Calaveras County, California, known for its picturesque foothills, charming Gold Rush-era towns, and thriving outdoor lifestyle, continues to attract homebuyers seeking a blend of tranquility and modern conveniences. As we head into 2025, the county's real estate market is experiencing a mix of steady demand and shifting dynamics. Whether you're looking to buy or sell in the area, understanding key market trends is essential. Let's explore what's happening in some of the county's most sought-after areas, including Arnold, Murphys, and Bear Valley.
Calaveras County Current Market Trends
The real estate market in Calaveras County has maintained its appeal thanks to its relatively affordable home prices compared to the greater Bay Area, scenic landscapes, and year-round recreational opportunities. However, interest rates, inventory levels, and shifting buyer preferences will all influence market activity in 2025.
Home values across the county have seen moderate appreciation over the past year, with a median sales price of $437,500 at the end of January. And although overall sales were down 2% between January 2024 and this year, median price growth increased by 5%. Much of the activity for the month occurred in Arnold and Valley Springs. Approximately 6% of the homes sold did so for more than the initial list price.
An influx of retirees, remote workers, and vacation home seekers continues to drive demand, particularly in areas known for their mountain and wine-country appeal. With overall supply on the upswing, up 75% from last year, buyers are seeing more opportunities as we move further into 2025. Below, we look at three of Calaveras County's top real estate markets.
Home values across the county have seen moderate appreciation over the past year, with a median sales price of $437,500 at the end of January. And although overall sales were down 2% between January 2024 and this year, median price growth increased by 5%. Much of the activity for the month occurred in Arnold and Valley Springs. Approximately 6% of the homes sold did so for more than the initial list price.
An influx of retirees, remote workers, and vacation home seekers continues to drive demand, particularly in areas known for their mountain and wine-country appeal. With overall supply on the upswing, up 75% from last year, buyers are seeing more opportunities as we move further into 2025. Below, we look at three of Calaveras County's top real estate markets.
Arnold
Arnold, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills along Highway 4, remains a desirable location for buyers looking for mountain living and four-season recreation.
Set amongst the Sierra Mountains, Arnold serves as Calaveras County's premier mountain escape, offering a flawless blend of serenity and adventure, resulting in a rustic, world-class lifestyle. It is ideal for seasonal getaways or year-round living, including championship golf, riverfront recreation, and abundant outdoor activities.
Arnold's real estate offerings slot perfectly into this mountainside escape. Boasting a broad inventory of single-family homes, from opulent new construction to more modest A-frame and mid-century cabins.
Prices in Arnold have remained resilient, with steady appreciation year-over-year. The median home price is $542,500, a 46% increase from January 2024, with luxury cabins and custom homes commanding higher premiums. With limited new construction, homes in desirable locations sell quickly, particularly properties featuring modern amenities and updated interiors. Maintaining a three-year trend, 35% of homes in Arnold sold above the asking price in 2024, the highest such percentage in Calaveras County during that time frame.
Set amongst the Sierra Mountains, Arnold serves as Calaveras County's premier mountain escape, offering a flawless blend of serenity and adventure, resulting in a rustic, world-class lifestyle. It is ideal for seasonal getaways or year-round living, including championship golf, riverfront recreation, and abundant outdoor activities.
Arnold's real estate offerings slot perfectly into this mountainside escape. Boasting a broad inventory of single-family homes, from opulent new construction to more modest A-frame and mid-century cabins.
Prices in Arnold have remained resilient, with steady appreciation year-over-year. The median home price is $542,500, a 46% increase from January 2024, with luxury cabins and custom homes commanding higher premiums. With limited new construction, homes in desirable locations sell quickly, particularly properties featuring modern amenities and updated interiors. Maintaining a three-year trend, 35% of homes in Arnold sold above the asking price in 2024, the highest such percentage in Calaveras County during that time frame.
Murphys
Midway between Arnold and Angels Camp, the community of Murphys brings together the best of everything that Calaveras County has to offer. The village's contemporary vibrancy includes boutique shops, renowned wineries, and cultural venues amid a breathtaking landscape.
The town's tight-knit community and lively social scene create an inviting atmosphere. Whether indulging in fine dining, art, or outdoor recreation, Murphys captivates visitors and residents with its timeless appeal. Although the market in Murphys cooled somewhat between 2023 and 2024, price-wise, this remains one of Calaveras County's most popular spots to buy a home, featuring many of the region's most impressive residences.
That said, sales remained flat for January 2025, which is not uncommon for the Murphys market this time of year—even at the height of the Covid-19 buying frenzy, home sales were tepid in the month of January. The current median sales price is $545,000, based on two sales.
Buyers looking for a mix of small-town charm, walkability, and vineyard views are taking advantage of the Murphys' modest shift in affordability, fueling the market and making competition strong for well-located properties.
The town's tight-knit community and lively social scene create an inviting atmosphere. Whether indulging in fine dining, art, or outdoor recreation, Murphys captivates visitors and residents with its timeless appeal. Although the market in Murphys cooled somewhat between 2023 and 2024, price-wise, this remains one of Calaveras County's most popular spots to buy a home, featuring many of the region's most impressive residences.
That said, sales remained flat for January 2025, which is not uncommon for the Murphys market this time of year—even at the height of the Covid-19 buying frenzy, home sales were tepid in the month of January. The current median sales price is $545,000, based on two sales.
Buyers looking for a mix of small-town charm, walkability, and vineyard views are taking advantage of the Murphys' modest shift in affordability, fueling the market and making competition strong for well-located properties.
Bear Valley
Bear Valley, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a haven for those who crave adventure and the tranquility of alpine living. This small but lively resort community is best known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter, with powder-filled slopes that remain uncrowded compared to larger resorts. In the warmer months, Bear Valley transforms into an outdoor paradise, offering hiking trails that wind through rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes for fishing and kayaking, and mountain biking routes with breathtaking views.
For homebuyers, Bear Valley presents an opportunity to own a true four-season retreat. The real estate market here features a mix of cozy cabins, ski-in/ski-out chalets, and modern mountain homes with large windows that showcase sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Properties near Bear Valley Mountain Resort and Lake Alpine are especially sought after, appealing to both full-time residents and vacation home buyers.
The median home price is currently around $560,000, though high demand for well-located properties—especially those with rental potential—keeps inventory tight. With Bear Valley’s growing popularity as a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe, homes in the area tend to sell quickly, particularly those offering modern amenities and proximity to outdoor recreation.
For homebuyers, Bear Valley presents an opportunity to own a true four-season retreat. The real estate market here features a mix of cozy cabins, ski-in/ski-out chalets, and modern mountain homes with large windows that showcase sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Properties near Bear Valley Mountain Resort and Lake Alpine are especially sought after, appealing to both full-time residents and vacation home buyers.
The median home price is currently around $560,000, though high demand for well-located properties—especially those with rental potential—keeps inventory tight. With Bear Valley’s growing popularity as a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe, homes in the area tend to sell quickly, particularly those offering modern amenities and proximity to outdoor recreation.
What to Expect in 2025
Looking ahead, the real estate market in Calaveras County is expected to remain stable with moderate price growth. Interest rates will remain a key factor in buyer affordability, but a steadily rising inventory and competitive pricing should keep the market active. Sellers with well-maintained, move-in-ready homes in prime locations can still expect competitive offers, while buyers may find increased options as inventory levels gradually improve.
Guidance for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers and sellers, staying informed about Calaveras County's local trends is crucial to making the right real estate decisions. Whether you're eyeing a mountain cabin in Arnold, a vineyard estate in Murphys, or a ski retreat in Bear Valley, the market remains dynamic, with opportunities for various lifestyles and investment goals.
Partner with a Trusted Local Real Estate Agent
If you're considering buying or selling in Calaveras County, working with a local real estate expert can help you navigate market changes and secure the best deal in this ever-evolving landscape. Contact Kip Machado today and let her extensive knowledge and expertise help you navigate your Calaveras County real estate journey.
