Newcastle is a very rural community with large parcels of land. Homes range from smaller country homes to large customs. If you are looking for horse property or a place to keep you toys, Newcastle could be a great choice. Sacramento is the closest area of major employment and Highway 80 provides easy access! Part of Newcastle shares the Del Oro High school and Loomis School district. Newcastle is located about 30 minutes east of Sacramento near the towns of Penryn and Loomis. Newcastle was founded in the 19th century. According to Transcontinental Railroad Landmarks the "Regular freight and passenger trains began operating over the first 31 miles of Central Pacific's line to Newcastle June 10, 1864, when political opposition and lack of money stopped further construction during that mild winter. Construction was resumed in April, 1865." The region is also in the vicinity of what was the cradle of "gold country", where in the mid-19th century a flurry of miners and gold prospectors searched for their fortune. During this time however, the town of Newcastle was known more for its orchards rather than abundant gold mines.