Location: About 25 miles east of downtown Sacramento in the Sierra foothills; the western-most community in El Dorado County.

Government Structure: Unincorporated community within El Dorado County.

Population: About 31,000 (ultimate population planned at 60,000).

Land area: 8.6 sq. mi.

Elevation: 600-1200 ft.

Topography: Rolling hills studded with oak trees.

Climate: Summer days are very warm but cool down pleasantly in the evenings thanks to the Delta breeze. The highest average temperature in the hottest month (July) is in the mid-90-degree range. Temperatures do sometimes exceed 100 degrees, however most new residents from milder climates such as the Bay Area tend to adjust quickly, since the heat is dry. The coldest month is January, with temperatures generally between 48 and 54 degrees. Occasionally you'll see frost on lawns and roofs; snow is extremely rare. There is some fog, but far less than, for example, in nearby Sacramento, since El Dorado Hills is above the fog line. Three-fourths of the total annual rainfall (15 to 20 in.) occurs between November and March, with January the wettest month.

New-Home Median Sales Price: $450,000 in mid-2003 in El Dorado Hills.