Living in Nevada City

Life is good in Nevada City. Residents enjoy small town living, greeting each other on the street and doing business with a smile and handshake. Business people, families and retirees continue to discover and pursue the Nevada City lifestyle.

Here in the foothills of the Northern Sierra, you’ll find arts and cultural opportunities, abundant outdoor recreation, and some of the best schools in the state, including the Nevada County campus of Sierra College.

Above all, the friendly and welcoming attitude of our residents are why people want to settle and enjoy life here. If you are considering opening a business in Nevada City, check out this guide to give you background on the basics.

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.

Residents and civic leaders place a high priority on preserving Nevada City’s architectural heritage. New construction and restorations must be completed under strict architectural guidelines. Details of the ordinance can be found here.

The Nevada City Walking Tour brochure is available at the Chamber of Commerce and from local merchants and offers highlights of the historical district’s past and present.

Explore the narrow streets and enjoy the warm glow of gas street lights to savor the Nevada City 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 theatres, 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

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″

Local Resources List