Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Calpine, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 25, 2026
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Calpine is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Sierra County, California. With an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, it is a gateway to vast wilderness areas and offers a serene, rural mountain lifestyle. The real estate market in Calpine is highly specialized, characterized by a very low inventory of rustic cabins, mountain homes, and large land parcels. Properties are often secluded, surrounded by national forest land, and appeal to those seeking an off-grid or recreational retreat. The market is driven by its proximity to world-class outdoor recreation rather than traditional employment centers, making it a niche destination for second-home buyers and nature enthusiasts.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 325,000 |
| Population | 150 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.75 |
Calpine was originally established as a construction camp for the Western Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s.
The area's name is derived from the California Oregon Power Company (CALPINE), which operated a hydroelectric plant nearby.
Historically, the local economy was tied to logging and the railroad, with little development beyond its functional origins.
Life in Calpine is defined by self-reliance, outdoor adventure, and a tight-knit, low-density community. Residents value privacy, tranquility, and a deep connection to the natural environment. The lifestyle is seasonal, with residents preparing for significant snowfall in winter, which brings snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, while summers are for hiking, fishing, and gardening. Community gatherings are often informal and revolve around shared interests in land stewardship and outdoor activities. It is a place for those who prefer the sounds of nature over urban conveniences.
The typical buyer in Calpine is an outdoor enthusiast or retiree seeking a primary residence away from city life, or a professional from the Bay Area or Sacramento seeking a recreational second home or vacation rental investment. Buyers are often willing to undertake renovations or manage property maintenance remotely. They prioritize land size, privacy, and proximity to trails and water over square footage and modern amenities. Many are prepared for the challenges of mountain living, including winter road conditions and independent water and power systems.
The Calpine market remains steady but niche, with low transaction volume due to limited inventory. Demand for rural and recreational properties surged during the pandemic and has sustained a baseline level of interest from remote workers. Prices for turn-key cabins have risen, but value can still be found in fixer-uppers or raw land. The market is sensitive to fire insurance availability and costs, which is a key consideration for all transactions. Well-maintained properties with reliable utilities and road access command a significant premium.
Some of the best properties are not formally listed but are sold through local word-of-mouth. Building a relationship with the small community and local real estate professionals can provide access to off-market opportunities, especially for older cabins that long-time owners may be willing to part with quietly.
Unmatched access to millions of acres of public land in the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests.
A true escape from urban density with dark night skies, clean air, and profound quiet.
Potential for off-grid living and self-sufficiency on large, wooded parcels.
A relatively affordable entry point into the California Sierra compared to more famous Tahoe-area towns.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Calpine who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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