Top Ten Reasons to Move to the Greater Sacramento Area

The Bay Area has its tech giants and coastal communities. Southern California has its beaches and theme parks. But here in Sacramento, we have outdoor recreation, farm-to-table restaurants, a world-class arts scene, professional sports and so much more — all at a fraction of the cost! Best of all, Sacramento retains its small-town feel while offering all the amenities of bigger cities.

The greater Sacramento area consists of four counties surrounding the city core: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo. Its main cities include Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Auburn, Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Davis, and West Sacramento, among many others. Each of these communities has its own distinct characteristics. Sacramento’s downtown and midtown areas have a vibrant, urban, artsy vibe. Placerville and Auburn are historic foothills towns with Gold Rush-era buildings. Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills and West Sacramento are family-centric suburbs with community parks and shopping. Davis is a bike-friendly university town dotted with bars and restaurants.

No matter which city you choose to call home, you won’t be disappointed. But don’t take our word for it. Forbes named Sacramento one of the top spots to live in California based on lifestyle factors such as median home price, personal income per capita, and unemployment and crime rates. And Roseville was named one of the best places to live in the nation, according to Livability.

So, if you’re thinking of moving to the greater Sacramento area, following are the top ten reasons to do so.

1. More Bang for Your Buck

True, inflation has hit every corner of California, including the housing market. But in the Sacramento area, you can get more for your money than in other metropolitan areas. Whether you’re looking for a ranch-style home with a two-car garage and a pool or an urban loft with skyline views, it’s much more doable in Sacramento than in higher-priced cities such as San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles.

2. There’s Something for Everyone

The Sacramento area is truly a diverse region, with every type of housing style imaginable. Within the four-county area, there are family-friendly homes in suburban neighborhoods, quirky Victorians in the heart of the urban core, modest starter homes in historic neighborhoods, luxury properties on expansive estates, and rustic country homes on horse properties. No matter your preference or budget, you’ll find it in the greater Sacramento region.

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3. Outdoor Recreation

American River Bike Trail

It’s been said that the best thing about Sacramento is its proximity to the mountains and the coast. While this is definitely true, there’s much more to it. The Sacramento area itself has a range of outdoor attractions, including the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, Folsom Lake, and the American and Sacramento rivers. Biking, jogging, boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and paddling are right outside your doorstep. Snow enthusiasts can always head up the hill for some skiing or snowboarding too. Oh, and if you’d rather stick close to home, the area has plenty of leafy parks to enjoy.

4. Cultural Diversity

Photo courtesy Sacramento Black Book Fair

Did you know Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the nation? In fact, it ranked 21^st out of over 500 cities in terms of ethnic diversity, according to WalletHub. But it’s not enough to just be diverse. Sacramento celebrates its diversity through lively festivals, art exhibits, dance and musical performances and the many other events that showcase the diversity of those who call the Sacramento area home.

5. Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Photo courtesy Canon East Sacramento

Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the nation, so it’s no wonder it’s chock-full of great restaurants showcasing the bounty of the surrounding farms. In addition to restaurants, Sacramento is also home to dozens of world-class breweries, wineries and cafes. You can also explore the area’s agricultural heritage through one of the many food tours or a visit to a farmers’ market, which are held just about every day of the week throughout the region.

6. Professional Sports

Sports fans will fit right in with a move to Sacramento. The city has several pro teams, most notably, the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, the USL’s Sacramento Republic FC, and the Sacramento River Cats baseball team, a Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

7. Job Opportunities

If you’re thinking of moving to Sacramento, consider that the number of new available jobs is on the rise. The area is home to major employers in the fields of health care, education and government, and its growth is fueling a need for those in hospitality and food services as well. Some of the major private-sector employers in the region include Intel, Aerojet and Amazon.

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8. A Vibrant Arts Scene

Crocker Art Museum

Whether fine art or performing art, the Sacramento area has it all. Dozens of art galleries are found in the area, as well as the Crocker Art Museum, and colorful murals can be spotted on the sides of buildings all over town. Broadway-style musicals, theater, ballet, opera, comedy and other performing arts are on tap too. You can catch big-name performers at the Golden One Center or Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento or the Mondavi Center in Davis.

9. The Weather

Sacramento may be known for its sweltering summers, but the truth is, the region is relatively mild for most of the year. True, the mercury rises above 100 in the dog days of July and August, but for the most part, summer temps hover in 90s — perfect poolside weather. Besides, Sacramento’s abundant shade trees keep things comfy. The rest of the year, Sacramento enjoys modest winters (read: no snow!), delightfully cool springs, and warm autumns with dazzling displays of fall color.

10. Festivals & Events

Photo courtesy Brett Sayles via Pexels

Being that the climate is fairly cooperative, Sacramento is a city that loves its outdoor events! Its biggest event is the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival, a celebration of its food-centric heritage each September. The region also plays host to a number of music festivals showcasing the best in rock, country, bluegrass and more. In addition, there are dozens of free outdoor concerts, art walks, vendor fairs, outdoor movie nights, family events, holiday celebrations and other goings-on throughout the year!