Sacramento Area Homes for Sale with Low-Maintenance & Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

It’s no secret that water is hard to come by in California. Nearly every inch of the state is facing drought conditions, and it doesn’t appear to be improving anytime soon. In the greater Sacramento area, that means residents are doing what they can to curb water usage — taking shorter showers, installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, and turning off the tap when brushing our teeth.

One of the greatest ways to reduce water usage in the home is to swap landscaping with high-water needs to landscaping with low-water needs. Lawns typically require a lot of water. In fact, watering lawns uses 40 – 60 percent of landscape irrigation in California. Worse, much of that evaporates before it even gets to the roots of the grass.

To help curb their water usage, many homeowners are swapping their lawns for more water-friendly alternatives. Native plants, drought-tolerant plants and hardscapes not only conserve water, but they also require less maintenance for those without green thumbs. If you’re looking for a home with drought-tolerant or low-maintenance landscaping in the greater Sacramento area, following are some options.

Home with a View in Auburn

This family home in Auburn sits in a historic district, with 100-year-old olive trees and views of the American River Canyon. The landscaping is predominantly hardscape, with several patios, rock terrace walls and steps, plus garden beds. Mature trees keep things green and shady and there’s a new deck with shade sails for entertaining.

Updated Home in the Heart of Davis

The landscaping of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Davis is a blank slate ready to be created, or just keep it as-is! Redwood mulch surrounds mature trees and rock terraces, and a concrete patio out back is ideal for entertaining. Interior updates include an on-demand water heater, travertine flooring, and solar tubes in the bathrooms.

Charming East Sac Cottage

This quaint historic home in the heart of East Sacramento has tons of potential. The home has a low-maintenance front and back yard, with a small patio for relaxing on warm summer evenings. It’s been partially remodeled, which new plumbing, electrical, HVAC and more. Plus, it retains its historic charm with hardwood floors and the original fireplace. There’s even a second unit over the garage.

Cameron Park Home in a Natural Setting

This Cape Cod-style home in Cameron Park is about as low-maintenance as it gets. It’s surrounded by trees and bushes, with an easy-care rockscape and a large, covered back patio. Inside are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, which have been tastefully updated with modern touches.

Low-Maintenance Home in a Family Neighborhood 

There’s almost zero work required to maintain the yard at this sunny home in Davis. The front features drought-tolerant plants and mulch (and a tiny patch of grass), while the back has a large, covered concrete patio and a spa. The home also has a certified cool roof and seamless gutters, a new high efficiency HVAC with air purification, and a whole house fan to keep you cooled off at night.

Mountain Home Under the Trees

Ever dreamed of the mountain life, where your landscaping was natural forest? This home in Grass Valley is just that, canopied by pine trees and dotted with native flora. There’s even a large back deck ideal for entertaining! The 3-bedroom, 3-bath home also has a large subterranean bonus space that can be used as a workshop.

Modern Luxury in Natomas

This clean, contemporary home in Natomas skips the grass in exchange for custom pavers, artificial turf and an oversized pergola. Modern, high-tech touches are throughout, including high-efficiency ceiling fans and solar, smart lighting, and a tankless water heater. There’s also a community pool and clubhouse.

Fair Oaks Home Close to the River

You won’t have to mow your lawn at this home in Fair Oaks — there isn’t one! Instead, the property features slate chippings, river rocks and bark surrounding native plants and bushes for the ultimate low-effort landscaping. There’s a concrete patio and a covered tiled patio as well. Plus, it’s just minutes to the American River Bike Trail, Lake Natoma, and the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

Drought Tolerant Property for Active Adults

Located in a gated, 55+ community in El Dorado Hills, this home easy-peasy. The yard features redwood mulch and native plants, not to mention a covered patio, fireplace and hot tub. The clubhouse has everything you can imagine in resort living: pools, spas, fitness centers, tennis courts, aerobics, pickleball and much more.

Featured photo courtesy Lyon Real Estate Land Park