"a great place to live, work, and play!
Nestled along the shores of Folsom Lake and framed by rolling foothills, Granite Bay is one of Northern California’s most prestigious communities. Known for its natural beauty, luxury homes, and outstanding schools, this enclave offers a rare blend of small-town charm and modern sophistication. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances outdoor recreation with refined amenities, where tree-lined streets lead to equestrian estates, gated neighborhoods, and family-friendly parks.
With its rich Gold Rush history, top-ranked Eureka Union School District, and close proximity to Sacramento, Roseville, and Lake Tahoe, Granite Bay has earned its reputation as a community that offers the very best of Placer County living.
LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS:
Granite Bay isn’t actually a city but a census-designated place (CDP) in Placer County, California. With a total area of 21.6 square miles, it lies in the foothills only 25 miles from the Sacramento capital.
- Population (2023): ~21,378
- Households: ~7,456
- Median Household Income: ~$190,000
- Per Capita Income: ~$85,943
- Median Age: ~48.8 years
a variety of neighborhoods
Granite Bay offers something for everyone!
- Exclusive guard-gated enclaves
- Luxury gated communities
- Prestigious non-gated neighborhoods with custom homes
- Equestrian/rural lifestyle: On acreage and featuring private trails, community water, and horse facilities
- Waterfront living: Select homes offer direct access to Folsom Lake
- Newer construction
- Timeless custom estates
This blend of privacy, luxury, and rural charm creates one of the most diverse residential landscapes in the Sacramento region.
lifestyle & recreation
Granite Bay offers no shortage of options for activities and recreation:
- Outdoor activities: Folsom Lake Recreation Area, equestrian centers, hiking, cycling, and water sports
- Country clubs & golf: Granite Bay Golf Club, tennis courts, and private fitness centers
- Local favorites: Quarry Ponds shopping and dining, Otow Orchards, Rickey Ranch Pumpkin Patch
- Dining options: highlight local flavor and elevated experiences, including Hawks, Farmhaus, Vaiano Trattoria, Sette Pasta House, Kiku Japanese Cuisine, and more.
REAL ESTATE IN GRANITE BAY
Granite Bay real estate is highly desirable, so homes sell quickly with stiff competition. Granite Bay remains a hotbed for luxury real estate.
- Owner-Occupied Homes: ~90%
- Median Home Value: ~$1.3M
- There were 252 homes sold on the local MLS in Granite Bay in 2024
- Luxury Market: Roughly 2 in 3 home sales in Granite Bay were $1M or above in 2024 while 14% or home sales were $2M or above
Generally, homes here are known to move quickly due to limited supply and consistently high demand although due to the custom and unique nature of Granite Bay real estate some homes may take longer to sell than others.
EDUCATION
Granite Bay is one of the state’s top-performing communities for education.
- High School Graduate or Higher: ~97% of adults (25+)
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: ~54%
- Graduate or Professional Degrees: ~23%
The Eureka Union School District and Granite Bay High School are both highly rated and central to the community’s appeal for families.
More About Granite Bay, CA
bet you didn't know...
Granite Bay’s history mirrors much of California’s Gold Rush heritage. Originally known as “Granite Bar”, it was established as a mining camp in the 1850s. The North Fork Ditch provided irrigation that enabled settlers to establish orchards of almonds and olives. By the 1950s, the area was home to sprawling cattle ranches, before suburban development began with Granite Bay Vista in the 1960s.
On July 28, 1987, Granite Bay was officially recognized under its present name. Today, it blends historical roots with modern affluence.
notable residents
Granite Bay has been home to an impressive roster of athletes, entertainers, and public figures:
- Eddie Murphy – Actor & comedian
- John Travolta & Kelly Preston – Actors
- Tobin Esperance – Bassist, Papa Roach
- Jeff Keith – Lead singer, Tesla
- Past & Present Kings Players
- Dusty Baker – MLB manager & former player
- Maureen Reagan – Daughter of President Ronald Reagan
- Summer Sanders – Olympic gold medalist swimmer, TV personality
