Are you looking for the perfect mountain town with mild weather and friendly neighbors? You should consider moving to Georgetown, CA, a census-designated place in the Sacramento area with a pleasant atmosphere and a rich history.
Living in Georgetown, CA, offers a historic small-town feel with a strong sense of community and scenic surroundings in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, along with local wineries and year-round festivals. With a high homeownership rate and a relaxed rural lifestyle, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused way of life.
Georgetown is known for its pivotal role as a mining town during the California gold rush. Settled in 1849 by its namesake, George Phipps, and his mining party, the town was originally nicknamed “Growlersburg” after the quartz-laden rocks that often “growled” in the miner’s pants while they walked around town. A large fire in 1852 forced the town to relocate from the nearby canyon to its present site.
These days, Georgetown, CA, is a good place to live for anyone seeking a charming town with affordable homes and natural beauty. Ready to find out what this town is really like? Here is everything you need to know about living in Georgetown CA.
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Where Is Georgetown?
Georgetown, California is in El Dorado County at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s the northeasternmost town in the region known as the Mother Lode. The main thoroughfare running through town is California Highway 193, aka Georgetown Road, which provides access to major highways like California State Route 49 and I-80 for commuters living in Georgetown CA. Public transit is available through the El Dorado County Transit Authority.
The south fork of the American River is also just a few miles away. Other communities in the surrounding areas include Volcanoville, Quintette, Kelsey, Garden Valley, and Greenwood.
It’s 52 miles or a 1-hour drive from Sacramento CA to Georgetown CA. San Francisco is 140 miles away or a 2-hour, 30-minute drive.
Georgetown Population & Demographics
The Georgetown population is 2,546 residents, as of the 2020 census. It’s a very fast-growing community. The number of residents living in Georgetown CA increased by 9% between 2010 and 2020. But prior to that, it shot up by 146% between 2000 and 2010. However, it still has a very spacious, rural atmosphere with a population density of 170 residents per square mile.
It tends to be an older community with a large population of retirees living in Georgetown CA. The median age is 59 years old (50% higher than the rest of California), and 44% of people living in Georgetown CA are over 65. Being in California, most residents living in Georgetown CA lean toward the Democratic Party.
The community is primarily Caucasian, although there is a decent-sized Hispanic population living in Georgetown CA.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 82% white (non-Hispanic), 11% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, 1% Native American, and 3% two or more races.
Additional Georgetown Demographics
- The median household income among those living in Georgetown CA is $90,381 per year (only about 6.5% lower than the rest of California)
- 53% of the Georgetown CA population is male, and 47% is female
- 95.4% of residents living in Georgetown have a high school diploma, and 22.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 4.9%
Living in Georgetown is safer than the rest of the US and the state. The total Georgetown crime rate is 1141 incidents per 100,000 people, 50% lower than the rest of the US and 60% lower than the California crime rate. The violent crime rate is also 44% lower than the national average, while the property crime rate is 51% lower.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, with a staff of 170 sworn officers, is responsible for controlling crime in the community.
Cost of Living in Georgetown
The Georgetown cost of living is also very affordable compared to the rest of California. One way to understand the cost of living in Georgetown CA is to reference the index. It compares the prices of normal everyday expenses to the rest of the country on a scale of 100.
The COLI for the Sacramento area is 119.4, indicating it’s about 19.4% more expensive than the typical US city. However, being more rural, the cost of living in Georgetown tends to be lower.
The Family Budget Calculator is also an excellent resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids must earn $132,770 to afford the cost of living in Georgetown CA.
Typical expense of living in Georgetown CA:
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.46
- Loaf of fresh bread: $4.62
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $6.71
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.57
- 1 pound of local cheese: $9.39
Source: Numbeo
The Georgetown real estate market is reasonably priced by California standards. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in Georgetown CA is $420,000. That means it’s right on par with the national average but 50% lower than the median in California. The median price per square foot of Georgetown, CA, real estate is $266. Local real estate agents claim that hot homes tend to get an offer within 12 days.
Most people living in Georgetown CA own a home. In fact, 83% of Georgetown, California real estate is owner-occupied, and only 17% is rented out. According to Rentcafe, 93% of rentals are single-family homes, so you won’t find many apartment buildings. The average rent in Georgetown starts around $1,000 for a studio and goes up to $2400 for two or more bedrooms.
Georgetown Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Georgetown
As a small rural community, there aren’t many well-defined Georgetown neighborhoods. However, living in Georgetown CA offers natural beauty and a calm pace of life no matter where you decide to settle down.
One notable area is Volcanoville, an unincorporated community situated just north of Georgetown, which is often listed as a ghost town but still features an active albeit small population. In general, the most desirable areas tend to be in the western part of the city, while the most affordable are in the northwest. So keep that in mind if you plan on moving to Georgetown.
Georgetown Weather & Climate
Georgetown’s weather is fairly mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen Classification System, the Georgetown climate is warm-summer Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures typically fluctuate between 39°F and 88°F, although winters can drop to 31°F and summers can get up to 96°F. The best weather in Georgetown, California, is usually found between June and September.
Georgetown is impacted by a phenomenon known as orographic lifting, which occurs when the wind is forced to rise over a mountain, leading to cooling and precipitation. So, one thing to prepare for in regard to Georgetown, CA weather is snow — a rare phenomenon in California. Due to this effect, Georgetown averages about 53 inches of rain and 13 inches of snow every year. So, bring an umbrella and a snow shovel if you plan on living in Georgetown CA.
Things to Do in Georgetown
Looking for fun things to do in Georgetown, CA? Luckily there are many fantastic activities for residents to enjoy. Those living in Georgetown CA will find a few shops and local businesses scattered around Georgetown Road, including the Buffalo Hill Center, Georgetown Hardware, and Main Street Mercantile. Outside of shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Georgetown.
Georgetown Nature Area
The Georgetown Nature Area is a 30-acre park full of creeks, ponds, meadows, and an old mining tunnel, making it one of the best things to do in Georgetown, CA, if you like the outdoors.
6540 Wentworth Springs Rd, Georgetown, CA 95634 (530) 333-8314
Art on the Divide
Art on the Divide is a local gallery and artist cooperative that showcases works from local painters, potters, woodworkers, and other artisans living in Georgetown CA, and hosts regular events and community programs.
6295 Main St, Georgetown, CA 95634 (530) 333-2787
Jollity Farm Goat Dairy
Jollity Farm is a local goat dairy that specializes in hand-crafted, small-batch goat cheese, soap, and lotion. They host regular tastings and other events where visitors can meet the goats, making it one of the best things to do in Georgetown with kids.
5314 Mari Gold Mine, Garden Valley, CA 95633 (530) 444-0805
Additional Georgetown Attractions
The Georgetown Divide Recreation District also has a list of public facilities on its website if you need more activity ideas while living in Georgetown CA.
Georgetown Restaurants
Even though it’s a small town, you can still find plenty of delicious restaurants in Georgetown offering everything from steak dinners to cheeseburgers. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Georgetown.
Georgetown Distillery and Restaurant
The Georgetown Distillery is one of the best restaurants in Georgetown, CA, if you like whiskey. It specializes in small-batch, handcrafted spirits and unique menu items like fried pork belly and catfish po boys.
6101 CA-193, Georgetown, CA 95634 (530) 334-7000
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Buckeye Restaurant
Buckeye is a popular Georgetown CA restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, and other classic entrees in a laid-back setting with beers on tap and a full bar.
7460 Wentworth Springs Rd, Georgetown, CA 95634 (530) 333-2600
Shandey’s
Shandey’s is a family-owned greasy spoon popular among locals living in Georgetown CA that serves classic American diner food like salads, steaks, and burgers with indoor and outdoor seating available.
6265 Main St, Georgetown, CA 95634 (530) 409-7240
Jobs in Georgetown
As a fairly rural place with a large population of retirees, living in Georgetown CA doesn’t offer many career opportunities in the town itself.
The primary industries in El Dorado County offering jobs in Georgetown CA are recreation and tourism. The County has a total labor force of 94,665 workers and an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Most residents of El Dorado County are employed in executive/managerial roles, office and administrative support, sales, food preparation, or educational roles.
Notable employers in El Dorado County:
- County of El Dorado
- Blue Shield of California
- Broadridge Financial Solutions
- CEMEX
- Safeway
Employees living in Georgetown should be well-compensated. Payscale shows that the average salary in the Sacramento area is $84,000. While somewhat limited, residents will find a few solid Georgetown jobs in occupations like maintenance technician and courtesy clerk.
Georgetown Schools
Georgetown is within the Black Oak Mine Unified School District, which serves about 1250 students throughout the unincorporated communities of El Dorado County. Georgetown Elementary is the sole elementary school in Georgetown CA.
Golden Sierra Junior Senior High School is both the middle and high school in Georgetown, serving students living in Georgetown CA in 7th through 12th grades.
The American River Charter School is also an independent study/homeschool option of the Black Oak Mine USD located in Georgetown, serving K-12 students. Students and adults living in Georgetown CA can also visit the local branch of the El Dorado County Public Library.
Georgetown Statistics & Information
- Georgetown County: El Dorado
- Georgetown area: 530
- Georgetown zip code: 95634
- Georgetown area code(s): 530
- Georgetown CA elevation: 2,654 ft
- Georgetown time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Georgetown: The Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 60 miles away.
Georgetown CA Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do within walking distance with this Georgetown, California map.
Find Out What Living in Georgetown Is Really Like
Looking to experience firsthand what living in Georgetown is really like? When you’re ready to plan your relocation, trust the award-winning Georgetown CA movers at Mother Lode Moving and Storage to make the experience easy and efficient. Call (916) 631-4285 today for a free quote.
