9 Reasons Moving to Sacramento is The Right Choice

California is packed with desirable places to live. While other destinations might be more popular, moving to Sacramento is actually an ideal choice for folks looking to move out west. The city of Sacramento is home to approximately 500,000 residents. Although the city limits may be on the smaller side, there are an additional 1 million residents settled in the outlying suburbs of Sacramento County.

In recent years, there has been a notable population shift within the state of California. Many people are being priced out of coastal areas and moving inward to areas like Sacramento.

Are you ready to make your move?

Will you opt for city life or pick a nearby suburb?

We’ve covered all the bases, like desirable Sacramento neighborhoods and a realistic look at the job market. We’re also exploring activities unique to the Sacramento area. Do you love history, agriculture, and water sports? Find out the top reasons why a move to Sacramento, California may be more rewarding than you initially imagined.

1. There are Plenty of Picturesque Sacramento Neighborhoods

 

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Some might consider Sacramento small by California city standards, but depending on where you’re moving from, Sacramento might actually seem large. Regardless of its size, this mid-sized metropolitan has plenty of quiet tree-lined streets right in the city’s center.

Like any city, Sacramento has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, some safer and more desirable than others. You can opt to either live within the city limits or choose an area just outside in one of the adjacent suburbs.

Neighborhoods in the City

• Midtown — If you want a fast-paced youthful environment, consider the Downtown or Midtown areas. Midtown has an eclectic mix of hippies and hipsters as well as young working professionals. The housing market is equally varied. You might find a single family house next to an apartment building next to a tattoo parlor. Looking for a highly walkable area? Midtown is your best bet.
• East Sacramento — East Sac is an upscale section of town that has one of the higher prices per sq ft in the city. This area is home to doctors, attorneys, lobbyists, and business owners. The area also houses McKinley Park, a 32-acre green space full of recreational places to gather.
• South Land Park — This neighborhood is composed primarily of 1950’s ranch style homes and is located just four miles south of the state capitol. Homes don’t turn over very often in this area because they tend to stay in the family for generations.
• College Greens — This neighborhood is home to Sac State, but it isn’t necessarily just a college town. College Greens offers its residents more home and yard space than you would find in Midtown or East Sac. It’s a relatively safe area in close proximity to freeways and located east of downtown.

Neighborhoods in the Suburbs

If you’re looking for a distinct suburban experience, there are various neighborhoods to choose from, each with quality public schools and quiet streets. Some more popular destinations include:

• Roseville
• Folsom
• Orangevale
• Citrus Heights
• Elk Grove

2. If You’re from the East, Winter Will Be a Breeze

 

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How you view Sacramento’s weather will be relative to where you’re from originally. To some, Sacramento’s winters can be too cold. But, it basically never snows in Sacramento, which makes the winters mild and manageable to most.

Summers are generally hot, but if you’re open to temperatures above 100 degrees, this may not come as a bother. You’ll have to remember despite higher humidity here than other parts of California, the humidity is actually much less than other places. The summer in Sacramento is hot but it is also dry. Dry heat can be easier to tolerate than humid heat.

The greatest weather-related advantage to living in Sacramento is the ability to have changing seasons out west. People who move to places like Los Angeles might often miss the change of seasons, whereas people in Sacramento can enjoy subtle weather changes that make each season unique.

Realtor and South Land Park Resident Stephanie Baker agrees that weather here is ideal, “There’s nothing like warm summer night with a cool drink on a patio in Sacramento. It cools off at night, and it’s not humid like Buffalo or Portland.”

3. You’ll Be Close to Freshwater Rivers and Lakes

 

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When most people think of California, they think of the Pacific Ocean. Besides that, California is generally considered dry with little in the way of fresh water. Not in Sacramento because there are large rivers and lakes to enjoy. This is especially appealing to people who prefer activities on smaller bodies of water.

An added bonus: you’ll also be close to the mountains, so if you are an avid skier or hiker, Sacramento may be a good landing place for you.

Outdoor Waterways to Explore

• American River Parkway — Known as the “jewel of Sacramento,” this stretch of land and river is home to more than a dozen different parks. Outdoor activities include boating, fishing, rafting, hiking, and more.
• Folsom Lake — Travel 25 miles east of Sacramento, and you’ll reach Folsom Lake. Despite droughts in 2014, the lake is still an ideal spot for boating and watersport enthusiasts.
• Sacramento River — Despite having two rivers and a lake, Sacramento, like the rest of California, has been experiencing a drought of record proportions. However, 2017 brought heaping amounts of rain and precipitation to the region, offering hope to residents.

4. There are Numerous Employment Opportunities

 

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Since it is the state capital, state jobs are more abundant than other parts of California.

Sacramento is largely on the up and up. According to resident and realtor Debbie Towne, the future is bright. “It took several years to shake off the doldrums of the recession, but the state of California is hiring again,” Debbie explains. “People have been feeling more secure in their jobs, housing prices have gone up.  Some house prices have climbed higher than before the recession.”

Need a place to start your job hunt? Sacramento is home to the following large employers: State of California, Sutter Health, Blue Diamond, and United Service Automobile Association. Prominent industries include technology, healthcare, and the government.

5. Sacramento is Packed with History

 

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The discovery of gold in Sacramento in 1848 shaped American history in unimaginable ways. More than 750,000 pounds of gold valued at nearly $2 billion were extracted during the few year gold rush span. Sacramento and the gold found there serve as the vessel for California becoming the 31st state in 1849. In keeping with this history, Sacramento is rich with places you can visit to experience life as it would have been over 150 years ago.

• Sutter’s Fort — Prior to the Gold Rush, Sacramento first began at the hands of Swiss immigrant John Sutter in 1839. Sutter then built a fort near the Sacramento and American Rivers. It was at Sutter’s Mill where gold was first discovered nearly a decade later. You can now visit Sutter’s Fort in the heart of Midtown Sacramento.
• Gold Rush Days — Watch as Old Sacramento gets transformed into a scene straight out of the 1850’s. Every year around Labor Day weekend, residents can learn firsthand about their city for free by observing hundreds of performers. You can even pan for some “fools” gold.
• California State Library — Learn about Sacramento and the entire state of California at the Library and Courts Building. This piece of history was added to the National Register of Historic Places and underwent a renovation completed in 2014.
• World’s Oldest Triathalon — Who says history has to be boring and stagnant? Take part in Eppie’s Great Race, one of the few long running “no swim” triathlons. Instead of swimming, athletes kayak, making it the largest paddling race in the country.

6. Sacramento is Ideally Located for Weekend Getaways

 

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One of the greatest advantages to living in Sacramento is its close proximity to some of California’s most visited destinations. While the ocean is just a couple hours away, Sacramento is also a short drive away from wine country and the mountains.  Depending on the type of retreat you want, all you have to do is hop in the car and head in the right direction.

Gorgeous Places to Visit

• Lake Tahoe
• San Francisco
• Napa Sonoma
• Monterey
• Santa Cruz
• Yosemite
• Lassen National Park

Tips for a Weekend Getaway

• Leave early in the day to avoid traffic. What would be an hour and a half trip to San Francisco can quickly become 3+ hours stuck in traffic.
• The most inexpensive way to have a weekend getaway is to do a day trip. This way you don’t have to pay for lodging. Sometimes this could mean as much as 6 hours in a car in a day. Make the most of that time with some of our favorite Spotify Travel Playlists.

7. Tree Lined Streets are Common

 

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As the city of trees, Sacramento doesn’t want you to underestimate the importance of tree lined streets. Downtown Sacramento is full of trees, self-proclaimed as having one of the best urban forests in the nation. The city takes great care to ensure the continued sustainability of their trees, in part to offer natural shade from the scorching summer heat.

To learn more about the native trees in Sacramento, take part in a guided or self guided tree tour. There are also hundreds of parks across the city, each with areas of shade to enjoy a quiet afternoon lunch–or even, perhaps, a nap?

8. There is No Shortage of Cultural Experiences

 

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As one of the most diverse cities in the country, Sacramento offers many culturally rich things to do. Sure, getting away from Sacramento on a weekend is wonderful, but don’t discount the expanding art scene or the plethora of kids activities right within the city. There are also various cultural eventsdepending on your interests and background. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Carnaval, or the Chinese New Year all without having to leave Sacramento.

Explore Sacramento

• Sacramento Kings — Sacramento might not have football or baseball within their city limits, but there is a large NBA presence with the Sacramento Kings. The King’s new stadium has been referenced as one of the most modern arenas in the NBA. If you want an NFL team to cheer on, the Oakland Raiders are less than 100 miles away.
• Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera — Enjoy music and the arts from the Community Center Theatre. Popularity for the Philharmonic has been on the rise as they work to expand their demographic. The company beat a 16-year sellout record during their 2015-16 Resurrection Season by selling out two shows. They had not sold to capacity since 2000.
• Sacramento Theatre Company — From September to May, residents can enjoy up to eight performances a week, ranging from classical, musical, and contemporary plays. The company even partners with local schools to get the youth involved and was nominated this year for a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award.

Activities for Kids

• Fairytale Town — This fantastical play space for kids is based on various nursery rhymes and fairytales and houses over 25 different playsets. This outdoor park sits on over 3 acres of land and encourages kids to use their imaginations.
• California State Railroad Museum — Whether your child loves trains or not, there is plenty to keep them occupied at this railroad museum. The complex is located in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

9.  You’ll Be Encouraged to Eat Better

 

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As America’s “Farm to Fork” Capital, Sacramento has gone through a bit of a rebranding. An area once primarily known as the city of trees was approached in 2012 with a new identity. Sacramento is at the heart of California, and Sacramento grows it all, from almonds to avocados. Restaurateurs and foodies alike can feel confident that they’re being offered the freshest produce available in Sacramento. Take advantage of this rebranding by encouraging yourself to be more aware of your food choices. Here are a couple ways you can make the most of your food when you move to Sacramento.

• Agricultural Festivals — There is a wide assortment of agricultural festivals most non-residents are unfamiliar with. These festivals highlight particular food for a day or a weekend. In the surrounding Sacramento area, you’ll find the Pear Festival, the Eggplant Festival, the Banana Festival, even the Berry Festival. All these agricultural festivals offer hundreds of different ways to use a piece of produce.
• Farmers’ Markets — Make sure you’re experiencing true California produce by visiting one of the certified farmers’ markets in the Sacramento area. You won’t be disappointed.
• Postmates — For new residents and busy families, using Postmates is a great way to get acquainted with a variety of local restaurants. The Downtown and Midtown areas are packed with restaurants that offer locally sourced food. To explore options in your area, a simple Yelp search will lead you in the right direction.

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