some have no HOA at all, while others can be several hundred dollars a month.
- Some areas have Mello Roos taxes, which can add significantly to your annual property tax bill.
- Consider your commute. Some villages are closer to Highway 50 than others.
You can view our 53 El Dorado Hills neighborhoods (Villages) map. Or check out our comprehensive guide to the 53 villages of El Dorado Hills.
El Dorado Hills Location: Proximity to Major Cities
Location is key, right? Here's how El Dorado Hills stacks up:
- Sacramento: We're about 25 miles east of downtown Sacramento. Depending on traffic, it's usually a 30-45 minute drive.
- San Francisco: The City by the Bay is about 115 miles southwest of us. It's about a 2-hour drive, give or take depending on traffic.
- Lake Tahoe: We're about 75 miles west of South Lake Tahoe. It's usually about a 1.5-hour drive.
- Napa Valley: If you're in the mood for some wine tasting, Napa is about 80 miles away. Plan for about a 2-hour drive.
- Folsom: Our neighbor to the west is just about 5 miles away. It's a quick 10-15 minute drive.
- Placerville: Head east about 18 miles and you'll hit the historic town of Placerville. It's about a 25-minute drive.
One of the great things about El Dorado Hills is that we're close enough to these places for day trips or weekend getaways, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life.
El Dorado County: Home to El Dorado Hills
For those keeping track, El Dorado Hills is located in El Dorado County, California.
A bit of history for you: El Dorado County was one of the original 27 counties of California, formed in 1850 at the time of California's statehood. The name "El Dorado" comes from the Spanish and means "the golden one" - fitting, given the county's history with the California Gold Rush.
Being in El Dorado County means we're under the jurisdiction of the El Dorado County government, which handles things like property assessments, elections, and certain public services.
El Dorado Hills Weather: A Year-Round Guide
One of the things I love about El Dorado Hills is that we get to experience all four seasons, but in a pretty mild way. Here's a breakdown:
Spring (March to May): Spring is beautiful here. Temperatures start to warm up, usually ranging from the 60s to 70s. We get some rain, which turns the hills a vibrant green and brings out wildflowers. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor activities.
Summer (June to September): Summers are warm and dry. Daytime temperatures often reach the 90s, occasionally hitting 100°F in July and August. But the heat is usually dry, not humid, which makes it more bearable. Evenings cool down nicely. This is prime time for swimming, boating, and summer barbecues.
Fall (October to November): Fall is many people's favorite season here. Temperatures cool down to the 70s and 80s during the day. The trees start to change color, giving us some beautiful fall foliage. It's perfect weather for outdoor activities and events like Apple Hill.
Winter (December to February): Winters are mild compared to many parts of the country. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 50s, dropping to the 30s or 40s at night. We do get some rain, and occasionally a dusting of snow, but heavy snow is rare as we're below the snow line. It's chilly, but not extreme.
A few weather-related things to note:
- We're in a Mediterranean climate zone, which means dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- We get about 25 inches of rain per year, mostly between November and April.
- Wildfire season (typically late summer and fall) is something to be aware of. While El Dorado Hills itself is not usually in high danger, smoke from fires in surrounding areas can affect air quality.
- We're at an elevation of about 770 feet, which contributes to our pleasant climate.
Education in El Dorado Hills: School Districts and Options
If you've got kids, you'll be thrilled to know that El Dorado Hills takes education seriously. Here's what you need to know:
School Districts: El Dorado Hills is served by three main school districts:
- Buckeye Union School District
- Rescue Union School District
- El Dorado Union High School District
A few things to keep in mind:
- School boundaries can change, so always check the current boundaries when house hunting.
- Some areas of El Dorado Hills are actually zoned for schools in Folsom or other nearby areas.
- We also have some great private school options in the area if that's more your style.
Higher Education: While we don't have any colleges in El Dorado Hills proper, we're close to several higher education options:
- Folsom Lake College: Part of the Los Rios Community College District, it's just a short drive away in Folsom.
- California State University, Sacramento: About 30 minutes away in Sacramento.
- University of California, Davis: About an hour's drive, it's a great option for those looking for a top-tier research university.
You can view more about the schools below.
So, Who Should vs. Shouldn't Live in El Dorado Hills?
If you're craving constant excitement, love the nightlife, or can't stand HOA fees and higher costs of living, you might want to look elsewhere.
But if you love nature, appreciate good schools, and enjoy a strong sense of community, this place could be perfect for you. It's especially great for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger cities while still having access to urban amenities.
We love living here and know you will love it too!
Still curious about where to live in El Dorado Hills? Check out our comprehensive neighborhood guide to its 53 villages explained.
El Dorado Hills Homes For Sale
Want to see what homes are available in El Dorado Hills? Check them out below!
