What Locals Love Most About Living in Auburn, CA

Those searching for a quiet community with small-town charm that still offers all the amenities of modern life should consider Auburn, CA. Nestled in the Sierra foothills less than an hour from Sacramento, Auburn is a close-knit community known for its slower pace of life. 

There are many reasons why locals love living in Auburn. For starters, it has a scenic landscape, with rolling hills and easy access to outdoor recreation. Its elevation means it stays cooler than other low-lying cities and towns in the Sacramento Valley, but it’s just below the snow line. It also has a quaint downtown, and up-and-coming food scene, a vibrant craft beer scene, and numerous wineries. 

  The Outdoor Lifestyle

For outdoor lovers, Auburn’s location can’t be beat. It’s surrounded by forested landscape, oak-covered hillsides, and dramatic river canyons. It’s home to the Auburn State Recreation Area at the confluence of the north and middle forks of the American River, where waterside hiking trails abound. Plus, there are several lakes in the area, meaning boating, paddling, fishing, and swimming are all popular pastimes. Lake Tahoe is just an hour and a half away, with plenty of campgrounds for those who like to rough it. For those who prefer winter sports, Auburn is just over an hour from Sierra ski resorts and snow play areas.

Live closer to the slopes in one of these homes.

Gold Rush History

Many locals appreciate the Gold Rush history that put Auburn on the map. There are many historic gold mines nearby, many of which offer tours. It also has a preserved historic district complete with original brick storefronts, a historic firehouse, and several museums.

 Unique Shopping

Speaking of Auburn’s historic district, the area is perfect for strolling. Along the way, you’ll find one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. Vintage clothing, antiques, curated gifts, and locally made handicrafts are just a few of the things you’ll find here. There’s also a Saturday farmer’s market where you can pick up fruits and veggies grown on surrounding farms.

Love boutiques? So do we. Explore what is nearby. 

 Great Food

Despite being a small city, Auburn has a lively dining scene filled with diverse restaurants representing every type of cuisine. Some to consider are Burger & Cream, which features over-the-top burgers and hand-dipped soft-serve ice cream; Monkey Cat, which serves elevated American bites and local wine; and Restaurant Josephine, a fine-dining French restaurant that was named a James Beard semi-finalist. No discussion of Auburn’s food scene can be had without mention of Ikeda’s, a no-frills burger joint/country store/bakery that was just named the No. 1 Best Pie Shop in America by USA Today!

Restaurant Josephine

 Wine & Beer

Locals come together to celebrate another big draw of Auburn — its thriving beer and wine scene! It’s home to a half-dozen craft breweries, including Moonraker Brewing Co., Knee Deep Brewing Co., and Crooked Lane Brewing Company. Many local breweries are family-friendly and host special events such as live music and trivia nights.

Auburn is also centrally located in the heart of Placer County’s Wine Trail, with dozens of wineries within minutes of downtown, including Vina Castellano Winery, Mt. Vernon Winery, and Lone Buffalo Vineyards. Estate wineries offer tastings on beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the surrounding foothills. Some host seasonal concerts and paired wine dinners.

 Make Your Home in Auburn, CA

Whether you’re looking for a slower pace of life, easy access to outdoor recreation, or a small town with plenty of character, Auburn, CA is a great place to consider. It seamlessly blends its Gold Rush history with modern life, making it popular for locals and visitors alike. A burgeoning restaurant scene, a local wine trail, and one-of-a-kind craft breweries further cements its status as a great place to live in the Sierra foothills.