Escaping the Silicon Valley Hustle: Your Guide to Moving to El Dorado Hills (and Beyond!)
Are you a Redwood City or Silicon Valley homeowner dreaming of a life where the air is cleaner, the pace is a little slower, and your housing dollar stretches a whole lot further? Many are finding their ideal escape in the picturesque foothills of El Dorado Hills, California. Trading the tech-driven intensity of the Bay Area for the serene beauty and family-friendly atmosphere of communities like El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, and Granite Bay is a significant move, but one that offers a wealth of benefits.
Let’s explore what you can expect when making the leap from the urban sprawl to the tranquil charm of El Dorado Hills.
The Allure of El Dorado Hills: What to Expect
El Dorado Hills isn't just a place to live; it's a lifestyle. Known for its rolling hills, mature oak trees, and stunning views, it offers a distinct contrast to the Bay Area. You'll find a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and an emphasis on outdoor living.
Pros of Moving to El Dorado Hills:
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Affordability (Relative to Silicon Valley): This is often the primary driver for Bay Area transplants. Your housing budget will go significantly further here.
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Quality of Life: Enjoy a more relaxed pace, less traffic (compared to the Bay Area), and a strong sense of community.
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Outdoor Paradise: Access to Folsom Lake, extensive hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and the proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains for skiing and recreation.
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Excellent Schools: El Dorado Hills is part of highly-rated school districts, making it attractive for families.
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Family-Friendly Environment: Parks, community events, and a safe atmosphere are hallmarks of the area.
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Less Congestion: While growing, the area feels significantly less crowded than the Bay Area.
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Proximity to Sacramento: Enjoy the amenities of a larger city (fine dining, arts, professional sports) just a short drive away, without living in the thick of it.
Cons to Consider:
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Commute (if still working in Bay Area): A daily commute to Silicon Valley is generally not feasible. This move is best suited for those who are remote, retired, or finding local employment.
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Summer Heat: The Central Valley gets hot in the summer (more on weather below!).
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Less Diversity (compared to Bay Area): While growing, the population tends to be less diverse than the melting pot of Silicon Valley.
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Fewer High-Tech Job Opportunities: The local job market is different from the tech-centric Bay Area.
Weather and Climate: Get Ready for the Seasons
One of the biggest adjustments for Bay Area residents is the weather. El Dorado Hills experiences a Mediterranean climate, but with more pronounced seasons than coastal California.
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Summers (June-September): Expect hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures frequently reaching 90-100°F (32-38°C), sometimes peaking higher. Evenings cool down, but it's definitely a pool and air conditioning season!
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Winters (December-February): Mild and wet, with daytime temperatures averaging 45-55°F (7-13°C). Nights can dip into the 30s, and you'll get some significant rainfall, essential for the region's water supply.
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Spring & Fall: These are absolutely glorious! Warm, sunny days with comfortable temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C), perfect for outdoor activities.
Here’s a glimpse of the beautiful, sunny environment El Dorado Hills offers:
Homes and Lots: Space to Breathe
This is where the magic truly happens for Bay Area transferees. You're not just buying a house; you're buying space.
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Home Sizes: Homes in El Dorado Hills (and Rocklin/Granite Bay) are generally larger than what you'd find for a comparable price in Silicon Valley. You'll commonly find homes ranging from 2,000 sq ft up to 4,000+ sq ft, with plenty of room for families, home offices, and entertaining.
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Lot Sizes: Forget postage-stamp lots! Many homes sit on generous lots, often 0.25 to 0.5 acres or more, providing ample space for backyards, pools, outdoor kitchens, and privacy. Custom homes on even larger acreage are also common in certain enclaves.
The Cost of Homes: A Welcome Relief
Prepare for some sticker shock – the good kind! While still a desirable and relatively affluent area, home prices in El Dorado Hills are a fraction of what you'd pay in Silicon Valley.
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Entry-level single-family homes might start in the $600,000s to $800,000s.
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Mid-range, spacious family homes typically fall into the $900,000s to $1.5 million range.
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Luxury properties with views, large lots, or custom features can exceed $1.5 million to $3 million+.
Compare that to the multi-million dollar entry point in Redwood City, and you can see why so many are making the move, often unlocking significant equity from their Bay Area homes.
Beyond El Dorado Hills: Exploring Rocklin and Granite Bay
While El Dorado Hills is a fantastic choice, it's worth noting its equally attractive neighbors:
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Rocklin: A rapidly growing city just north of Roseville, known for its newer developments, excellent schools (part of the top-rated Rocklin Unified School District), and family-friendly amenities. It offers a slightly more suburban feel than El Dorado Hills, often with a wider range of housing styles and price points.
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Granite Bay: Adjacent to Roseville and Folsom Lake, Granite Bay is synonymous with luxury and spacious living. It boasts large custom homes, expansive lots (often 1-5 acres), and a more rural, exclusive feel. Prices here tend to be higher than Rocklin and often comparable to the upper end of El Dorado Hills, appealing to those seeking privacy and prestige.
Ready to Explore Your Foothill Dream?
Making the transition from Silicon Valley to El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, or Granite Bay is a big step, but for many, it's a move that dramatically improves their quality of life and financial outlook. If you're curious to learn more, want detailed information on specific neighborhoods, or need assistance understanding the local market, your first step should be to reach out.
Contact Brett Caviness and Don Straub. They can connect you with a local expert who intimately knows these communities and can answer all your questions, provide personalized guidance, and help you navigate the exciting journey to your new home in the foothills! Email us today at [email protected] we're here to help and connect you with the right guide in the location best for you!