The Best Things About Living in El Dorado Hills

Located just 25 miles northeast of Sacramento, the family-focused community of El Dorado Hills is much more than a sleepy suburb. Great restaurants, local shops, and community events make it a hub of activity. Plus, its proximity to Folsom Lake means outdoor adventures are at your doorstep.

El Dorado Hills is a great choice for those looking to settle down in the Sacramento region. Housing options include every imaginable type, from modern townhomes to luxury villas. Single-family homes with ample backyards are the norm, with neighborhood parks and excellent schools sweetening the deal. So, if you’re looking to make El Dorado Hills your home, following are some of the best things about living here.

Top-Notch Restaurants

Photo courtesy Almighty Bistro

Sacramento gets all the credit for its culinary scene, but El Dorado Hills also has its share of excellent restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a celebratory night out or a laid-back spot to bring the kids, there are plenty of options. Following are some of our favorites.

• South Fork Grille. Classic American comfort food dishes with an international flair.
• Pacific Coast Pasta Company. Italian-style deli with weekly pasta specials.
• Burma Light. Classic Burmese cuisine such as tea-leaf salad, garlic noodles and curry.
• The Vine. Refined wine bar with a rotating tapas selection, plus charcuterie.
• Almighty Bistro. Gluten-free Pacific Islander cuisine with a tropical vibe.

There are also plenty of bars, breweries, and lounges in El Dorado Hills. Some to check out include Cloud Bar for elevated wine tasting, Boring Rose Brewing Company, and Nectar at the Villa for wine, beer and tapas.

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Quaint Local Shops

Photo courtesy Tea Xotics

El Dorado Hills is home to plenty of national and local retailers offering everything you can imagine. It also has several smaller shops for those one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. Following are some options.

• Sassy Sapphire Boutique. Women’s clothing and accessories, as well as bath and body products and gifts.
• Tea Xotics. Gourmet loose-leaf tea and bath and body products.
• Renaissance Fine Consignment. Gently-used high-end items from luxury designers.
• Face in a Book. Books, gifts, greeting cards and stationery.
• Gold Country Run & Sport. Shoes, apparel and accessories for active outdoor enthusiasts.
• Talisman Collection. Fine jewelry, diamonds, gems and gifts.

Outdoor Recreation

Bordering the southeastern edge of Folsom Lake, El Dorado Hills has no shortage of outdoor recreation. Boating, paddling, swimming and fishing are all popular pastimes here. Miles and miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails surround the lake, making it a great outing for landlubbers as well.

Some of the best trails to check out include Darrington Trail, which stretches along the eastern edge of Folsom Lake along the South Fork of the American River, offering opportunities for wildflower viewing and bird watching. Brown’s Ravine Trail is a hiking-only trail (known for purple lupine in the spring!) that starts near its namesake marina and extends 13 miles to Salmon Falls Road.

Numerous parks can be found in El Dorado Hills, including El Dorado Hills Community Park, which is a great place to spend a day with the family — four-legged family members included. It has fenced-in areas for both large and small dogs, plus a community pool, barbecue areas and a playground. Another popular park is Peter Bertelsen Park, which has a play structure, playing fields and horseshoe pits.

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Fun Community Events

Photo courtesy El Dorado Hills Town Center

Looking to connect with neighbors? There are plenty of community events held in El Dorado Hills throughout the year, including weekly farmers’ markets, holiday celebrations and live music, just to name a few. Some of the most popular events to check out include the Fireworks & Freedom Festival, held in July; Live on the Boulevard, a Thursday night concert series held throughout the summer; and the El Dorado Hills Brewfest, held in September. There are also spring garden tours, a fall festival, holiday tree lighting and Easter Eggstravaganza each year.

Welcoming Neighborhoods

If you’re looking to lay down some roots, El Dorado Hills is a solid choice. There is a wide variety of home styles in the area, including high-end luxury homes. Rolling hills, expansive views, family-friendly neighborhoods and plenty of space to roam are just a few of the benefits of living in El Dorado Hills.

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Featured photo courtesy of El Dorado Hills Town Center