Buying a Home & Cost of Living in El Dorado Hills, CA

El Dorado Hills, California, just might be the “gold” standard of Sacramento-area communities, and it is undoubtedly one of the most popular! Located on the western side of El Dorado County, it offers a small-town feel with new-construction homes and plenty of lots available to build your own dream house. 

In the video below, Aaron and Jennifer of New Way Mortgage break down the basics of buying a home in El Dorado Hills. Continue reading below to learn all about living in this community, including things to do, neighborhoods of interest, and cost of living. 

El Dorado Hills, CA, Stats

El Dorado Hills, California, has a population of 46,593. The median home value is $630,100, and the median household income is $137,726. 88% of the people (over age 15) in El Dorado Hills are married, and 54% have kids under age 18. Based on these stats, it’s safe to say that this area could be an excellent place for other families to lay down roots in the Sacramento area. 

Schools in El Dorado Hills, CA

According to Niche.com, the overwhelming majority of public schools in El Dorado Hills, California, have scores of A+, A, or A-. These grades are based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from Niche users. Additionally, Oak Ridge High School is ranked as the #155 Best Public High School in California.

Things to Do in El Dorado Hills, CA

Known as “Gold County,” El Dorado Hills has a rich history in the California Gold Rush. Today it offers many attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting are just a few of the outdoor activities you can enjoy on El Dorado Hills’ corner of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its public parks offer playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and more. With 75 miles of shoreline, Folsom Lake is one of the most heavily used recreational areas in the state. 

The El Dorado wine region, nestled between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra foothills, has attracted attention from critics and consumers, thanks to its 70 wineries featuring a wide variety of award-winning wines. El Dorado County has more than 2,000 acres of vines at the highest elevations in California.

El Dorado Hills, CA, Entertainment & Dining

The entertainment and dining options in El Dorado Hills are reason enough to think about moving here. 

The Sacramento A-List voted the El Dorado Hills Town Center as the #1 Best Live Music Venue in 2018. Besides live music, the complex also offers many top-quality retail shops, casual and upscale dining spots, a farmers market on the weekends, and an IMAX theater.

From sushi and saloons to French and Thai food, El Dorado Hills offers a diverse mix of restaurants. Some of our favorites are Selland’s Market for its casual setting with a full bar and patio seating; El Dorado Saloon & Grill for great food, fun, beer, sports- and people-watching; Milestone Restaurant as a hip, contemporary spot for New American food and cocktails; and Sky Sushi, in which we highly recommend the Godfather Roll!

If you’re hungry for more, check out the video below, where Aaron and Jennifer give you the small-plate report on El Dorado Hills’ best dining spots.

Neighborhoods in El Dorado Hills, CA

Thanks to its excellent schools, low crime rate, and rural feel that still offers a lot of fun stuff to do, it’s no surprise that many people are looking to move to El Dorado Hills. Below is an overview of two popular neighborhoods, Serrano and Blackstone.

Serrano Neighborhood

With its gated villages and quiet streets, Serrano offers friendly neighborhoods, miles of hiking trails, a private country club, and a championship golf course—all surrounded by 1,000 acres of open space and spectacular views. 

Serrano is among the best neighborhoods for families in California due to its top public schools, low crime rates, and owner-occupied single-family homes. It is easy to socialize and develop a sense of community while living here.

Serrano’s homes for sale include custom and semi-custom homes, as well as beautiful tract homes. According to NeighborhoodScout, Serrano’s median home price is $887,155, which is on the higher end. Still, if you are looking for a more upscale living space, the Serrano neighborhood could be for you.

Watch the video below as Aaron and Jennifer break down the basics of what it takes to buy a home in the Serrano neighborhood of El Dorado Hills.

 

2. Blackstone Neighborhood

Blackstone is a newer community in the southern part of El Dorado Hills, with a median home price of $828,399. It’s a 990-acre master-planned community featuring a 10,500-square-foot clubhouse, three pools, a spa, a fitness facility, playgrounds, gazebos, fountains, and more. Approximately 350 acres are dedicated to open space where trails ribbon throughout the community. The HOA dues are around $138 per month. 

If you like the look and modern amenities that come with a newly built neighborhood, you’ll love Blackstone, because a whopping 75.8% of the homes here were built after 1999.

Watch this short video as Aaron and Jennifer show you what it takes to buy a home in Blackstone—and share some tips about where to get some great wine!

Cost of Living in El Dorado Hills, CA 

According to Payscale, the cost of living is 51% higher in El Dorado Hills than the national average, with housing expenses being 138% higher and utility prices 11% lower. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 23% higher.

If you are thinking about moving to El Dorado Hills, watch the video below, where Aaron and Jennifer review current real estate listings and discuss what you can expect to pay for a mortgage, interest, and a down payment when purchasing a home here.

 

If you’d like to buy a home in El Dorado Hills, the strategic team at New Way Mortgage can help you find your best home financing. Give us a call today at 916-465-6639. 

And if you’d like to learn more about buying a home in Rocklin, California; Lincoln, California; Folsom, California; El Dorado Hills, California; East Sacramento, California; Citrus Heights, California; Granite Bay, California; Fair Oaks, California; and Roseville, California.