Why the Greater Sacramento Area is a Great Place to Live

Note: The following post, written by Lyon Real Estate, was originally published by Red Oak Realty, a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® affiliate, with the aim of assisting home buyers in their relocation efforts.

The Sacramento area is an affordable option for those priced out of the Bay Area housing marking. Take its high quality of life and lower cost of living, add world-class restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and proximity to outdoor recreation, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to call the River City home.

The Sacramento region is the fastest growing large community in California, with 30,000 Bay Area residents moving to the area each year, according to the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Best of all, Sacramento is considered one of the most affordable metropolitan areas in California, with an average closed sales price of approximately $525K.

The area boasts 265 days of sunny weather each year, making outdoor recreation one of the most popular activities among locals. There’s nothing like strolling through a leafy city park, dining al fresco at one of the city’s top restaurants and enjoying a glass of local wine (or a pint of craft beer).

Outdoor Recreation

Sacramento proper is nestled between the Sacramento and American Rivers, meaning water sports like rafting and kayaking are popular pastimes. The city is just an hour from the Sierra foothills, with plenty of spots for camping, hiking and taking a dip in a swimming hole. Plus, the Sacramento region is home to more than 150 miles of bike trails — including the American River Bike Trail — as well as dozens of golf courses and regional parks. But the fun doesn’t stop when the summer season is over — Sierra ski resorts are just a few hours away.

Farm-to-Fork Cuisine

Sacramento is known as the Farm-to-Fork capital of the country, and it’s no surprise why: it’s surrounded by family-run farms and ranches, many of them organic. Locals reap the reward of this bounty via year-round farmers markets and restaurant dishes made from the freshest ingredients possible. In fact, farm-to-table cuisine is what put Sacramento on the culinary map, and the city was just recognized by Michelin, earning its first Michelin star.

Craft Breweries (and Wineries too!)

Thirsty? The greater Sacramento area has a thriving craft beer scene, with dozens of small-batch brewers from Davis to Nevada City turning out award-winning drafts. If wine is more your style, no worries. Sacramento has its own urban wineries right in town, and there are also wineries in each and every county surrounding the city.

A Home for Everyone

The greater Sacramento area has every type of housing imaginable, from hip urban lofts to charming historic bungalows to new construction in the suburbs. If you’re looking for space to spread out, there are even secluded mountain estates, horse properties with acreage, and countryside ranches. Thinking of downsizing? There are plenty of options for smaller properties and low-maintenance townhomes.

Following are some most popular neighborhoods in the Sacramento area:

For Families: If you have school-aged children, some areas in the Sacramento region to consider are Davis, Land Park, Folsom and Roseville, all of which have great schools, community parks and large homes with backyards.

For Empty Nesters: If your kids are grown and flown, it may be time to downsize. Some areas in the Sacramento region to consider for empty nesters are Fair Oaks, a quaint town along the American River, Auburn, in the Sierra Foothills, and East Sacramento, an established area known for its well-kept historic homes and tree-lined streets.

For Young Professionals: For home buyers focusing on their careers rather than growing a family, Midtown and Downtown are both great options. Housing includes sleek lofts and modern townhomes, as well as quaint bungalows and Victorians. Both neighborhoods have tons of great restaurants, bars, live music venues and a variety of events and festivals.

For Those Looking to Get Away From It All: Those hoping to escape the confines of urban living will find plenty of room to roam in the greater Sacramento area. Ranch-style homes with acreage are common in the Diamond Springs/El Dorado area, as well as Placerville. Further up the hill, the communities of Grass Valley and Nevada City provide clean mountain air and forested lots.

For First-Time Buyers: With affordable prices and plenty of inventory, housing developments in outlying areas are ideal for those just starting out. Spots to consider near Sacramento include Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and West Sacramento.