Gold River's History

Starting in 1848, thousands of people across the nation left their homes and began to journey to California in hopes of finding the "American Dream" upon arrival. Gold had been found in both the American and Sacramento river, and everyone wanted to try and find a piece.

With James Marshall's success in mind, thousands began to mine, dredge, and pan the river banks in good faith that they may find fortune. It was then that Gold River began to give home to the miners in pursuit of gold on the banks of the American River. Nearing the end of the Gold Rush Natoma Real Estate Company took over the land than Gold River is now built upon, and used the surrounding river banks and bluffs to dredge for more gold.

It wasn't until the late 1970's that Robert C Powell Development CO. created the master plan in developing Gold River. Powell's main premise was to ultimately establish an exclusive master planned community in the greater Sacramento area, where residents could enjoy beautiful homes, attractively landscaped surroundings, a private health club, tree filled parks, and vast other amenities that were all within walking distance, and would allow the residents to never have to leave the community if they didn't want to. Years later, Powell's vision has finally become a reality, upon the completion of the last village in Gold River.

Gold River today is made up of 25 single family home villages, each named for famous gold mining patriarchs and places. The community spans approximately 950 acres with nearly 3,000 homes ranging in size from 1,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet. Each village is governed by a separate homeowners association which is responsible for front yard landscaping (front home maintenance is included in some villages), common areas, and enforcement of CC&R’s which helps to preserve the beauty of the community and maintain property values. Modifications to the exterior of a home must have architectural approval from the village Architectural Control Committee and the Gold River Architectural Control Committee (GRACC) prior to starting the project. This also includes painting (even the same color), roof restoration or replacement, cement work and/or heavy excavation in the backyard.