Placerville was once known as Dry Diggins, after the 49ers method of hauling cartloads of dry dirt to running water where they separated gold from the soil. That name might not be glamorous, but it was less hostile than the town's later name, Old Hangtown. Three guesses about what sort of punishments were routinely doled out there.
After James Marshall discovered gold in nearby Coloma, the Gold Rush descended on the area now known as Placerville, California
Placerville was once known as Dry Diggins, after the 49ers method of hauling cartloads of dry dirt to running water where they separated gold from the soil. That name might not be glamorous, but it was less hostile than the town's later name, Old Hangtown. Three guesses about what sort of punishments were routinely doled out there.
After James Marshall discovered gold in nearby Coloma, the Gold Rush descended on the area now known as Placerville, California. At the time of its incorporation in 1854, Placerville was the third-largest city in California. A hub for Mother Lode mining operations, Placerville's Gold Rush past is still very much a part of its present. Tourism drives much of the local economy and you'll still find the occasional prospector down by the river panning, just in case. The entire town is a California Historical Landmark, so you'll trip of historically significant places here.
At about 1,800 feet, Placerville is usually, though not always, below the snow line. Still, winter weather will make your search and moving a little less pleasant. Likewise, no one enjoys heat stroke, so avoid August and September while you're at it. Mild spring and autumn are your best bets for exploring the town. This is certainly a tourist destination, but there's not necessarily a tourist season about which to be concerned. The two stoplights on what is otherwise a major freeway running through town can create some traffic during ski season, on summer holiday weekends, and during Apple Hill's harvest season, so be prepared for a few delays if that's when you must search.
Be a prepared renter -- landlords will love you for it. Have on hand your proof of insurance, credit report, contact info for your references, and deposit money in case you strike rental gold.
Placerville is relatively compact, if hilly. There are a few communities within and surrounding Placerville you might want to check out. It's recommended that you provide yourself at least a month to conduct your apartment search or to find the perfect home for rent. Take a day, at least, to explore the town to pick the location that's right for you. Here are a few areas to look:
Downtown Placerville: Ever want to live along the Pony Express route? Now's your chance! Downtown Placerville, straddling Highway 50, is littered with historic markers, including one noting it's mailbag past. You may be able to find the closest thing to a city apartment here, maybe even with a view of the old Hangman's platform. If that's your thing.
Northwest Placerville: The northwest part of town is a great place to conduct your apartment search, with several apartment complexes to choose from. One and two bedroom apartments should be easy to find here. The highways make it harder to call this a truly walkable area. Car is still king here since many larger retail stores won't be accessible on foot.
Diamond Springs: South of Placerville on Highway 49, Diamond Springs is equally forested. Apartment complexes are available here, as are homes for rent of the 2 and 3 bedroom variety. This area also once produced a 25 pound gold nugget. So, take your gold pan, just in case. People who like a water view should check out the area surrounding Patterson Lake.
Cold Springs: A very tiny community just northwest of Placerville. This isn't a good apartment search area, but you may be able to find a home for rent -- probably with a nice parcel of land. This is also home to the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club, so if Country Club living at a slightly higher elevation is your thing, this is a good place to look.
Hopefully you like the great outdoors, because you'll be living in them now. This is not an urban city. It's barely suburban, come to think of it. It's not a ghost town, sure, but you'll certainly spend your fair share of time looking at trees.
All that great nature, however, explains the local agricultural bent. Just east of Placerville, the Apple Hill area is a huge tourist destination for folks from all over California, especially valley dwellers from Sacramento. As the name implies, autumn Apple Harvests draw cider-thirsty visitors who pick their own peck of apples, pick up a freshly baked apple pie, or, many people's favorite, hit Rainbow Orchards for their renowned, too-easy-to-eat, Apple Cider Donuts. Many orchards are expanding into grape growing and this area is quickly becoming California's newest wine region. Crystal Basin, Jodar, Boeger, and Lava Cap wineries offer tastings and tours, just to name a few. If you like fizz more than you like wine, check out Jack Russell Farm Brewery for a delicious selection of local microbrews.
In Placerville proper, most restaurants and amenities are clustered around the intersection of Highways 50 and 49. Highway 50 will get you down the hill to state capital Sacramento, or further up the hill to Lake Tahoe for beach fun in the summer or skiing in the winter. Highway 49 connects Placerville to Coloma and Auburn in the north and Jackson and Sonora to the south. Check out Buttercup Pantry for some local fare. Fast food and chains abound, thanks to this being a prime stop-off for vacationers.
Retail shopping is found in smaller, boutique stores at the same intersection of 49 and 50. You'll have to head a bit south on 50 for major, big-box retail shopping. As stated, though there is some local transit (and a commuter option for those who want to live in the hills but work in the Sacramento Valley), a car will make running errands infinitely more pleasant.
Enjoy stagecoach rides through town every third Saturday of the month. When you get off the coach, stroll through downtown streets for the Placerville Art Walk. October brings the yearly Art and Wine Festival with participants and visitors from all over the region. The Holidays bring the annual Festival of Lights featuring singers, decorated shop windows, visits with Santa, more stagecoach rides, and a town tree-lighting ceremony at the historic courthouse.
