Judging by the housing market so far this year, the rest of summer will continue to sizzle. The market has been defined by record-reaching prices and tightening inventory, according to data from Realtor.com.

The nationwide median home price is 10 percent higher than it was at this time last year – it currently sits at $275,000. And as we recently told you, the median price for a home in Placer County rose to $460,000 in April. As people snatch up homes at a rapid pace and prices (especially in places across the Bay Area) continue to jump up, more people are finding it difficult to dive into the market with success.

When it becomes a clear seller’s market, buyers can turn the tables with a few strategies, including being first in the know.

With iHeartPlacer.com’s Listing Alerts, you can get the inside scoop.

If you want to check out properties before they hit the market, our Listing Alerts feature is your solution. Search properties across the area, including Rocklin, Roseville, Auburn, Granite Bay, Loomis, Lincoln, Colfax, Penryn and Newcastle.

Signing up is easy. Just go to www.iheartplacer.com or click here for instant access to Listing Alerts.

Along with our Listing Alerts, you can also take advantage of the following features that will help you during the before, during and after phases of your big move to Placer County, where residents enjoy affordability, accessibility and incredible amenities.

Our resources include:

So, if you are a buyer looking to keep up in this fast-paced market, be sure to sign up for our Listing Alerts today!

If you are a looking for an awesome sandwich in Placer County, stop by the Cheese Shop in Newcastle and order the “Rat Trap.”

The Cheese Shop is a quaint place in old town Newcastle that has a small menu consisting of one of the best sandwiches in Placer County.

Some of the iHeartPlacer team went there for lunch recently and all ordered the “Rat Trap” with chips and old-fashioned root beers to boot. The dutch crunch bread was fresh, the meats and cheeses were high quality, the prices were right and the service was great!

Needless to say, we will be heading back there again soon. Hope to see you there!

Celebrate our great nation this weekend with a huge pre-July 4 party in Rocklin!

Families across the region will come together for “Celebrate America,” a patriotic musical and Fourth of July event held at Twin Oaks Park that is packed with fun events.

You and your family will be proud to take part. The two-day event (June 24-25) features aerial fireworks, a special tribute to the men and women who serve, music and stirring reenactments of historic moments in our great nation’s history. The event also will include an expanded Kids Zone, a pre-show lineup of bands and local talent and so much more. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect this weekend:

Special Guest

Featured on Monday Night Football and the NCAA Basketball Finals, retired Navy Officer 1st Class Generald Wilson will perform. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because you remember his silky a cappella rendition of “God Bless America.” If you haven’t heard it, listen below:

Food 

There will be plenty of food options. From all-American burgers and fries made by Squeeze Inn, to other favorites like Jimboy’s Tacos, OMG! Yogurt and many other local eateries. Whatever you’re craving, there will be no shortage of food options.

Kids Zone

Bring the kids. There is plenty to see and do for the young ones. Kids will enjoy multiple inflatable play houses and fun carnival games. Wristbands will be available for $2 per child for all-day play!

Details

When: June 24-25. Gates open at 4 p.m. Main show and fireworks start at 8 p.m.

Entry Cost: FREE!

Where: Twin Oaks Park, 5500 Park Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765.

For more information, including details about parking, go here.

So, come on down and let’s celebrate our great nation together as one big community!

Ever eat an incredible burger that was perfectly grilled to your specifications and had just the right toppings and condiments wedged between two freshly toasted buns? Then, after finishing it, you get the urge to order a second. In most cases, you probably passed –only because you know your cravings are irrational and you won’t finish the second.

Well, a new burger joint in Auburn, called Burgerim, changes the game.

“Always More Than One” is Burgerim’s motto, promising burger lovers a unique flavorful experience in each burger, which are built with 2.8 ounce mini patties and come in packs of “duo, trio or party box.”

Here’s how the company breaks it down: “We take 8 ounces of gourmet freshly ground meat, bursting with flavor, and divide it into three mini burgers which are easy to hold and can be customized to suit anyone’s taste.”

So, if you’re tired of the one-burger-is-not-enough, two-burgers-is-too-much ordeal, then you’ll love this restaurant’s “Always More Than One” approach and customization. After selecting from two, three or a party pack of burgers, customers can then pick from these meat options: beef, dry-aged beef, Wagyu beef, merguez (spicy beef), turkey, lamb, chicken, salmon, veggie or chorizo.

Then, there are few more decisions to make.

Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, grilled onion, sautéed mushrooms, sunny side up egg, pineapple, bacon, American cheese, avocado and jalapeño.

Sauces: House sauce, ketchup, mayo, mustard or BBQ.

Customers can even select from different buns.

This particular Auburn franchise eatery, which opened recently along the Highway 49 corridor, has a poignant story behind its opening, according to the Auburn Journal. The family owners decided to open the restaurant after the tragic death of a family member. The Journal reported that the mother in the family died in a car crash in 2014. So, the family honored her wishes of opening a restaurant. They decided to bring a taste of the Middle East in selecting Burgerim, which means “many burgers” in Hebrew. The chain opened its first restaurant in Tel Aviv in 2008 and now has nearly 170 locations around the world.

You can check out the Auburn location at 2785 Grass Valley Highway.

Roseville is joining the growing list of large urban hubs to offer up one of Hawaii’s most popular foods: cubed raw fish. The Hawaiian dish has been around a long time and is healthy, tasty and offers a new way to enjoy raw fish – if sushi isn’t exactly your cup of tea.

Ahipoki Bowl is “coming soon” to Roseville, according to the company’s website. The restaurant chain promises the freshest ahi poke seafood with ingredients and spices inspired by the diversity of cultures found throughout California.

The Hawaiian fusion food is made to order and served up immediately. The company states that its dishes are sourced from the best ingredients and seafood – for an “affordable poke experience.” On the islands, the cubed fish is eaten by itself or over a bowl of rice. (Incorporating a range of extras in an option.)

At Ahipoki Bowl, customers can choose from white or brown rice, organic salad or a mixture of both for the poke base. The meat portion can include tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, albacore, shrimp, octopus, tuna luau, yellowtail, scallops or kimchi shrimp. Then, add any of their special sauces, like, garlic soy mirin, sweet citrus, kimchi sauce and several others.

To complete your Hawaiian fusion treat, add any of the toppings: ginger, masago, edamame, wasabi, fresh cucumber, crab meat, daikon sprout, green onion, seaweed salad, pickled radish, avocado, sesame seed, crispy onion, chili flakes or furikake.

So, if you are ready for something ultra-healthy, fresh and from the sea, Roseville’s next Hawaiian fusion restaurant should be the place to go.

Ahipoki Bowl will be located at 3984 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 110. No word yet on exactly when!

Loomis, the best little town in California, boasts some incredible places to dine.

Like many smaller towns, finding the restaurant gems may be difficult if you don’t know anyone from the area.

So, let us offer five places you should go to for your next food adventure in Loomis.

Taylor’s

This diner is locally owned and serves up some of the best old-fashion burgers you’ll ever taste.

It’s biggest draw, however, may be its impressive menu of shakes. Taylor’s offers more than 300 shakes – and counting! The menu for shakes is an A-Z list. That’s how extensive it is. So, whatever icy sweet treat you’re craving, Taylor’s has you covered!

Taylor’s motto is straight forward: “bring back the essence and style of the old burger and shake shop, to the modern day.”  They’ve definitely done that with their lineup of shakes and burgers!

The burger menu is not as long as the shake menu, but there are no shortages of choices and flavors.

Taylor’s serves cheese burgers, bacon burgers, turkey burgers, spike burgers, Swiss mushroom, patty melts and a few other selections to satisfy your appetite for a juicy, grilled delight. For something a little lighter, Taylor’s also offers sandwiches and hot dogs, soups and breakfast items.

Loomis Basin Brewing Company

If you’re looking for something that’s “always fresh, always local,” this is the place. The Loomis Basin Brewing Company and the Gastropub Smokehouse will not disappoint.

The Gastropub Smokehouse is open Wednesday through Sunday and serves a wide variety of craft beers and delectable smoked foods. Among them: a Cuban sandwich (pulled pork and ham), St. Louis-style smoked ribs and a meat sampler (pulled pork, brisket, tri-tip, ribs or chicken).

This place is a BBQ lover’s dream. Here’s the full menu.

Green Elephant Restaurant

If you’re looking for a different pace outside burgers and BBQ, then go for little Asian fusion at Green Elephant Restaurant in Loomis.

It has 4.5 stars on Yelp as many Yelpers love to flock to this Southeast Asian cuisine time and again.

For all the curry fans out there, Green Elephant will not let you down with its plethora of spice-driven offerings. Curry items include: coconut chicken curry, traditional chicken curry, mango pickled pork curry, Penang curry, Massaman beef curry, Burmese fish curry, green curry and the list goes on.

The restaurant is at 5911 King Road in Loomis.

Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant

Spice it up for a night of Mexican food at Lorenzo’s.

How does chili verde sound? Or how about taquitos, enchiladas and fajitas? Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant has it all with great service and a long tradition. It’s been serving up tasty Mexican food for nearly 40 years!

So, head on over and pre-game with some fresh chips, salsa and guacamole and then dive in for an amazing Mexican food experience!

Pizza Factory

Make it a family night at Loomis Factory Pizza, the neighborhood pizzeria.

This establishment creates more than just your pizza pie. The Pizza Factory also pumps out delicious calzones and gooey pasta.

Check out their website for more information and special daily deals

Auburn is more than just a historic town. At first glance, visitors may be attracted to the town’s historic charm glowing from the downtown and old town areas. Along with its annual happenings around town, Auburn also offers a variety of perfect weekend getaways.

Here are five things you don’t want to miss out on the next time you visit this scenic city!

Hidden Falls Regional Park

This recreational area’s behemoth footprint stretches 1,200 acres and is located near both Auburn and Lincoln.

If you love to hike, then you found your go-to destination. Hidden Falls has no shortage of trails – it boasts 30 miles of multiple-use paths for hiking, biking and even equestrian riding.

When you decide to take a little break, you’ll be able to enjoy the endless sights of some beautiful land perched atop the park’s decks. The park also offers two observation decks, where you can see 30-plus foot waterfalls, creeks and other natural habitats.

For those who truly enjoy the outdoors, the activities are endless: you can explore creeks, set up an impromptu picnic, go for a dip and even fish.

Most of all, visitors are taken aback by the views of the hills and the Sacramento Valley.

Get more information here to plan your day! Pay special attention to parking as it can get crowded.

Moonraker Brewing

After a long hike, quench your thirst at Moonraker Brewing, a top tap stop in Auburn.

The brewing company is open Wednesday through Sunday, you can check here for hours of operation. You will love the “brew crew,” and should expect a lot of fun and really good drinks. And the consensus has spoken: Yelps give it high marks (4 ½ stars).

Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap: Jungle Crush (NE pale ale crushable hop series), Yojo 66 1/6 (NE DIPA), Double Citra Crush (NE single Citra DIPA), Double Simoce Crush (NE single Simcoe DIPA). Any beer lover is sure to find a new favorite beer on tap.

This place is always mixing it up with its food and event offerings, you can take a closer look here.

River Rafting and Tubing

Now that California made some serious headway in replenishing its water supply, it’s time to enjoy Auburn’s waterways for some exciting rafting and tubing.

Places like Tributary Whitewater offer day tours along the Middle Fork of the American River. These adventures are perfect for small or big groups.

Here’s what may be included:

  • Safety and equipment briefing
  • Meals
  • Shuttles to and from meeting locations
  • White water rafting guide
  • All needed equipment
  • River camping (if that’s what you decide to do)

Regardless of your experience, you can choose from a range of class difficulties. On Class I, you can expect small, regular waves all the way to Class V, which is marked by rough rapids crashing on each other without interruption. In this class, you better buckle up because the ride requires precise maneuvering through the big drops, strong currents and steep gradients.

Now that your adrenaline is running into high gear, book your trip today.

Old Town Auburn, Museums and Wine tasting

Looking for a day out where you can eat, drink, learn about history, sightsee and be entertained? Then a trip to Old Town Auburn is just the place.

It’s “Where history captures your heart,” as some would put it, but it’s also a place to shop, eat, wine taste and experience some really cool events. From farmer’s markets, street fairs and art walks, Old Town Auburn is a bustling destination. You can learn more about the ongoing events here.

Into California history? Then you’ll want to check out one of the many museums. The museums include the Historic Courthouse, Gold Rush Museum, Gold Country Medical Museum and the Old Town Auburn Firehouse, just to name a few.

If you would rather sit back and take in the scenery with a glass of wine, you can pick from an impressive list of wineries to visit. The Placer County Wine Trail features a series of boutique wineries. One of the neat parts about visiting these wineries is their dedication to the legacy of winemaking. So, again, you’ll find a little history even at these wineries along the trail.

To the theater!

The Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center is located within the historic State Theatre, which dates back to the 1930s.

After some major renovation in the 1970s and changes of stewardship, the restored Art Deco theater opened in 2014 and continues to enhance community life with cultural awareness, performing arts and film. You can take a look at what’s on the calendar here.

Granite Bay offers a rural lifestyle with rolling land and steep hillsides. It also features a variety of creeks and grasslands, as well as some of the best parks in the region.

Granite Bay is full of excellent choices to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors!

Here are five of our favorite family-friendly spots.

Beals Point/Granite Bay

Camping is available year-round at Beals Point, which is in the Folsom Lake Recreation Area. It is one of three campgrounds for you and your family to discover and enjoy.

Beals Point has more than 60 family campsites that can accommodate trailers and other recreational vehicles that are up to 31-feet long. Go here for more information.

Granite Bay is also in the Folsom Lake Recreation Area and can be a great place to take the kids on a warm summer day. The sandy beach and swim area allows you to cool off. Kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats and more are all available to rent.

Douglas Ranch Park

Amenities include a playground, picnic area and soccer fields.

Families and groups can reserve the soccer field for special events and family outings. All other park amenities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Location: 5250 Stirling Street, Granite Bay, CA 95746

Ronald L. Feist Park 

Amenities include group picnic areas with shelter and barbecue setups, two playgrounds, three Little League baseball fields with two overlaying multi-use fields, three soccer fields and six tennis courts.

Hosting a barbecue picnic? Then you can reserve one of the barbecue pavilions for your next bash. All other amenities are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Location: 9180 Twin School Road, Granite Bay, CA 95746

Granite Bay Park

Amenities include a barbecue picnic shelter, playground, picnic tables, bicycle/pedestrian trails and baseball/soccer fields.

Reservations are accepted for the field and barbecue areas.

Location: 6010 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay, CA 95746

Treelake Park

Amenities include a picnic area, playground, baseball field, soccer field, tennis and basketball courts.

The basketball and tennis areas accommodate full-court. Reservations are accepted for the field and barbecue areas.

Location: 5255 Parkford Circle, Granite Bay, CA 95746

Lincoln may be known for its charming downtown and Thunder Valley casino, but don’t forget the food options.

Here are 5 best restaurants in Lincoln.

Awful Annie’s

There’s nothing awful about this place.

Awful Annie’s has been a long-time favorite for the breakfast and brunch crowd and has been voted “best breakfast” for six consecutive years by KCRA 3.

This location opened in 2004 and it hasn’t slowed down a bit. (There’s also an Auburn restaurant.)

Omelet options include: The Boomer (jack and cheddar cheese), The Monterey (avocado, sautéed mushrooms, green onions, tomatoes, sour cream, jack, cheddar and Swiss cheese. Topped with sour cream and green onions).

Awful Annie’s serves up a whole lot more than just omelets, including a variety of scrambles, eggs, benedicts, waffles, pancakes, appetizers, croissants, grilled sandwiches and burgers, salad, soups and so much more!

Zakuro Sushi 

You’ll be happy to stop by Zakuro Sushi for some of the best sushi in town! Fresh sushi at a great price is what this place is all about. There’s also some non-fish options on the menu you must try!

The bento boxes include chicken and beef teriyaki. You can also pick up some shioyaki and chicken katsu.

The restaurant’s rolls include Sashimi, Nigiri, Chirashi and specialty rolls like the Spider Man, Dancing Scallops, Sun Fire and more.

You can see the full lineup of sushi and other entrees here.

High Steaks Steakhouse (Thunder Valley)

There’s no gamble in having dinner at Thunder Valley’s High Steaks Steakhouse.

The restaurant serves up USDA prime-aged steaks featuring Allen Brothers Steaks. From the bone-in, 21-day aged rib eye steak, to the 24-ounce Porterhouse, High Steaks is sure to please.

The menu doesn’t stop with steaks. You can also pick from the “signature selections,” which includes surf and turf, lamb chops, beef brochette, pork chop, burgers and chicken. Here’s the complete menu.

3 Hermanos Taqueria

Sacramento has Tres Hermanas, Lincoln has 3 Hermanos Taqueria.

This location is relatively new, but it’s getting some love on social media.

It serves up all you would expect from a Mexican taqueria.

There are burritos, tacos and carnitas. When you order the crispy chicken tacos, you’ll notice the shells are sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

You can also choose from carne asada, chorizo, cabeza, lengua, tripa and birria, all important staples of Mexican street tacos.

The burritos also vary in size from small to señor size.

Visit them at 900 Sterling Parkway, Suite 10 in Lincoln.

Kim’s Country Kitchen 

For generous portions and good food, Kim’s Country Kitchen fits the bill.

The charming diner is in downtown Lincoln and is the perfect place for breakfast.

You’ll find what you expect at an All-American diner: steak and eggs, scrambles, waffles, pancakes, chicken fried steak and omelets.

Kim’s Country Kitchen is on 537 G Street.

Craft beer lovers seeking the “ultimate” experience can look no further than The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar in Rocklin.

The company’s vision began to take flight in 2008 with the opening of its first establishment in Florida, and was soon followed by a second location in 2010. Today, the company has 42 locations nationwide, now including Rocklin, to make good on its mission: create the ultimate beer bar.

That’s exactly what’s going on at Brass Tap Rocklin, which features 48 rotating taps from around the world. You can study up on all the offerings here. There is a lot to choose from and if you have any questions about the beers, the staff behind the counter is helpful and friendly. Beer experts are always on hand to discuss.

The experience at Brass Tap Rocklin doesn’t end with its impressive lineup of quality craft beers. Beyond the good beer experience, Brass Tap Rocklin serves up daily specials, live music, unique events each month and really good food.

Here’s a sampling of the food menu: house-made tots, hushpuppies, 5 cheese mac and cheese, tempura beer-battered chicken, prime rib, flatbreads, streets tacos and half-pound burgers. You can see the full menu here.

You can also enjoy happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Brass Tap Rocklin wants customers to feel at home and it certainly feels that way when you step in. Whether you’re with a big group or just your best pal, the environment is fitting. You can even enjoy your cold one in the open-air patio section.

Check it out at 5150 Commons Dr., Suite 101, Rocklin, CA 95677.

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