Section Image

Gold River

Gold River

Suburban Neighborhood in California

Sacramento County 95670

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$754,186 Average Value
$322 Average Price per Sq Ft
33 Homes For Sale

Luxury community next to the American River

Gold River maintains the hideaway feeling that miners must have felt in the 1850s, when a gold rush brought fortune-seekers to the area. “If you’re coming from outside of Sacramento, you wouldn’t even know this place exists,” says Mark McDonough, a resident since 2022 and a local Realtor since 2016. “That’s made it pop in the last ten years. It’s now one of my top five neighborhoods for a resort-style vibe.” About 16 miles east of Sacramento, this planned community comprises 25 subdivisions next to the American River. Robert C. Powell Development Company built more than 70% of it in the 1980s and 1990s. With brown coloring and a midcentury style, these “Powell homes” have become a staple of the area. The developer also emphasized access to nature, preserving valley oaks and creating greenways between subdivisions. Close to the American River Bike Trail, shopping centers and Sacramento, this centrally located suburb is almost a city on its own. “You have nearby business hubs and everything close by,” says McDonough, “so you’re not going to leave often.”

Powell homes and Gold River Brown, neighbors chat floor plans

Driving into Gold River for the first time, uniformity is the first thing to notice. “If you love brown, you’ll love living here,” says McDonough. “And when I say brown, I mean Gold River Brown by Sherwin Williams. All the Powell houses are that color because of the homeowners association.” While this lack of exterior character might turn some people off, it comes with perks: the association maintains streets, sidewalks and lawns, so residents won’t have to do much upkeep. If a tree falls, for instance, it will be replaced soon. Strict rules ensure that driveways and streets are clear of cars, boats and trailers, under penalty of sizeable fines. Dues are paid to both the Gold River Community Association and, depending upon the community, the subdivision’s individual association. Some communities have different rules than others, so residents should read the fine print before buying. Additionally, some communities have clubhouses, sports courts and other amenities, and some are gated with security patrols. Exteriors may be similar, but differing interiors are often a talking point between neighbors. “There’s a niche subculture here with the floor plans,” McDonough continues. “People will ask which Powell Home you have or which layout you have.” Single-family ranch-styles make up most of the neighborhood, and since they were mostly built in the 1980s and 90s, they may need some updates. Two bedrooms can go between $500,000 and $675,000. Three-bedrooms can be found at the lower end of this range, but they can also go up to a million. The same can be said for non-Powell homes, which usually have four bedrooms and two stories. Manor homes are mixed in, too: they’re triplexes with two-bed units on either side and a three-bed unit in the middle. Two-bed condos and townhomes are rare, mostly in the Promontory Point neighborhood. Whatever the property type, high demand has led to most homes selling in 23 days, quicker than the national average of 43 days.

American River access, Lakes Natoma and Folsom

Weaving between communities, greenways hold over 5 miles of walking trails, and they feature valley oaks and other native species. These paths lead to playgrounds and lawns at Gold River, Prospect Hill and Gold Station Parks. Heading west, they lead to Gold River Sports Club, a recreation facility that’s been serving the development since 1985. It has 22 tennis courts, two pools, fitness classes and other amenities. The American River Bike Trail runs along the northern side of the neighborhood, and it’s a 32-mile waterside route from Sacramento to Folsom. Moving east on the trail, the river widens past Nimbus Dam and becomes Lake Natoma. This is a popular spot for boating and water sports, and Sacramento State Aquatic Center is here for kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Continuing 8 miles north, the American River Bike Trail ends at Beal’s Point, where nature lovers can enjoy an even bigger lake. Lake Folsom, at about 18 square miles, has sandy beaches and more boating opportunities. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife also stocks the water with rainbow trout, a common target for bait in the spring and fall.

High marks for San Juan Unified Schools

This district has open enrollment, but Gold River students are within the boundaries of two top-rated schools. Gold River Discovery Center serves kindergarten through eighth grade, right in the middle of Gold River. It gets an A-minus from Niche and ranks as their No. 9 best public middle school for Sacramento County, ahead of 83 others. For later grades, though, students have to travel 12 miles west to Rio Americano High. This drive is worth it for many families, as this school gets another A-minus and has received multiple National Blue Ribbons. Its football team started the 2023-2024 season with seven straight wins.

Sunrise Boulevard: local favorites and nearby shops

Running along the west side of Gold River, Sunrise Boulevard holds an industrial park and multiple shopping centers. Gold River Town Center is one of these complexes, home to a commonly mispronounced Italian restaurant. “It’s not El Fornio Classico,” says McDonough. “It’s Il Forno Classico. The owner, Scotty, runs the place, and everyone goes there for dinner and a glass of wine. Sometimes you even see famous politicians.” Arigato Sushi is another favorite in this complex, known for Japanese fare and big portions, and Bel Air provides a grocery option. Sunriver Village, another shopping center, is a quarter-mile south and has everything from Korean barbecue to pizza. Another quarter-mile south, fast food spots mix with department stores such as Sportsman’s Warehouse, Goodwill and Pet Club.

Highway 50 and Light Rail to Sacramento, Folsom

Neighborhood streets cater to a bike ride, but most people drive to work. Highway 50 runs along the south side of Gold River, and it’s a direct, 16-mile route into Sacramento. While this westbound drive takes 20 minutes with usual traffic, public transit can take more than an hour. The No. 21 Bus has a station on Sunrise Boulevard, and it connects to the Light Rail’s Gold Line in Rancho Cordova. Moving east on Highway 50, drivers can reach downtown Folsom in 10 miles. The Light Rail also goes in this direction, but it still takes over an hour. The Sacramento International Airport is 25 miles west.

Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Cid Leiva
Photography Contributed By
Cid Leiva
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shaun Alston, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Sacramento International

40 min drive

Bus

Sunrise Blvd & Coloma Rd (Nb)

Bus

Sunrise Blvd & Gold Country Blvd (Nb)

Bus

Sunrise Blvd & Gold Express Dr (Nb)

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 48 Reviews
5.0 Niche User
6/18/2014 Niche Review
I love living here, it's a perfect little area.
4.0 Current Resident
11/5/2020 Niche Review
Not all villages are equal. The cost can depend on a lot of factors like association etc, which can be such a headache to work with. I love my neighborhood without the association and have such friendly neighbors. I know Gold River in general is not the most diverse but I find my neighborhood area is, and there are lots of friendly people.
2.0 Niche User
7/9/2014 Niche Review
In this area, there is not much for tourists to do, since it is a more family raising orientated area.
4.0 Niche User
9/2/2014 Niche Review
My nieghborhood is really safe. we have security and community group watches. we are well notified of suspicious activity
Are you familiar with the Gold River neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Gold River US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$715,000
Median Single Family Price
$752,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$457,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$322
Number of Homes for Sale
33
Last 12 months Home Sales
120
Months of Supply
3.30
Median List Price
$715,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,715
Median Year Built
1990
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,395
Above the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,531
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    11367 Buckeye Hill Ct, Gold River, CA 95670

    $735,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,950 Sq Ft
    • 11367 Buckeye Hill Ct
    • New 1 day ago

    This is it! You've found a sought after single story Powell home in the desirable, planned community of Gold River. Dramatic cathedral ceilings make this home feel so spacious, bright and airy. Six sets of sliding glass doors provide wonderful views of the drought tolerant, private yard and make this a perfect home for entertaining, as guests can easily flow indoors and out. The kitchen, updated

    Rhonda Holmen Windermere Signature Properties LP

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    2121 Campton Cir, Gold River, CA 95670

    $879,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,874 Sq Ft
    • 2121 Campton Cir
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Prospect Village! Perched on a corner lot in one of Gold River's most sought-after neighborhoods, this stunning home offers over 2,800 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. You're greeted by a grand foyer with soaring ceilings and a beautiful curved staircase. A double-sided fireplace adds charm, separating

    Kaelyn Blaser eXp Realty of Northern California, Inc.

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    11568 Pyrites Ct, Gold River, CA 95670

    $814,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,855 Sq Ft
    • 11568 Pyrites Ct
    • New 4 days ago

    A must see in highly sought after Gold River w/ NO HOA - 5 bed, 3 full bath (1 bed/full bath downstairs), 2,855 sf - lagoon-style pool & spa - owned solar panels (2019) - HVAC (2020) - 65 gallon high-efficiency water heater (2023) * This beautifully maintained home offers a blend of modern convenience & natural charm located on a peaceful, family-friendly cul-de-sac. The chef's kitchen features

    Clif Hagstedt Windermere Signature Properties Sierra Oaks

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shaun Alston, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,782
Median Age
57
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
37.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$141,409
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$165,694

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.9%
College Graduates
70.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Gold River
Shaun Alston
Eagle Realty
Section Image