The Complete Guide to
Living in El Dorado Hills
Neighborhoods, schools, golf communities, cost of living, and everyday life — everything you actually need to know, from an agent who lives and works here.
Explore the Guide →El Dorado Hills is a master-planned community in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, built around golf and country club neighborhoods like Serrano and Blackstone, a walkable Town Center, top-rated schools, and an extensive trail network. It's one of the most sought-after addresses in the Sacramento region for families, Bay Area transplants, and retirees — and this guide is the starting point for every neighborhood, cost, and lifestyle question you have about it.
What Is El Dorado Hills?
El Dorado Hills sits in western El Dorado County, roughly 25 miles east of downtown Sacramento, where the Central Valley starts climbing into the Sierra Nevada foothills. It began as a master-planned community in the 1980's and has grown into one of the region's most established addresses, anchored by the El Dorado Hills Town Center and organized around several distinct golf and country club neighborhoods.
It's known for top-rated schools (including Oak Ridge High School), low crime, an extensive parks and trail system, and a genuine sense of community — all within an easy commute of Sacramento and Folsom.
Explore by Neighborhood
Living in Serrano
Guard-gated golf and country club living at the heart of El Dorado Hills.
Read the Guide →Living in Blackstone
Modern luxury homes and resort-style amenities in one of EDH's newer communities.
Read the Guide →Hidden Neighborhoods
The lesser-known pockets of El Dorado Hills locals love and outsiders rarely find.
Read the Guide →Explore by Topic
Schools Guide
A closer look at the schools driving so much of the demand here.
Read the Guide →Cost of Living
What it really costs to live here, compared to Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Read the Guide →Lifestyle & Activities
What's everyday life like in El Dorado Hills? Learn more about the area and activites available.
Read the Guide →See It for Yourself
A firsthand look at life in El Dorado Hills — straight from the neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Dorado Hills known for?
El Dorado Hills is known for its top-rated schools, master-planned golf and country club neighborhoods (like Serrano and Blackstone), the El Dorado Hills Town Center, and its low crime rate relative to the greater Sacramento region.
Is El Dorado Hills part of Sacramento?
No — El Dorado Hills is an unincorporated community in El Dorado County, not the City of Sacramento. It sits just east of Folsom and is considered part of the greater Sacramento metropolitan area.
What is the population of El Dorado Hills?
El Dorado Hills has a population of roughly 50,000, making it one of the larger communities in El Dorado County.
What neighborhoods make up El Dorado Hills?
El Dorado Hills includes a mix of established and newer neighborhoods, including Serrano, Blackstone, and several other master-planned communities, each with its own character, price point, and amenities.
Is El Dorado Hills a good place to buy a home right now?
El Dorado Hills has held its value well due to strong, consistent demand from schools, safety, and lifestyle — but timing depends on your specific goals and the current market.
A Local Guide, Not Just a Listing Agent
This guide exists because I get these questions every day — from families relocating, Bay Area buyers, and retirees all trying to figure out if El Dorado Hills is the right fit. I live and work here, and I'd rather you have real answers than guesswork before you ever look at a listing.
Have a Question This Guide Didn't Answer?
Call or text me directly — no pressure, just real answers from someone who actually lives here.
Call Tiegen · 916-747-0773