Foothill Area Guide · Nevada County

Rough and Ready, California

The Gold Rush town that "seceded" in 1850, just west of Grass Valley

Part of the community of Rough and Ready. Image: Jim Heaphy (Cullen328) · CC BY-SA 4.0

By Aaron Rose, Realtor®, eXp Realty of California · Updated October 2026

Where is Rough and Ready, California?

Rough and Ready is a census-designated place (CDP) in western Nevada County, about 4 miles (straight-line) west of downtown Grass Valley at roughly 2,000 feet. The town sits along Rough and Ready Highway. The 2020 Census counted 905 residents and 457 housing units in the 3.2-square-mile CDP. The whole town is California Historical Landmark No. 294.

County and ZIP: The CDP lies entirely within Nevada County. Most of it falls in the Census area for its own ZIP 95975, which is entirely in Nevada County (1,702 residents, 824 housing units in 2020). Census ZIP areas place part of the CDP's eastern side in 95959, so check the mailing ZIP for any specific property.

What is the history of Rough and Ready?

Per the state Office of Historic Preservation, the town was established in 1849 and named after the Rough and Ready Company, a band of Wisconsin miners. The company in turn honored General Zachary Taylor, "Old Rough and Ready." It became one of the principal towns of Nevada County. In 1850 residents drew up articles of secession establishing the "Republic of Rough and Ready." Local accounts in The Union and from the Rough and Ready Chamber date the secession to April 7, 1850 and the return to the Union to that July 4th. The town still celebrates with an annual Secession Days event.

OHP notes that disastrous fires left only a few 1850s structures standing. Survivors and landmarks around town include Fippin's Blacksmith Shop, the Grange Hall and the Old Toll House.

What is there to do in and around Rough and Ready?

Rough and Ready offers small-town Gold Rush character with Grass Valley's shops and services a few minutes away. Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley, which Rough and Ready residents helped create in the 1970s, and South Yuba River State Park's Bridgeport area are both nearby to the west and north.

What schools serve Rough and Ready?

Every point we sampled in the Rough and Ready CDP and ZIP 95975 falls in Penn Valley Union Elementary School District and Nevada Joint Union High School District under Census/NCES EDGE boundaries. NCES lists Penn Valley Union's Ready Springs Elementary at 10862 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley. Nevada Joint Union's comprehensive high schools are Nevada Union and Bear River, both in Grass Valley. District lines don't follow ZIP codes or community names, so buyers should confirm the district and school assignment for a specific address with the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools or the district office.

How far is Rough and Ready from Grass Valley?

Rough and Ready is about 4 miles (straight-line) west of downtown Grass Valley, connected by Rough and Ready Highway.

Rough and Ready Highway connects the town east to Grass Valley, about 4 miles straight-line. Highway 20 runs just to the south, between Grass Valley and Penn Valley. Drive times vary by address, so ask Aaron for a route check from a specific property.

What are homes like in Rough and Ready?

The Rough and Ready CDP had 457 housing units in the 2020 Census, and ZIP 95975 had 824. Expect homes on wooded lots and acreage, plus historic properties near the town center. For current pricing and recent sales, contact Aaron; this guide doesn't publish market statistics that haven't been verified.

Questions about Rough and Ready? Call Aaron Rose at 530-755-8479 or see current Rough and Ready listings.

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Rough and Ready FAQ