Sutter Creek offers a unique mix of old and new. Known as the “Jewel of the Motherlode”, Sutter Creek was settled in 1848 during the California Gold Rush and named after developer John Sutter. Today, downtown Sutter Creek still looks like a town right out of the old West and the Gold Rush days, which is why Sutter Creek is a popular tourist destination. It’s part of what’s known as the Gold Country, a historic part of California along with Amador City, Pine Grove, and a few other towns nearby Sutter Creek.
Sutter Creek is registered as a California Historical Landmark and features historic sites such as the Knight Foundry and Miner’s Bend. Yet along with its small-town charm, living in Sutter Creek comes with world-class restaurants, live theatre, shopping, excellent schools, and many community opportunities. Sutter Creek hosts a number of weekly events, including a Farmers Market on Main Street, art exhibits at Gallery 10 and Sutter Creek Gallery, wine tasting at Wine On 49, and a flea market. Annual events such as the Italian Parade in Sutter Creek, Surf Sutter Creek Pool Party, the Amador County Fair, the Ragtime Festival, and the Fireman’s Ball offer more opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors for fun and entertainment.
You’ll find that Sutter Creek is a very nice place to live. If you’re moving to Sutter Creek CA, you want to know what to expect! Keep reading our full guide for all the information you need while living in Sutter Creek.
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Where Is Sutter Creek, CA?
Sutter Creek is located in Amador County and nestled in the heart of the Gold Country in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. San Francisco, Sacramento, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe are all close by. Sutter Creek is about 45 miles southwest of Sacramento, 120 miles from San Francisco, and 44 miles northeast of Stockton.
Map of Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek CA Population and Demographics
Sutter Creek was originally the home of the Miwok Indian tribe. The area changed forever when gold was discovered, and the Gold Rush began. The Miwok and other Native tribes were the biggest losers during the Gold Rush. Their land was taken from them, they were used for slave labor, and in the 20 years after the discovery of gold, 80% of the state’s Native American population was wiped out from living in Sutter Creek. Today, the Ione Band of Miwok Indians in nearby Plymouth, CA serves as the voice of the tribe and is working to ensure its future by preserving the tribe’s traditions, culture, and history with the residents living in Sutter Creek.
The Sutter Creek population is 2,659. The racial and ethnic demographics of Sutter Creek are White alone, 81.4%, Black or African American alone, 0.9%, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.2%, Asian alone, 0.4%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, 0.0%, Two or More Races, 9.2%, Hispanic or Latino, 7.9%.
Here’s an overview of Sutter Creek’s demographics:
- Population density: 971.83 per square mile
- Median age: 46.6
- Sex ratio: 40.5% males, 59.5% females
- Median household income: $59,028
- Educational attainment: 97.8% high school degree or higher, 39.9% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 4.2%
- Veteran population: 237
The Sutter Creek Police Department is dedicated to serving the community and partnering with residents to make Sutter Creek a safe place to live, work, and visit. The crime rate is 27% lower than the national average in Sutter Creek. There are 1,753 crimes per 100,000 people living in Sutter Creek. Violent crime rates are 70% below the national average.
Sutter Creek CA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sutter Creek is 29% higher than the state average but 11% lower than the California average, making it an affordable place to live in the state. The most expensive factor in the cost of living is housing, and in Sutter Creek, housing costs are 69% higher than the national average. This is true for both homes and Sutter Creek apartments. However, houses for sale in Sutter Creek CA cost 27% below the state average, so it’s one of the cheapest places to live near Sacramento.
The median sale price of a home in Sutter Creek is $899,000. Sutter Creek real estate is pretty competitive, especially since there aren’t many new homes in the Sacramento metro. The average cost per square foot of the Sutter Creek CA homes currently for sale is $345. There are homes for sale in Sutter Creek CA, ready to welcome you home!
The average rent in Sutter Creek is $2,395 a month. In Sacramento, residents pay an average of $1,850 per month for rent. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Sutter Creek CA on Rent Cafe before moving to Sutter Creek.
Typical Sutter Creek California Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $7.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.84
- Dozen eggs: $4.23
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.25
- Average Sutter Creek monthly utility bill: $389.25
Source: Numbeo, Sacramento
The Best Neighborhoods in Sutter Creek
When looking at the homes Sutter Creek CA has to offer, there are many variables. Finding the best spot while living in Sutter Creek is dependent on your family’s needs. You can find sprawling estates on acres of private land that cost upwards of $2 or $3 million, as well as older historic houses with Victorian charm and exquisite architectural designs. The older, smaller homes tend to be closer to downtown. As you go further away from the center of town, the countryside has plenty of larger, more recently built properties that offer rural living, fresh mountain air, and untouched nature. Many of these homes are surrounded by lots of open farmland.
A much sought-after neighborhood in Sutter Creek is Crestview Estates, offering beautifully designed homes. The picturesque neighborhood is close to dining, shopping, parks, and good schools. From small, cozy bungalows to spacious family homes, Crestview has a range of homes for a variety of lifestyles. Other neighborhoods in Sutter Creek include Golden Hills, Mesa de Oro, Sutter Crest Estates, and Sutter Oaks.
Weather in Sutter Creek CA
Due to its mild climate, the Sutter Creek weather’s year-round temperature averages about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are relatively mild while living in Sutter Creek, and the temperature rarely falls below freezing. Summers are warm and dry. Summer highs reach up to around 94 degrees, and winter lows are around 37 degrees.
Rain accumulates to about 30 inches per year, most of it coming in late fall and during the winter. Sutter Creek offers over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and fishing! The best time to visit Sutter Creek is from mid-June to the middle of late September. Check out the weather in Sutter Creek 10 day forecast while living in Sutter Creek!
Things to Do in Sutter Creek CA
Living in Sutter Creek offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do, such as wineries, cute coffee shops, historic sites, and art galleries. In addition to nearby amenities, enjoy convenient shopping at Main Street Mercantile, Sierra Mountain Outdoors, and the Sutter Hill Plaza Shopping Center. You can also check out grocery stores like the Walgreens Sutter Creek location for daily needs. If you’re wondering what to do in Sutter Creek, here are some of the top attractions in Sutter Creek:
Knight Foundry
The Knight Foundry, established in 1873, is the last water-powered foundry and machine shop in the U.S. Now a museum, the facility includes unique historic equipment and machinery used during the Gold Rush. The Foundry is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places making it perfect for history buffs. It’s a must-see while living in Sutter Creek.
81 Eureka St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (209) 560-6160
Bella Grace Vineyards
Take the tour of this family-owned and operated winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 17 years. As one of the most popular of the Sutter Creek wineries, this is the perfect date night or activity while living in Sutter Creek. All their wines are handcrafted and aged in their custom-designed hillside wine cave. They grow 20 acres of grapes and practice sustainable wine growing.
73 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (209) 267-8053
Sutter Creek Theatre
The Sutter Creek Theatre hosts contemporary and traditional live music, theatrical productions, dance, film, and other events that entertain a diverse regional audience. With intimate seating and excellent acoustics, Sutter Creek Theatre is a great place to watch a concert or dance performance. Look at the Sutter Creek Theatre events to plan your visit. It’s an enjoyable activity for all families while living in Sutter Creek.
44 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (916) 425-0077
Additional Attractions Nearby Sutter Creek, CA:
- Scott Harvey Wines Tasting Room
- Sutter Creek Gallery
- Black Chasm Cavern
- Bella Grace Sutter Creek Winery
- The Gardens at Sutter Creek
For more fun and outdoor activities while living in Sutter Creek, Amador County manages three pools, including the Sutter Creek Pool, during the Summer. The county operates over 23 city and county-owned parks. Amenities include an 18-hole disc golf course, baseball fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, basketball courts, walking trails, and more. Also, be sure to check out Sutter Creek events calendar for more fun things to do in Sutter Creek CA!
Sutter Creek Restaurants
There area lots of restaurants to choose from when living in Sutter Creek, including casual dining, upscale fare, pizza, Mexican, and much more. The dining options in Sutter Creek cater to a wide variety of tastes. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments near Sutter Creek:
Element Sutter Creek
Element offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious, home-cooked meals. They use only the freshest local ingredients and ensure each one comes together to produce a flavorful meal you won’t forget.
61 Hanford St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (209) 267-0747
The Sutter Restaurant
The Sutter Restaurant offers classic entrees such as Chicken Piccata, grilled salmon, and prime rib, perfectly constructed to entice your eyes as well as your taste buds. The menu includes vegan and gluten-free options, and they have an adjoining full bar. It’s a local favorite of those living in Sutter Creek.
53 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (209) 267-0242
Gold Dust Pizza Sutter Creek
For fresh, homemade pizza, calzones, salads, and world-class breadsticks, Gold Dust Pizza is the place to go in Sutter Creek. The cozy setting and the casual atmosphere make Gold Dust a great place to eat with friends or family. Check out the Gold Dust Pizza Sutter Creek menu before heading there.
20 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, (209) 267-1900
Jobs in Sutter Creek CA
Amador County provides job opportunities in fields such as retail, government, healthcare, education, and entertainment. The city’s proximity to Sacramento and Stockton offers many additional employment possibilities. One of the major employers in Sutter Creek is Timber Products. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, Timber Products produces a variety of wood products, including hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, veneer, softwood products, laminates, and particleboard. They employ over 8,200 workers in 8 facilities, including one in Sutter Creek.
]Other top employers in Amador County include Sutter Amador Hospital, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, and Harrah’s Northern California. If you’re looking for a job in Sutter Creek, take a look at job openings on Indeed and other job search sites while living in Sutter Creek.
Schools in Sutter Creek CA
The Amador Unified School District has top-rated schools in the school district, including two comprehensive public high schools, one alternative high school, two junior high schools, six elementary schools (including Sutter Creek Elementary), a preschool, and an independent study program. Enrolling about 4,000 students, the district offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of students in the most effective way, such as a STEM magnet school and a VAPA magnet school. Those living in Sutter Creek have great educational opportunities.
The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program for grades 7 through 12 prepares students for college eligibility and success by placing academically average students in advanced classes, giving minority, rural, low-income, and other students without a college-going tradition in their families an opportunity to work hard and achieve the dream of going to college.
Private school options near Sutter Creek include Whispering Pines Christian School and Mountain Oaks School.
If you are a person looking for higher education schools near Sutter Creek, options include Folsom Lake College, Santa Clara University, the University of California Berkeley, and Sierra College.
The Amador County Library has 5 locations near Sutter Creek where you can find a book, read a magazine or newspaper, check out DVDs, audio and e-books, and CDs, or take advantage of Internet access, online resources, and more.
Sutter Creek California Statistics & Information
- County: Amador County
- Area: 2.70 square miles
- Sutter Creek zip code: 95685
- Area codes: 209
- Elevation: 1,188 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport
There are several factors that go into choosing where to relocate your family in California, but living in Sutter Creek is a great option. If you have children, life in this town truly feels like an oasis! Residents are waiting to welcome you to the city, but so are we at Mother Lode Moving! Our top-rated Sutter Creek moving company is here to help you every step of the way when relocating to your new property. Give us a call today at 916-631-4285, or fill out our free quote form to get started!
