If you spend any time in Lincoln or the foothills, you have probably heard people talking about Bickford Ranch. There is a lot of excitement around it, and honestly, for good reason. But this community has a long story, stretching from Indigenous history to early ranching to decades of planning delays. Now it is finally becoming the new neighborhood everyone has been waiting for.
As someone who lives and works right here in the Lincoln and Verdera area, I wanted to walk you through the real story in a friendly and easy way. Let’s talk about the history, the land, the builders, the taxes, and most importantly, what buyers need to know before visiting the models.
Who Was John Herbert Bickford?
Most people do not realize Bickford Ranch is named after a real person.
John Herbert Bickford, born in Maine in 1851, moved west and eventually settled in the Placer County foothills. By the mid-1890s, he was running a cattle and dairy ranch across the same rolling hills you see today.
Think of wide, open grasslands, oak trees, granite outcroppings, and seasonal creeks. That was the original Bickford Ranch. The Bickford family held the land for almost 100 years before selling it in the early 1980s to developers who began shaping the early versions of today’s master plan.
To this day, the community carries his name, honoring the ranching roots of the land.
Indigenous History: The Nisenan Maidu Lived Here Long Before Any of Us
The story does not start with the Bickfords.
This land is part of the traditional homeland of the Nisenan Maidu people. Their presence is still visible today, especially through the incredible grinding rocks carved into granite throughout Lincoln, Verdera, and the foothills.
You can find a few huge ones on the Catta Verdera golf course. It is one of my favorite historical sites. There are also smaller ones tucked throughout the hills, and every time you come across one, you feel the depth of the land.
These rocks are reminders of the families who lived, cooked, gathered, and thrived here long before any ranching or development.
Is Bickford Ranch Its Own Town?
This one surprises people all the time.
No, Bickford Ranch is not its own town.
It is not incorporated, and it does not have its own city council or government.
Bickford Ranch is officially part of unincorporated Placer County, which means:
- The Placer County Board of Supervisors is the local governing body.
- Police, fire, and public services come from the county or special districts.
- Taxes, zoning, and infrastructure decisions fall under the county, not a city.
Why do people think it is a new town?
Because it is huge, beautifully master-planned, and distinct enough that it feels like its own community. But legally, it is not a city.
Why Did It Take So Long to Build?
Bickford Ranch has been in the works since the 1990s. Here is why progress was slow:
Long environmental and cultural reviews
The land contains oak woodlands, wildlife corridors, cultural sites, and complex terrain.
Very expensive infrastructure
You cannot build lightly in the foothills. Roads, utilities, grading, bridges, fire access, and water systems all had to be engineered from scratch.
The 2008 housing crash
Everything froze. Developers paused and funding stalled.
Multiple revisions to the plan
At one point there was even a golf course planned. Because the project is so big, adjustments took years.
The Fog: One of the Best Hidden Gems of Bickford Ranch
If you have lived here long enough, you know exactly what I mean.
The foothills around Catta Verdera, Sierra College, and Bickford Ranch get the most magical fog from November through January.
It creates the coziest fall and winter mornings. You will drive down Sierra College Boulevard or up Twelve Bridges and feel like you are floating in the clouds. Bickford Ranch sits right in that perfect elevation zone where the fog rolls in, making the views even more beautiful.
This is one of my personal favorite things about this part of Lincoln.
My Honest Take: Bickford Has Some of the Best New Build Floor Plans in the Area
As a top producing local Realtor and someone who tours new builds constantly, I can confidently say this:
Bickford Ranch has some of my favorite floor plans in Placer County.
The builders here really thought through:
- Open layouts
- Indoor/outdoor living
- Large kitchens
- Multi-gen options
- Thoughtful window placement for foothill views
You can tell a lot of care went into the designs.
What Is Mello Roos and Why Is It Higher Here?
Mello Roos is a special tax used in new communities to pay for infrastructure. Because Bickford Ranch needed brand new roads, utilities, parks, bridges, and public safety improvements, the special tax is higher than in older neighborhoods.
I always help my buyers break down the exact numbers so you can plan confidently.
New Builders in Bickford Ranch: Here Are the Links
Trilogy by Shea Homes (55+)
https://www.sheahomes.com/new-homes/california/sacramento/bickford-ranch/trilogy-bickford
Toll Brothers
https://www.tollbrothers.com/luxury-homes/Bickford-Ranch
Tri Pointe Homes
https://www.tripointehomes.com/ca/sacramento/bickford-ranch
More builders are expected as additional phases open.
Before You Visit Any Builder, Call Me First
This is incredibly important.
If you walk into a model home without your Realtor, the builder can legally register you as an unrepresented buyer. That means you give up your right to representation.
The sales staff inside the models may be wonderful, but they work for the builder. Their job is to protect the builder’s interests.
When you call me first, I register you and protect your representation. I help you with:
- Lot selection
- Mello Roos analysis
- Upgrade strategy
- Contract review
- Negotiating incentives
- Understanding hidden costs
It costs you nothing and can save you thousands.
Final Thoughts
Bickford Ranch is special. It has deep history, incredible natural beauty, thoughtful new builds, and that magical winter fog that makes this foothill region feel like home. As it grows, it will become one of the most desirable new communities in Placer County.
If you want a tour, floor plan comparisons, or help registering with the builders, call me anytime.
