Tucked perfectly in El Dorado County, California, Placerville is a great spot to wind down, especially in your older years. Being as quiet and peaceful as it is, Placerville, CA, has become a major retirement destination for folks near and far and boasts fun things to do, affordable home prices, nature galore, and shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Known for its part in the California Gold Rush, Placerville doesn’t feel like California to many, but rather a more remote, Wild West type of town where people go to be unbothered. The stunning scenic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains also make this town a worthy spot to plant roots.

Another interesting detail about Placerville is its past. The town had no police station or law enforcement during the 1800s, leading many to mind their own and stay under the radar. It’s a quirky spot to spend your golden years and should be perfectly fun for people wanting four seasons, a cheaper cost of living, and a know-your-neighbor type of energy. There are many places in the US to retire, and endless cities and towns in California. Here’s how Placerville checks all the boxes!

Placerville, California Is A Great Place To Retire

Placerville is a charming, tight-knit community with a lot to see and do

Crates of Apples for sale at Apple Hill, Placerville, California.

Placerville is located within the stunning county of El Dorado, California. This small town is home to roughly 11,000 people, and it’s known to be incredibly quiet, clean, and peaceful. Placerville remains relatively small and untouched because it is located within the Sierra Nevada foothills where Route 50 crosses Route 49.

Many treat this as a stop-off while driving along the freeway, as stoplights are placed strategically around Placerville. Road trippers, adventurers, and retirees make their way up here each year as Placerville continues to grow in population.

Many people enjoy Placerville because it doesn’t necessarily feel like “California,” being away from the beach, glitz and glam, and status quo. Therefore, moving out here to retire often comes as a major life change for those entering the next chapter of their lives.

From Gold Rush To Retiree Rush: Placerville Is A Cozy Place To Live

Placerville has a rich Gold-Rush-Era past and many unique things to do

Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA

Many people only know Placerville for one of two reasons: Its troubled “Hangtown” nickname or its Gold Rush-era culture. Once known as Dry Diggin’s and later as Hangtown due to the infamous hangings that marked its early days, Placerville has evolved into a welcoming and tight-knit community.

People know their neighbors, can afford to purchase land and homes, and the downtown district is filled with food, shopping, art galleries, and public green spaces. This town feels Western in many ways and is close enough to Sacramento that you can still experience the hustle and bustle sometimes.

For those considering retirement, Placerville’s allure extends beyond its historical charm. With an elevation of 1,867 feet, great hiking opportunities, and unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this Gold Rush town is more than meets the eye.