About the Tuolumne County, Calaveras County and Sonora Real Estate Market 

Tuolumne County is located in the Central Valley Foothills, in a mad geographical anomaly that places us approximately two hours from many metropolitan areas, including our State Capitol, the Bay Area, Fresno, and Lake Tahoe. Even closer still, are the smaller cities of Modesto and Stockton, as well as Yosemite National Park, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, many lakes and streams, and mountains as far as the eye can see!! With a history rich in the Gold Rush, and a landscape that you cannot find anywhere else, we are definitely blessed to live in such a paradise. 

While taking care not to destroy the beauty of our surroundings, there are many developments that are popping up throughout the county. From affordable to extraordinary, the homes here are gems! Currently, there are all kinds of properties available: townhomes, vacation rentals, log cabins, family homes, ranches, investment opportunities, and much more! 

The real estate market in Tuolumne County focuses mostly on trends filtering out from the Bay Area and Sacramento. Sometimes finding an affordable home is difficult, but it can be done! Our Team specializes in helping you see the rare finds, the gold in the hills. 

There are neighborhoods to suit every need and every budget.  

Sonora
In Sonora, you have many choices as to what kind of home and property you would like. There are small lots with homes in the town limits, walking distance to all of the amenities an historical town can offer: antiques, gold panning, many-starred dining and even your local diner! Walk downtown and sip a cappuccino while getting your nails done. Take a gander into the Harley-Davidson shop. Have one of the best breakfasts in your life. Shop for antiques, and on some occasions, witness a stage coach robbery and shoot out in the street! At Railtown’s 1897 State Park, you can see the original steam trains and tracks of the Sierra Pacific Railroad, and for only a few dollars (kids are FREE!!), ride the train and watch the boiler steam! Sometimes, your train is hijacked by a band of rogue cowboys…so beware!
If it’s not a home in town that you want, within five minutes are large ranches, small communities, old and new homes, large and small. Small lots or acreage, it’s all right here! Homes in Sonora start in the low $200,000’s. 

Sonora
In Sonora, the center of commerce for Tuolumne County in the mid-1800’s, you have many of the original buildings from the Gold Rush era. Downtown is lined with older shops, saloons, wine tasting, antique book shops, and a real old-fashioned ice cream parlor! Many homes are available both in the town and surrounding area. New developments boast affordable housing as well as top-of-the-line homes and amenities, and spectacular views. The community is incredibly supportive of the arts, as we have three live theatres, an annual Bach Festival, an historic Opera Hall, art galleries, live music for all tastes, and much more! Please visit our entertainment page for more information and links.
As Sonora winds through the mountains, you will find homes of all different types: smaller single-family dwellings, large estates, city and valley views, large lots, and little cottages. Homes in Sonora start in the mid $200,000’s. 

Colombia
Walk straight into the past in Columbia State Park, where you can watch blacksmiths create incredible art and workmanship. You can even get your horse shoed! Take in a show and some ice cream at the Fallon House Theatre, check out the historical displays, ride a stage coach or a packhorse, pan for gold, eat homemade candy and buy handmade goods, all within a few blocks of historical beauty.
Homes surrounding Columbia are as varied as those of Sonora and many other areas. Acreage as well as residential lots are available, beautiful weather and miles of trees in every direction help you breathe easier and relax in the quiet sanctity of our County. Homes in Columbia start in the mid $200,000’s. 

Twain Harte
If it’s the mountains you like, drive a mere nine miles into the hills and you reach the quaint town of Twain Harte. Named after the two famous authors that fell in love with the beauty of these foothills, Mark Twain and Bret Harte, this fabulous getaway has everything: craft fairs, shopping, golf, food, vacation homes, and a very strong and supportive community. Breathtaking views await anyone who is brave enough, as the snow reaches this town and sometimes stays for several weeks. Homes in this area start in the mid $200,000’s. 

Higher still up the hill is an amazing array of small towns and homes, from very remote to easily accessible. If it’s a cool summer getaway you want or a place to stay to ride your snowmobiles, it’s all there! Dodge Ridge Ski Resort is only a few minutes away, as well as Pinecrest Lake, Ice Skating at the Long Barn Lodge, and on the other side of the Sonora Pass, Kennedy Meadows. Homes up the hill begin in the low $200,000’s. 

Almost half of Tuolumne County contains the majority of Yosemite National Park. With some of the most incredible sights in the world, living only a short drive away is like a gift from heaven. Walk the trails, see a brown bear and her cubs, stand at the foot of a waterfall hundreds of feet high, sit on a log over the Merced River. It’s a trip you will never forget. 

Apple Valley
The gated community of Apple Valley has very high-quality homes with larger lots, open floor plans, and some even have seasonal creeks! A local community patrol also helps take care of the area, and many find this place to be tranquil and serene, and a lovely place to live and/or retire. Homes in this neighborhood start in the high $500,000’s. 

Sonora Hills
Sonora Hills is our local gated retirement community. These homes are for 55+ specifically, and they’re located around rolling lawns, a swimming pool, and a gorgeous rec center where you can sit and play canasta, bridge, dice…wherever your mood takes you! Sit with your friends poolside, or enjoy one of the community events located in the large, plush recreation center! Homes in this area do not come available very often, so if you’re interested in this area, let us know. As soon as one pops up, we will notify you immediately! 

Gibbs Ranch
Our last gated community is the small street of Vista Drive in Gibbs Ranch. Large lots and amazing valley views come with these spectacular homes on the top of the hill. These homes start in the high $500,000’s. 

Springfield Estates
Springfield Estates is located just outside of Columbia, off of Highway 49. This area is only minutes to New Melones Lake, and has some of the most beautiful property in the area. Far enough away to be private, yet close enough not to have to commute, your paradise awaits you…
Homes in this area vary in size and price. 

Morningstar
Our Morningstar development features large, extravagant homes on the hill, with miles of views and are only seconds from downtown. Newly built, they are nestled against the hill overlooking downtown Sonora (a breathtaking sight!). Watch the sunset from your front porch!
Homes here start in the mid-to-low $400,000’s. 

Phoenix Lake Country Club Estates
Phoenix Lake Country Club Estates boasts a terrific community surrounding a beautiful golf course. Some homes are located right on the lake!! Beautiful landscaping and pride of ownership show in almost every home in the area. Minutes further you find Sonora Meadows, Crystal Falls, and Cedar Ridge. All of these are set deeply in the trees, though they are easily accessed. Community pools, stables, lakes, recreation areas, you name it; you’ve got it in these smaller communities outside of Sonora.
Homes here start in the mid-to-high $200,000’s. 

Tuolumne City
Tuolumne City boasts our largest man-made attraction: Black Oak Casino. Run by the Mi-Wok tribe, it includes a large 24-lane bowling alley, a 5-star restaurant, café, gambling, entertainment, and much more! There is also a large park that often plays host to music events, craft fairs, and holiday magic! Live in the town and you are close enough to walk to everything they have to offer. Live right outside of it and enjoy the beauty and seclusion that only Tuolumne County can offer.
Homes in this area start in the low $200,000’s. 

There are, of course, many, MANY more communities and areas of interest. I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Tuolumne County’s highlights. Contact us now for a relocation package, and let us know which of these areas you would be interested in! 

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