Saturday, December 7, 2013

Why live in Placer County, California? Here are 11 great reasons!


A strong economy and jobs. 
The economy is thriving in Placer, with a mix of 72% jobs in private industry, 17% government employees, and 10% self-employed and in service industries.  That healthy mix keeps the economy vibrant, with unemployment under 7%, much lower than the state average, and the opportunity for growth a reality.  From international biotech corporations and major medical complexes, to mom-and-pop restaurants, Placer County is a great place to do business.

It’s safe.
Placer County consistently rates lower in almost all crime statistics than other counties and metropolitan areas its size.  BestPlaces.net rated it a great 4 out of 10 (10 being the worst) for both indices of violent and property crime, at or below national averages and lower than Sacramento.  That’s in large part thanks to well-funded, professional and diligent policing, but it goes farther than that – into the core of our communities. Placer is an area where people still know their neighbors, parents can let their kids play outside, and families can feel safe walking the streets at night. 

A healthy real estate market.
Owning a home in Placer County has always been a good investment due to its desirable communities, and that’s never more true than today.  In just the last year (September 2012 to September 2013,) Placer home prices have gone up in price by 21.2%.  Due to a fantastic location, beautiful surroundings, and a strong economy, sellers are seeing their homes stay on market an average of only 22.1 days.

Our back yard is Lake Tahoe.
Drive only 40-minutes up the pass and your ears will start signaling the ascent to Donner’s Peak at 8,109 feet, and gateway to Lake Tahoe, the largest Alpine lake in the United States.  Tahoe boasts a crystal blue lake surrounded by the Sierra Mountains, so unique in its beauty that people come from all over the world to visit, and Squaw Valley was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.  Whether you ski its award-winning peaks in the winter, hike and mountain bike its majestic green trails in the summer, or just plan on a fun day socializing and dining on the water, Tahoe is truly one of the nation’s natural treasures.

Our front yard is Sacramento.
An easy 20-minute drive or so to the capital of California and all the restaurants, nightlife, rivers, and family fun you could ever ask for, including minor league soccer and baseball teams and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.  Many people work and play in Sacramento because it’s such an easy commute from Placer.

History.
Placer is called the Golden County for a reason – the hills around the area yielded the first discovery of gold in 1850.  Born only a year later out of the subsequent panning frenzy, Placer played a major role in the Gold Rush and a Go-West boom that changed the destiny of America forever.  That rich history is still on display in Placer with plenty of museums and historical venues. 

Plenty of arts and culture.
You may not think of a vibrant arts scene when someone mentions Placer, but the arts are on full display year round.  Placer is a cultural mecca for symphony lovers, ballet enthusiasts, art gallery showings, museums, street festivals, local live music in the park and concerts by some of the biggest bands in the world, and of course, rodeos!

Golf.
You may ski in the winter, but when the sun comes out don’t miss the chance to tee off at some of California’s nicest golf courses.  Placer is home to 20 golf courses where you can play 18, ranging from inviting pubic courses to exclusive private resorts, Pro Am and even a Championship LPGA course    

Wine.
Nestled in Placer’s picturesque rolling foothills, close enough to the ocean but with enough sunshine and just the right temperatures, we grow best grapes and produce some of the best wine in the world. An golden autumn wouldn’t be complete without a winetasting at vineyards along the Placer Wine Trail or stopping for a picnic with friends while sharing a bottle of local vino.

Amazing schools.
If education is your aim, you’ll find that Placer County is a jewel for intellectual advancement.  In fact, national school rankings rate as some of the best in California and the country.  On a scale of 1-10, an astounding 54 of our elementary, middle, and high schools were given a score of at least 9, and 17 rated 10 out of 10.  The education system and children in Placer County’s schools earn high marks, indeed! 



Things to do with the family.
Do you want to go check out a quaint throwback Western town?  Hike through a protected natural forest to a scenic waterfall?  Go ice skating? Meet up with some friends for boating or paddle boarding on the weekends?  Hit a farmers market and then go apple picking?  Try your luck at a casino?  You can do all of that and more in Placer County, a day trip destination for so many people in the Sacramento area but right around the corner for Gold County residents! 

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