Yolo County is an affordable option for those priced out of the Bay Area housing market. Located just west of Sacramento, the county is known for its abundant farmland and slower pace of life. Add its proximity to outdoor recreation, its thriving wine and beer scene, and its top-rated public university, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to call Yolo County home.
Yolo County is part of the Sacramento region, the fastest-growing large community in California. In fact, more than 30,000 Bay Area residents move to the area each year, according to the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Yolo County is considered one of the most affordable areas in California, with a median sales price of $475K.
Although much of Yolo County is rural farmland, it is also home to quaint small towns and thriving cities. Davis, considered the bike capital of the nation with hundreds of miles of bike routes, is home to the University of California, which has a 100-acre arboretum. The county seat, Woodland, has a historic downtown area lined with charming shops and restaurants. West Sacramento, just minutes from downtown Sacramento, is home to the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball team. Winters is a picturesque agricultural center with a walkable, historic Main Street.
There’s nothing like spending a day tasting farm-fresh produce, sampling local wine and finishing it off with a baseball game overlooking the Sacramento skyline. In Yolo County, you can do it all!
Outdoor Recreation
Yolo County has an expansive and varied landscape, making it popular among outdoor lovers. Putah Creek runs through the county, with spots for hiking and taking a dip in a swimming hole, while parks and preserves line Cache Creek. The city of Davis is a biker’s paradise, with bike-centric roadways and designated bike trails. The U.C. Davis Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden showcasing more than 4,000 species of trees, plants and shrubs along the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, which has a 3.5-mile loop trail.
Farm Trail
Much of Yolo County is dedicated to agriculture, and locals take pride in that heritage. Capay Valley is a stretch of fertile land and rolling hills where you can visit small, organic, family-run farms, taste the freshest in-season produce and gourmet products like olive oil and nuts, and learn all about where your food comes from. The area also hosts annual events such as the Almond Festival, Lavender Festival and Tomato Festival. Nearby Woodland is host to the California Honey Festival, which honors all things bee-related.
Wineries
Yolo County is also a rich wine-growing region, with wineries like Matchbook Wine Company and Great Bear Vineyards turning out everything from rosé to cabernet. Further south, the wineries of Clarksburg include scenic riverside tasting rooms as well as the historic Old Sugar Mill, a collection of 14 wineries that also hosts events such as food truck meetups and concerts.
A Home for Everyone
Yolo County has every type of housing imaginable, from countryside ranches to new construction to hip urban townhomes. Following are some of Yolo County’s most popular neighborhoods:
For Families: If you have school-aged children, some areas in Yolo County include West Sacramento and Davis, both of which have great schools, community parks and large homes with backyards. Woodland is known for its historic homes and boasts 160 acres of open space and 24 parks.
For Empty Nesters: If your kids are grown and flown, it may be time to downsize. Some areas in Yolo County to consider for empty nesters include Woodland and Winters, both of which have smaller homes and access to all the amenities. Davis is also a good bet, especially with its compact downtown core and plenty of shops and restaurants.
For Young Professionals: For home buyers focusing on their careers rather than growing a family, West Sacramento is a good option, especially the Broderick/Bryte area, which just across the river from the bars and restaurants of downtown Sacramento. Davis is another good choice for young professionals, as it has a range of housing options and a bustling downtown scene.
For Those Looking for the Country Life: Those hoping to escape the confines of urban living will find plenty of room to roam in Yolo County. Dunnigan has homes with acreage, perfect for those looking for a horse property or a farm to call their own. Zamora is also a good bet, with properties offering existing orchards, irrigation wells, and fenced grazing land. Clarksburg is another good choice, especially for those looking to try their hand at growing wine grapes.
For First-Time Buyers: Those just starting out will find affordable options throughout Yolo County. West Sacramento, Woodland and Davis all have a wide variety of home types, from townhomes to smaller single-family homes. Winters has small-town charm and a quaint historic downtown, with modest single-family homes.
You can learn more about neighborhoods and homes in the Greater Sacramento region by exploring our website, where you’ll find neighborhood videos and listings, and lyonlocal.com, which details all the amazing things to do in Sacramento, from restaurants and shopping to events and recreation.