Living in Sacramento
Located just an hour and a half from San Francisco and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Sacramento is the perfect location. Just a short drive from the beach, residents can literally go skiing and hit the beach all in one day! The city also boasts a warm and temperate climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Its location along the Sacramento and American Rivers makes for cool breezy evenings even on the hottest days.
The city has approximately 500,000 residents, although there are an additional 1 million residents living in the suburbs of Sacramento County. There has also been a population surge in recent years as people are being priced out of the coastal areas and moving inward to more affordable cities like Sacramento.
Cost of Living
If you have decided to move to the Golden State, Sacramento is definitely one of the more affordable options. With a cost of living that is 22% lower than the California average and 85% lower than neighboring San Francisco, Sacramento definitely proves to be a budget-friendly city. A major reason for the lower cost of living is the affordable housing in Sacramento. It is 321% cheaper than housing in San Francisco. With median home prices around $482,000 and average rent prices around $1,850, it is much more affordable to live in Sacramento than other major cities in California.
Popular Neighborhoods in Sacramento
Like many other cities in California, Sacramento offers an eclectic mix of neighborhoods. Whether you are looking for a quiet suburban neighborhood or you prefer to be right in the heart of the city, there is sure to be a neighborhood to suit your budget and lifestyle.
Midtown: If you prefer a fast-paced and trendy neighborhood, consider the Downtown or Midtown areas. Midtown is a hipster neighborhood that appeals to young professionals. You will find both single-family homes and apartments in this highly walkable neighborhood.
East Sacramento: East Sacramento is an upscale neighborhood with more expensive housing prices than other parts of the city. It also features McKinley Park, a 32-acre green space full of recreational areas.
South Land Park: This is an older neighborhood known for its 1950’s style ranch homes. It is located just a few short miles from the state capitol and is one of the more popular neighborhoods for families.
College Greens: Home to Sacramento State, this neighborhood definitely has college-town vibes but also offers homes with larger yards and easy access to the freeways.
If you prefer a neighborhood in the suburbs, the following are some of the most popular neighborhoods known for their safety and highly-ranked schools:
- Cameron Park
- Auburn
- Folsom
- Orangevale
- Roseville
- Elk Grove
Sacramento’s Job Market
Sacramento is a major economic center in Northern California, which means there are plenty of job opportunities. As the capital of California, there are a number of government jobs in the city. Other top industries include transportation, agriculture, mining, technology, healthcare, and construction. With the abundance of remote working opportunities in recent years, Sacramento has also become a popular choice for commuters.
Excellence in Education
For families moving with young children, they will be happy to know that the Sacramento school system is among the best in the state. Some of the best public and private schools in the area include West Campus High School, Granite Bay High, Natomas Pacific Prep, Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High, and Phoebe A. Hearst Middle School.
If you are interested in higher education, the city is home to California State University, Sacramento. This historic college is considered one of the best colleges in the country. The area is also home to a number of other great colleges, including Sacramento City College, American River College, Consumnes River College, MTI College, and Carrington College.
Farm to Fork Capital
Not only is the food good in Sacramento, but it’s also good for you too! As America’s “Farm to Fork” Capital, Sacramento has become a popular destination for foodies and restaurateurs alike. The city is known for its rich agriculture, growing everything from avocados and almonds to plums, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, and more. When you eat at a local Sacramento restaurant, you can be sure you are getting the freshest produce available. In fact, a growing number of top chefs have established restaurants in the city, making it an incredible culinary destination. Don’t miss out on visiting farmers and choosing your own fresh produce at the local farmer’s markets and food festivals.
Things to Do in Sacramento
There is no shortage of things to do in Sacramento. From thrilling sports to family fun and arts and culture, there is never a dull moment in the state capital. Check out these popular attractions in Sacramento:
Sacramento Zoo: This 14-acre zoo is a perfect place to spend a day with the family.
California State Railroad Museum: Learn about the history of the train and how it connected California to the rest of the country.
The American River Bike Trail: Ride your bike or take a stroll along this 32-mile trail that runs between the Sacramento River and the American River.
Sacramento Children’s Museum: Spend a day playing and exploring at this interactive museum for children.
Sports: Cheer on your favorite local sports team, including the Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Republic (USL), or Sacramento River Cats (MiLB).
Ready to Move to Sacramento? Allied Van Lines Can Help!
Considered one of the best places to live in California, Sacramento has plenty of amenities to offer its residents. If you are preparing to relocate to this great city, let the professionals at Allied Van Lines assist you along the way. Our expert team of movers is ready to help you every step of the way, from packing and loading to full transport and unpacking your belongings. Moving is stressful, so let the experts at Allied take care of your move so you can focus on the excitement that awaits you in Sacramento. Complete our online estimate for an instant quote on what it would cost to have us move you to Sacramento!