Nevada City, California is a charming historic town located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is truly a hidden gem with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of recreational activities. Residents and visitors alike enjoy its mountain trails and scenic rivers, award-winning restaurants, quality theater productions, music, museums, art galleries, and local wineries.

Local Information
Nevada City, California
County Seat, Nevada County
Population: 3,000
Elevation: 2,500 ft.
Climate: Four distinct seasons with an average annual precipitation: 55″ Nevada County is the mecca of the west coast for those who want to be enchanted with the seasons. Mild days and cool nights of autumn give Nevada County some of California’s best fall colors.
So, where is Nevada City?
Nope — it’s not in the state of Nevada and nowhere near Las Vegas! It is situated approximately an hour away from Lake Tahoe and serves as the gateway to Tahoe National Forest.
Nevada City is located within Nevada County on State Route 49, “The Golden Chain Highway”, right between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Only 80 miles west of Reno, Nevada. Because of this, a weekend in Nevada City makes for super easy weekend getaways from Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.
- Truckee: 50 miles (1 hour)
- Sacramento: 60 miles (1 hour, 15 min)
- North Lake Tahoe: 65 miles (1 hour, 15 min)
- Reno, Nevada: 80 miles (1 ½ hours)
- South Lake Tahoe: 95 miles (2 hours)
- Napa Valley: 130 miles (2 ½ hours)
- San Francisco: 147 miles (2 ½ hour)
- San Jose: 180 miles (3 hours)
Downtown Nevada City
A place “Where the Past is Always Present,” Nevada City’s entire 90-building downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
No trip to Nevada City is complete without a leisurely walk down Broad Street. Immerse yourself in the town’s history as you wander down its narrow roads, surrounded by century-old buildings and red brick storefronts. Discover remnants of the town’s mining past, and admire the picturesque views of white church steeples. This charming and historic street is sure to fulfill your dreams of exploring eras of the past.
Despite its rich history, Nevada City has managed to maintain an artistic and bohemian vibe that only enhances its appeal. The downtown area offers a diverse array of shops, ranging from clothing to handmade local jewelry, wine, gems, and other unique imports. Take a leisurely stroll and indulge in the eclectic offerings of the town. Some of the must-visit shops include Atra Nova and Kitkitdizzi! These are my personal favorites and are sure to offer a memorable shopping experience.
7 Hills Business District
Located just a half-mile south of this historic downtown Nevada City is the 7 Hills Business District.
Anchored by the SPD Supermarket, the 7 Hills Business District offers a wide range of retail shopping, restaurants, art house movie theaters, and numerous local service businesses.
Nevada City, like Rome, is built upon seven hills, giving the local merchants a strong geographic identity.
The 7 Hills Business District is located along Zion Street to Gold Flat Road, taking in Argall Way, Searls Avenue, Lower Grass Valley Road.
Easy access is via the Gold Flat Road off-ramp from the Golden Center Freeway.
Chamber Members in the 7 Hills Business District
Nevada City truly feels like an idyllic place, I am surprised a town and community like this even exists. It’s as if I were living in a fairy tale. It reminds me a lot of the small town I grew up in, Chagrin Fall, Ohio but its the more liberal, hippy, California version. I am not sure how much I want to share this secret gem. However, here I am. I believe in building the community, those who are meant to be here will come. I am a conduit to support bringing the right people here; those who will contribute to the overall health and wealth of a small town life. This is a beautiful town that will support you in creating the dream life you want to live, whether it’s starting a business, owning your first home, raising a family, farming flowers and organic food. You can create it all here!
SOURCE: https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/living-in-nevada-city/
