Placerville Real Estate & Community Information

Originally known as "Old Dry Diggings" and later called "Hangtown" for it's enthusiastic embrace of gallows justice, Placerville's history begins with the California Gold Rush. Following the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma in 1848, Placerville grew up as a central early supply center for the many "forty-niners" who made their way to the area to seek their fortunes. Indeed, the town gets its name from "placer" gold deposits and the rich placer mines that sprang up beside them. These mines have produced $25 million in gold over the years according to some estimates.

Placerville's prosperity continues to this day. The city -- one of the few incorporated cities in El Dorado County -- is the county seat and the center of financial and civic activity for the county. It is also home to the Mountain Democrat, the oldest newspaper in California.

Placerville lies near historic Coloma, the ranches of Apple Hill, and several excellent wineries. It enjoys a central location between the parks and ski resorts of Lake Tahoe in the eastern part of El Dorado County, and the city lights and urban activities of Sacramento to the west.

Placerville real estate includes many finely restored older homes that cannot be found in the western end of the county, as well as a variety of homes in quiet, rural settings. Many of these are on acreage, and though the rugged terrain can make sometimes make finding horse properties a challenge, Placerville properties enjoy privacy, quiet, and seclusion.