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Community comparison · Lake communities
Lake Wildwood vs. Lake of the Pines: Which Gated Lake Community Fits You?
Both are gated lake communities in Nevada County laid out in the 1960s, at almost the same elevation (about 1,500 feet). Lake Wildwood, near Penn Valley on the west side of the county, is larger, with about 5,160 residents, and sits closer to Beale AFB. Lake of the Pines, off Magnolia Road with an Auburn mailing address, has about 4,300 residents, a golf course looping around its lake, and a shorter drive toward Auburn and Interstate 80.
Side by side
| Lake Wildwood | Lake of the Pines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,158 | 4,301 |
| Total area | About 3.5 sq mi (0.45 sq mi water) | About 2.9 sq mi (0.35 sq mi water) |
| Elevation | About 1,529 ft | About 1,516 ft |
| Mailing address | Penn Valley | Auburn (located in Nevada County) |
| Access | Gated; west county near Penn Valley | Gated; primary access via Magnolia Road, south county |
| Golf | Ask the association about current amenities | Golf course loops around the reservoir |
| Nearby school | Penn Valley area schools | Bear River High School across Magnolia Road |
| Best for | Beale commuters, west county, larger community | Auburn and I-80 commuters, south county |
Questions to ask before buying in either
- What are the current HOA dues, special assessments and reserve study results?
- What rules apply to rentals, boats, docks and exterior changes?
- Is the lot lakefront, lake-view or interior, and how does that affect price?
- What are the association’s guest and gate policies?
Ask for the association documents early in escrow and review them before removing contingencies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake of the Pines in Auburn or Nevada County?
Lake of the Pines is in Nevada County but uses an Auburn mailing address.
Which is bigger, Lake Wildwood or Lake of the Pines?
Lake Wildwood is larger, with 5,158 residents in the 2020 Census compared with 4,301 in Lake of the Pines.
Are Lake Wildwood and Lake of the Pines gated?
Yes. Both are gated residential communities.
Which lake community is closer to Beale AFB?
Lake Wildwood, near Penn Valley on the west side of Nevada County.
Sources
Information current as of September 16, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax or lending advice.
