El Dorado Hills sits where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet Folsom Lake, so daily life mixes oak-lined ridges, lake breezes, and clear views of snow-capped peaks. Highway 50 runs a quick line into Sacramento, yet the town feels worlds away once you turn onto its winding neighborhood roads. If you’re shopping real estate in El Dorado Hills, here’s how the most talked-about villages stack up.
Why El Dorado Hills is a Desirable Place to Live
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Landscape with perks. More than 100 miles of local trails thread through greenbelts, community parks, and village centers, so weekend hikes, bike rides, and lake launches become routine.
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Commutable yet removed. Highway 50 keeps major Sacramento employers inside a 30-to-40-minute drive, yet sunrise over the ridgelines feels far from city traffic.
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Diverse housing stock. August 2025 closings showed a median sale price of about $979,000. Town-home clusters near Town Center give first-move buyers options, while gated estates on the golf courses push past seven figures.
Five Established Neighborhoods Locals Recommend
Finding the right neighborhood in El Dorado Hills usually comes down to a quick checklist; commute time, lake or ridgeline views, and whether you want a bustling clubhouse scene or a quieter, tree-lined block. Long-time residents tend to steer newcomers toward these five areas because each strikes a slightly different balance of scenery, amenities, and community feel, all within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Highway 50 and top-rated schools.
Serrano
Guard-gated and golf-centric, Serrano spans several villages surrounding an 18-hole championship course. Expect everything from low-maintenance cottages near the clubhouse to custom estates with Folsom Lake views. Trails lace each village, and security patrols offer extra peace of mind. Median sale price: ≈ $1.15 million (Aug 2025).
The Promontory
Perched on rolling hills, The Promontory blends multiple micro-villages, each oriented toward open-space corridors and distant ridgelines. Decks, balconies, and indoor-outdoor floorplans are common, and the specific-plan zoning preserves view sheds. Recent median: ≈ $1.32 million, a reflection of lot size and sightlines.
Blackstone
Built in the past decade, Blackstone centers on a 10,500-square-foot residents’ club with pools, a gym, and community rooms. Homes ring preserved oak groves and a web of walking paths. The vibe leans social—holiday events, fitness classes, and pool days are part of the calendar.
Southpointe & Summit
These side-by-side villages offer quick access to Highway 50, making them popular with commuters who still want foothill scenery. Lot sizes vary, but most homes feature contemporary layouts, neighborhood parks, and trailheads that drop into the broader El Dorado Hills network.
Waterford (plus Marina Woods / Rolling Hills Estates)
Tree-lined streets, mature landscaping, and larger mid-century lots define Waterford and its adjacent pockets. Residents trade big master-plan amenities for established yards, a quieter street grid, and easy drives to Folsom Lake boat ramps.
Up-and-Coming Spots
Phased builds near The Promontory and smaller infill subdivisions along Silva Valley Parkway continue to add inventory. Newer sections often bundle smart-home tech, energy-efficient features, and expanded trail links—key draws for buyers who want modern construction without leaving the 95762 ZIP.
Everyday Lifestyle & Scenic Perks
El Dorado Hills offers a lifestyle that balances small-town charm with Northern California energy. Wander El Dorado Hills Town Center for coffee, live music, and extracurricular clinics; drive five minutes and you’re on winding lanes that open to top-rated schools and parks. Residents of all ages and lifestyles enjoy the mix of amenities and activities this community offers.
Morning jogs come with views of Folsom Lake and the distant Sierra Nevada Mountains—a breathtaking backdrop whether you’re tackling the rolling walking trails or launching a kayak after work. Weekends bring quick outings to nearby Cameron Park or a ninety-minute hop to ski runs when fresh powder calls.
Housing choices run deep. Homes in Serrano or Governor’s Village pair gated privacy with a championship golf course and resort-style pool complexes; newer builder tracts along Bass Lake Road showcase spacious floorplans, larger lots, and smart-home tech. Prefer tranquility? Tree-lined cul-de-sacs off Green Valley Road let you find your perfect balance of outdoor activities and quiet evenings.
Because everyday errands, outdoor adventure, and neighborhood events sit this close together, El Dorado Hills continues to rank among the top picks for luxurious yet livable foothill living.
How to Pick Your Match
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List must-haves. Commute time, trail proximity, clubhouse access, gated entry, or lot size? Rank them.
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Match priorities. Serrano or The Promontory for resort-style amenities; Blackstone for a lively resident club; Southpointe/Summit for balance between freeway and foothills; Waterford for mature landscaping and lake access.
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Walk the streets. Visit twice—morning and evening. Note traffic flow, yard upkeep, and trail connectivity.
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Check HOA docs. CC&Rs spell out dues, rules, and future improvements.
FAQs
Which neighborhoods have the best clubhouse amenities?
Serrano’s country-club hub packs a championship golf course, tennis courts, pools, and dining under one membership. Blackstone’s 10,500-square-foot resident club matches that energy with multiple pools, a fitness center, and year-round social programming.
Are there gated communities?
Yes. Serrano’s interior villages and large portions of Rolling Hills Estates use staffed or card-controlled gates. Smaller pockets such as Summit often employ keypad entries for added privacy without full guardhouses.
How close are parks and lake access?
Every neighborhood backs up to greenbelts or pocket parks with trailheads that link into the wider El Dorado Hills path system. Folsom Lake’s boat launches and shoreline trails sit 5–15 minutes away by car, depending on the village.
What school options serve these neighborhoods?
Most addresses funnel into Buckeye Union elementary schools and Oak Ridge or Ponderosa High, both known for strong academics and athletics. Always verify the boundary map before you buy because rezoning occurs as enrollment shifts.
Is new construction still available?
Yes. Final phases in Blackstone, Serrano’s remaining custom parcels, and a handful of infill lots continue to break ground each year. Buyers can choose between semi-custom production models and fully bespoke hillside builds with lake views.
