The Sacramento area is an affordable option for those priced out of the Bay Area housing market. 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
The Greater Sacramento area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, biking, and rafting. The American River Parkway is a favorite for biking and walking, while the Sacramento and American Rivers are perfect for kayaking and rafting. Popular parks such as Discovery Park and McKinley Park provide trails and picnic spots. For more details, check out Urban Outdoors and Visit Sacramento.
For more information on outdoor activities in Sacramento, you can visit Urban Outdoors and Visit Sacramento.
Farm-to-Fork Cuisine
The Greater Sacramento region is renowned as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, celebrating its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. With over 1.5 million acres of farmland, the area supplies fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to numerous top-rated restaurants. The farm-to-fork movement, officially recognized in 2013, has spurred a cultural shift, leading to popular events like the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival.
For more information, visit Visit Sacramento and Travel Safe Abroad.
Craft Breweries Local Wineries
The Greater Sacramento area boasts a thriving brewery and winery scene, perfect for craft beer and wine enthusiasts. The region is home to numerous craft breweries like Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse and Fieldwork Brewing Company, offering a variety of innovative brews. Additionally, the nearby Sierra Foothills and Lodi wine regions feature award-winning wineries such as Bogle Vineyards and Michael David Winery.
For more information, visit Sac Wine and Ale and Sacramento Top 10.
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.
Some of the Region's Most Popular Neighborhoods:
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 Sacramento 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 and El Dorado areas, 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.
