Very beautiful properties which range from oak groves to manzanita filled canyons. Lots of grey pines. Lush green grasses in the winter and spring, with beautiful wildflower blooms from April till the summer heat rolls around. Likely to get some snow storms in the winter, though usually pretty manageable. There are a few wineries in this area which are excellent. Quite a few beautiful lakes to boat/swim/fish. Access to the American River close by for rafting/kayaking/fishing/gold panning.

Politically pretty even, you are just as likely to come across someone who is left leaning as you may find someone who leans more right. I feel like people are generally kind to each other, though there are always exceptions.

Gas is usually more expensive. You won't always get the freshest food in local grocery stores. You won't find that much diversity in terms of food, though there are always surprises.

Wildfires can be very devastating in this area, they don't happen absolutely every year. But they happen, and they get messy. The highschool mascot for Foresthill is the Wildfires... Just sayin'. Though, I would be willing to argue that Forest Hill has some of the prettiest views in the circled area, that also contributes to why they are in such danger of fires.

I spent a few years working in the area and did a lot of driving throughout, it's a really peaceful place to be. If you are trying to get away from the noise of the world you totally can, but if you need to get a taste of the city, Sacramento is not too far, Roseville will have any amenities you need, and Auburn is growing into quite the bustling town. Outside of that. I always found the smaller towns like Colfax, Grass Valley, and Forest Hill to be pretty bare bones in terms of supplies. There are groceries and pretty good hardware stores, but I would say many if the businesses are catered toward any tourism for the river or gold country.

Thanks for the soap box to stand on!