The Sacramento region continues to attract Bay Area residents seeking greater affordability, more space, and an exceptional quality of life. With a thriving food and entertainment scene, abundant outdoor recreation, and housing prices that remain significantly lower than many coastal California markets, Sacramento offers an appealing alternative for today's homebuyers.
Residents enjoy approximately 265 days of sunshine each year, making it easy to take advantage of the region's parks, trails, rivers, wineries, breweries, and outdoor dining destinations. Combined with a strong economy, family-friendly communities, and convenient access to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Bay Area, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call the Sacramento region home.
Outdoor Recreation
Sacramento 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, Sacramento 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 of the Sacramento area’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.