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What is Serrano like?
Serrano is one of the largest and most prestigious master-planned communities in Northern California.
The National Association of Home Builders' Sales and Marketing Council named Serrano the
National Community of the Year in 1997. Serrano is composed of several individual gated
neighborhoods, each with its own character and style. The 3,500-acre community has approximately
1,000 acres of open space, including century-old oak trees and woodlands, rolling hills, and
serene walking trails dotted with wildflowers. Serrano also has a championship
golf course and private country club. Residents are a diverse group,
ranging from young families to professional couples and empty nesters.
Where is Serrano located?
Serrano is located in the picturesque community of El Dorado Hills, Calif., in the Sierra
foothills. Serrano is halfway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe and
about 30 minutes from Sacramento, the state capital. Map and driving directions.
What is the weather like?
The climate is generally mild. Summer days are very warm but typically 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 accustomed to more temperate summer weather
from milder climates such as that of the San Francisco Bay Area tend to adjust quickly,
since the heat is dry. The coldest month is January, with average high temperatures generally
between 48 and 54 degrees. Occasionally you'll see frost on lawns and roofs. There is some
fog but far less than, for example, in nearby Sacramento, since El Dorado Hills is above
the fog line.
How much do homes cost?
Prices range from the mid $500,000s for production homes to custom homes valued at more than $3 million.
Who are the builders?
Serrano's villages currently feature new homes by Greenbriar Homes, Shea Homes and Toll Brothers.
Pulte Homes also has new homes available.
How long has Serrano been open?
Serrano began selling custom lots in 1995 and homes in 1996. One year later, the community was
a popular stop on the Street of Dreams tour, the nation's premiere luxury home tour.
How many homes will be built at Serrano?
Although Serrano is approved for 6,500 homes, current plans are to build approximately 5,000 homes.
To date (June 2006), approximately 3,500 new homes and custom home sites have been sold.
What are the public schools like that serve the Serrano community?
The public schools in El Dorado Hills boast some of the highest academic scores
in the state of California. And two of the elementary schools and one of the
middle schools are on-site Serrano schools. Oak Ridge High School and Ponderosa High
School also serve the Serrano Community. More about the local schools.
Does Serrano have a homeowners association?
Yes. The Serrano El Dorado Homeowners' Association
enforces the CC&Rs and the Architectural Review Committee bylaws for the community.
The homeowners' association is also responsible for the upkeep of the community's common
areas, including the village green, neighborhood parks, and the trails; it also mows
front lawns for all of the houses with the exception of the custom homes. Homeowner
dues vary according to the property; most are about $150 per month. A national study*
showed that homes in master-planned communities, which typically have active homeowners
associations to maintain visual and ethical standards, tend to hold and increase their
value more than homes in standard subdivisions.
Do Serrano residents pay special infrastructure construction taxes?
Yes, Serrano residents pay Mello Roos county taxes
to support construction of the onsite Serrano schools, major roads, community parks and
the like. These taxes are an investment in the quality of life at Serrano; for example,
the onsite schools are among the highest scoring in the state of California. Taxes are
based on the median lot size of each subdivision, with the average currently about $145
per month. Buyers should check with the County of El Dorado for specific property information.
What kinds of job opportunities are there in the area? What is rush hour like?
While some residents commute to downtown Sacramento (typically a 45-minute drive in rush-hour
traffic), there are numerous job opportunities closer to home.
Several large companies, such as Intel, DST Output and Blue Shield, have facilities just minutes
away from Serrano. Commuters can take advantage of a carpool lane on Highway 50 (this freeway
is about a 3-5 minute drive from Serrano), or use the new light rail system that connects Sacramento
to Folsom (El Dorado Hills' neighboring town). Commuter buses to Sacramento are also available.
How long does it take to get to the Sacramento International Airport?
The drive from Serrano to the airport is about 35 to 45 minutes, depending upon traffic.
Where are medical facilities located?
Folsom Mercy Hospital, with emergency facilities, and Folsom Kaiser (non-emergency only) are
just minutes away. List of other nearby medical facilities.
What about shopping?
Serrano is minutes away from Raley's Shopping Center and Town Center. Retail outlets include
a supermarket, restaurants, banks, hairdressers and the like. The newest attraction
is La Borgata, an upscale Tuscan-themed shopping center located near Serrano's entrance.
It features Masque Ristorante, a Mediterranean restaurant that was named one of the 21 best
new restaurants in the country by Esquire Magazine in 2004, a day spa and boutiques.
For everyday shopping needs, visit Home Depot, Costco and Target in nearby Folsom.
More on shopping and services.
Where are the nearby wineries? What other daytrips would you suggest?
What other kinds of activities are there in the area?
Many wineries are located in Apple Hill, about 30 minutes from Serrano. Apple Hill
is also a popular destination for buying homemade apple pies and local produce.
Other nearby activities include boating and sailing at Folsom Lake and visiting
Folsom's renowned antique shops (both are about a 10-minute drive from Serrano).
A variety of performing arts venues are a short drive away in Sacramento and at
the Mondavi Center on the UC Davis Campus. More on places to visit.
There are also a variety of sports and recreation activities
convenient to Serrano residents, many of which are organized by the El Dorado
Hills Community Service District and the local schools.
Serrano also has several homeowner-organized social clubs
that include wine tasting and a variety of other activities ranging from book clubs to more active
leisure-time fun such as a co-ed softball league.
Where else can I get information about day trips and local activities?
Pick up a copy of Serrano Magazine at the Serrano Visitors Center or local establishments.
(People outside the area can request the magazine by sending an email to
marketing@serranoeldorado.com.)
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