Imagine pulling into a tree-lined driveway, stepping into a quiet backyard, and hearing only wind through the oaks and the splash from your pool. That is the daily rhythm many people enjoy in Highland Hills. If you want space, privacy, and a true estate feel without giving up quick access to shopping, dining, and recreation, this neighborhood deserves a closer look. In this guide, you will learn what life feels like here, the types of homes and lots you will find, nearby amenities, schools, practical buying notes, and how to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Highland Hills at a glance
Highland Hills is known for custom and semi-custom, estate-style homes set on larger, often wooded lots. Listings frequently highlight “private acre estates” and “park-like yards,” which line up with the on-the-ground experience of more space between homes and a quieter setting compared with denser tract neighborhoods.
The area sits within the upper tier of the El Dorado Hills market. Neighborhood overviews place many recent sales in the roughly 1.2 million to 4.0 million range, with a median in the mid-seven figures. You can see a neighborhood snapshot on the Highland Hills overview page at Neighborhoods.com.
Many parcels are advertised as no HOA and no Mello-Roos, though this can vary by street or sub-area. Always verify the exact status for a property before you write it into your budget. More on that below.
Homes and lots
Lot sizes and setting
Lots commonly range from about a half acre to more than an acre, with some parcels stretching to several acres. The extra elbow room supports privacy, mature landscaping, and space for outdoor living. Some listings reference zoning codes like R20K, so it is smart to confirm the rules for any plans you have for outbuildings or RV parking before you buy.
Size, age, and style
Highland Hills features a wide spread of custom homes, many built in the 1980s through the 2000s. It is common to find floor plans in the 3,000 to 5,000 plus square foot range, with larger estates on the biggest parcels. Styles vary, from Mediterranean and traditional to updated contemporary, so you can often match square footage with a look you prefer.
Outdoor living and amenities
If you picture weekend barbecues or summer gatherings, you will feel at home here. Many properties include resort-style backyards with pools and spas, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and sport courts. It is also common to see guest houses or casitas, flexible in-law suites, and multi-car garages. Solar panels and energy features appear in some listings as well. The result is a lifestyle that blends indoor comfort with year-round outdoor use.
Everyday convenience
Shopping, dining, and events
Although Highland Hills feels secluded, you are only a short drive from the community’s shopping and dining hub at El Dorado Hills Town Center. From coffee and casual lunches to seasonal events, farmers markets, and evening dinners, Town Center is where many locals run errands and meet friends. For a quick orientation to what is there, browse this El Dorado Hills Town Center guide.
Parks, trails, and nearby recreation
Day-to-day, you have access to nearby neighborhood parks and the New York Creek trail system for walks or quick dog outings. On the weekends, Folsom Lake and the Browns Ravine area are close options for boating, paddling, hiking, or quiet shoreline time. Learn more about the broader recreation area in the Folsom Lake overview.
Commute and regional access
Most residents rely on cars for daily life. Drives to employment centers in Folsom are typically shorter, while trips to central Sacramento are longer and depend on traffic. If you prefer public transit, El Dorado Transit operates commuter services, including the Route 50 Express. Schedules are available on the El Dorado Transit site.
Schools and enrollment
Many homes in and around Highland Hills fall within the Rescue Union Elementary School District for elementary and middle school. Common nearby options include Jackson Elementary and Marina Village Middle. Explore current schools and confirm boundaries by address on the Rescue Union Elementary School District’s page.
For high school, Oak Ridge High is commonly associated with this part of El Dorado Hills through the El Dorado Union High School District. Always verify your specific address for the latest assignment on the El Dorado Union High School District site.
Costs and ownership details
Price range and market context
Highland Hills is an upper-tier neighborhood within El Dorado Hills. Recent neighborhood summaries list many closed prices from about 1.2 million to 4.0 million, with a median in the mid-seven figures. For a quick market snapshot, see Neighborhoods.com’s Highland Hills overview. Because this is a custom-home market with wide variety, lean on fresh, street-level comparable sales to understand value.
HOA, CC&Rs, and Mello-Roos
A notable number of properties here are marketed as no HOA and no Mello-Roos. That said, there are sub-areas where community rules or fees can apply. The safest approach is to check the recorded tax bill for special assessments and review CC&Rs or any HOA documents for the exact parcel you are considering. Ask for the most recent HOA contact information and meeting minutes when applicable.
Utilities and property features
MLS records for this area often list public water and sewer connections, but utility providers and connection types can vary home to home. Confirm water, sewer, and any on-site systems during your inspection period. If you plan to add structures, verify zoning and any architectural review requirements tied to CC&Rs before you proceed.
Wildfire awareness and insurance
Highland Hills sits in Sierra foothill terrain, so wildfire readiness is part of routine homeownership and an active topic in local real estate. El Dorado County requires defensible space compliance, and properties in designated hazard zones may need a defensible space inspection as part of a sale. Review current rules and next steps on the county’s real estate defensible space page and the EDH Fire Department’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones FAQ. Insurance availability and premiums can vary with location and mitigation measures, so factor that into your budget early.
Who this neighborhood fits
- You want privacy and space for outdoor living, hobbies, or future projects.
- You prefer custom or semi-custom homes and mature landscaping over denser, master-planned settings.
- You value quick access to Town Center, trails, and the lake for recreation.
- You like the idea of flexible layouts, including guest houses or separate suites that can handle long-term visitors.
How Tiegen helps you buy or sell here
Buying or selling in a custom-home neighborhood calls for close, hands-on guidance. With boutique, owner-led service and Coldwell Banker’s marketing reach, Tiegen helps you make confident decisions without the guesswork.
Here is how that looks in practice:
- Strategy session and fit: Clarify goals, timing, and must-haves so your search or sale plan is realistic and focused.
- Property-level due diligence: Verify parcel-specific items like HOA or Mello-Roos status, utility connections, zoning, and CC&Rs before you commit.
- Pricing clarity: Use tight, street-level comps and house-by-house adjustments that reflect lot size, views, and outdoor features.
- Concierge coordination: Arrange photography, light prep, vendor referrals, and smooth timelines so you stay in control with less stress.
- Negotiation and risk management: Keep terms clean, inspections thorough, and your next move organized.
If Highland Hills is on your list, let’s talk through what matters to you and map your next steps with local, white-glove guidance. Reach out to Tiegen Boberg to start the conversation.
FAQs
What types of homes are in Highland Hills?
- Custom and semi-custom estate-style homes, often built in the 1980s–2000s, with many in the 3,000–5,000 plus square foot range on larger lots.
Does Highland Hills have HOAs or Mello-Roos fees?
- Many parcels are marketed as no HOA and no Mello-Roos, but it varies by street or sub-area, so always verify the recorded tax bill and CC&Rs for the exact property.
How close is Highland Hills to El Dorado Hills Town Center?
- It is a short drive for everyday errands, dining, and events; this Town Center guide offers an overview of shops and happenings.
Which schools serve Highland Hills homes?
- Many addresses feed to the Rescue Union Elementary School District for elementary and middle and to Oak Ridge High in the El Dorado Union High School District; confirm by address.
Are there wildfire rules to consider when buying here?
- Yes, El Dorado County requires defensible space compliance and may require inspections in designated zones; see the county’s real estate guidance and the EDH Fire FHSZ FAQ.
What is the price range for Highland Hills homes?
- Neighborhood summaries show many recent sales roughly from 1.2 million to 4.0 million; browse a snapshot on Neighborhoods.com and use fresh comps for specifics.
