Named after the president of the California Central Railroad, Charles Lincoln Wilson, Lincoln has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the past 20 years and is now challenging itself to maintain that pace and its original appeal. “The city has a small-town atmosphere,” says Cherie Weygandt, treasurer for the Lincoln Area Archives Museum, who’s lived in the area since 1975. “It used to be a cowtown and still has that laid-back feel. We have a really good school system here and are only 2 hours or so from Lake Tahoe.” Its population grew from 11,205 in 2000 to 42,819 in 2010, a 200% leap. Now, the town is home to roughly 50,000 residents, with a median household income of $104,443.
A robust housing market draws families and young professionals from larger cities, Sacramento is 25 miles away and Roseville is 10, and many residents still commute to one or the other. Lincoln’s main employers include service industries, retail trade and construction. A vibrant downtown, area attractions and several parks nurture an active community, and officials plan to grow their economy by increasing tax revenues, employment and completing key infrastructure projects.
Resident's of Lincoln frequent Sterling Point shopping center for groceries and restaurant.
A majestic sign greets visitors of Sun City Lincoln Hills.
Man nails long put at Catta Verdera Country Club in Lincoln.
Ladies warm up before a big game at Sun City Lincoln Hills Sports Plaza in Lincoln.
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Homes sell faster than the national average
On average, homes in Lincoln sell after 36 days, compared to the national average of 44 days, and throughout the last 12 months, the average sale price for single-family homes has been $688,202. Prices for two-bedroom new traditional Craftsman-styles start around $540,000, while four-bedroom custom-built estates on over 8 acres can reach up to $2.7 million.
Diverse housing styles reflect the city’s early history and contemporary influences. Near downtown, remodeled Bungalows from the 1920s to ‘50s still possess original exteriors and expansive yards. Single-family homes throughout the rest of the city are typically new traditional Craftsman-style with Spanish-style elements like tile roofs. More master-planned neighborhoods in 55 and older communities here are popping up, and more are forming.
Sun City Lincoln Hills homes sell in average in 36 days.
Row of Mediterranean homes are well landscaped in Verdera Village Neighborhood.
Large upscale Mediterranean style home sits overlooking Verdera Village Neighborhood.
Front yards in Twelve Bridges Village are on the small side
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Advanced Placement at Western Placer Unified district schools, higher education options
The Western Placer Unified School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche, serves 7,800 students and has the stated mission of "empowering minds, igniting futures." The district offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Career Technical Education (CTE) classes, a Spanish Bilingual Immersion Program and competitive athletic programs. Lincoln also offers Horizon Charter Schools that include home schooling options, independent study programs, Montessori and virtual learning. Sierra College, in neighboring Rocklin, offers over 120 degree options, while William Jessup University, also in Rocklin, is a nationally ranked Christian university, features more than 70 campus and online programs.
Sun sets west of Lincoln High School's beautiful campus.
Granite Oaks Middle School in Lincoln main entrance welcomes all students.
Multipurpose room at Lincoln Crossing Elementary is used for small gatherings and events.
Sun glows off the Twelve Bridges Middle School entrance at sunset in Lincoln, CA.
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Multiple parks, open spaces and bikeways
Lincoln manages over 20 parks and numerous open spaces, including the 24-acre McBean Memorial Park near downtown. The park is a hub for swimming lessons, baseball practice and family picnics. Some smaller pocket parks, including Harrigan Greens, have interactive play areas for the kiddos. The Lincoln Hills Golf Club to the south offers challenging courses, lessons and tournaments; it also has an 8-acre practice facility. Three dog parks here offer secure off-leash areas. Miles of bikeways wind throughout the city, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements are ongoing
Man takes advantage of beautiful day at Canyon Oaks Nature Trail in Lincoln.
Group of men tee off at Turkey Creek Golf Course in Lincoln.
The playground at Coyote Pond Park in Lincoln is where great family memories are made.
Enjoy a walk at Coyote Pond Park in Lincoln.
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Downtown holiday events and a gaming venue
There’s no shortage of events and attractions in Lincoln. “There’s almost always something going on in the Plaza downtown,” says Weygandt. Beermann Plaza is a picturesque square in the heart of downtown with a fountain and can be rented for private events, such as the Fourth of July parade. “When I was younger, the parade took about 10 minutes. Now it’s around 2 hours and they only go six blocks, but it draws thousands of people,” Weygandt says. Villains in the Plaza takes place on Halloween, where kids get candy from local businesses and compete in a costume contest. There’s also an annual Christmas parade with chances to pose for a picture with Santa and The Grinch.
Lincoln’s appreciation for art runs deep with a mural walk that reflects the historical underpinnings that shaped the city. The Lincoln Area Archives Museum showcases area artifacts and the Lincoln Civic Auditorium, hosts performances throughout the year.
Elsewhere, the Thunder Valley Casino Resort, owned by indigenous tribes native to the area, put Lincoln on the map upon its establishment in 2003. Along with games, this hotel and casino offers a spa, banquet hall and health club. The Fowler Ranch Farmers Market opens on Sundays, where vendors promote their businesses and sell fresh produce.
Thunder Valley Casino and Resort is a popular destination in Lincoln.
The gaming never stops at Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln.
Topgolf, in nearby Lincoln, takes golf to a whole new level.
Many of the buildings in Historic Downtown Lincoln date back to the 1860's.
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Downtown boutiques and restaurants near the McBean Memorial Park
Locally owned boutiques and coffee shops, along with chain grocery stores like Safeway and Sprouts Farmers Market, sit along Lincoln Boulevard. San Francisco Bay Coffee Company, a third-generation family business, has been making premium roasts, organic blends and flavored coffees here since 1979, selling through major distributors like Costco. “We have cute little restaurants downtown and shops that cater to tourists,” says Weygandt, “but our closest main shopping center is the Galleria mall in Roseville.” Mexican and Chinese eateries border pizzerias and deli bars near McBean Memorial Park.
Man finds the latest golf apparel at the Turkey Creek Golf shop in Lincoln.
Entire restaurant sing two boys a happy birthday song at Leatherby's Creamer in Lincoln.
Urbano's Mexican restaurant is a popular restaurant in Lincoln.
Small shops and services are still a thing in Historic Downtown Lincoln.
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Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) and golf cart friendly residential streets
The city sits at the crossroads of Lincoln Boulevard (Old Highway 65) and Lincoln Newcastle Highway (State Route 193); Lincoln Bypass (State Route 65) is located just to the west. Interstate 80 is about 10 miles southeast, which leads southwest to Sacramento. “Locals mostly use their cars, but we have city buses here,” says Weygandt, “and people are constantly on their bikes. We also have designated lanes for golf carts and NEVs in the 55 and older communities.” Lincoln offers a light rail service that travels from nearby Auburn to Sacramento.
Lincoln Regional Airport offers private flights and general aviation services. Sacramento International Airport is about 30 miles southwest. Sutter Roseville Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are the nearest hospitals, roughly 10 miles south.
City officials have created an action plan to address traffic congestion, promote affordable housing and make downtown more pedestrian friendly. The city has also launched a Love Lincoln campaign, informing residents that shopping locally doesn't just help area businesses but also fills tax coffers that fund the police and fire departments, area parks and the library. Plans to improve internet access and expand broadband infrastructure are currently being implemented.
Decreasing crime rates and all four seasons
A number of publications rank Lincoln among the safest cities in California. The city’s violent crime rate is 64 incidences per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 364, while the property crime rate is 48 incidences per 100,000 residents, compared to 1,917. Both of Lincoln's violent and property crime rates are decreasing.
Lincoln experiences all four seasons with high temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-90s. Summers typically have low humidity and mild lows, and the rainy season is usually during the winter months. Localized flooding is prevalent within the city, and public works officials are implementing strategies to redirect water from homes and businesses. Residents can also sign up for Placer County’s emergency alert system to be notified of weather-related situations.
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.
