Rough and Ready, CA

Rough and Ready is a quiet foothill hamlet tucked into the pines just a few miles west of Grass Valley. Settled during the 1849 Gold Rush and named after General Zachary Taylor, the community famously seceded from the Union for about three months in 1850, a quirky chapter locals still celebrate every summer during Secession Days. Today, it appeals to newcomers looking for spacious lots, Gold Country charm, and a laid-back pace of life. Historic landmarks like the old Grange Hall anchor the town center, and families appreciate the easy access to nearby schools in Penn Valley as well as the shopping, dining, and healthcare in Grass Valley and Nevada City.