When people think of moving to California, Sacramento usually sits in the shadows of more popular destinations like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. But with crowds of people flocking to the major cities and, in turn, the cost of living exploding, many people are beginning to look for more affordable options that still offer the amazing amenities that come with California life.
Not only does Sacramento offer a solid alternative, it’s rapidly growing into a destination in its own right. The state capital boasts a wide array of amenities, easy access to some of California’s hottest vacation spots, and a booming job market, all for an affordable price. It’s time Sacramento had its moment in the figurative sun (because it definitely gets plenty of literal sun). Here’s why.
1. The Price Is Right
Sacramento hasn’t been immune to the steady rise in the cost of living across California, however, it remains one of the most affordable big cities in the state. Compare its $360,000 median home price to San Francisco ($1.4M) and Los Angeles ($750,000) and it’s a no brainer. Rent is also affordable. According to a 2020 report from Apartment List, the median rent for a one-bedroom is just $980, while a two-bedroom is $1,250. You don’t even want to know how much it costs to rent in San Francisco.
2. Outdoor Access
Love the outdoors? Sacramento is a nature lover’s paradise. With destinations like Yosemite, Tahoe, Shasta Lake, and the Sierras close enough for a day trip, you’ll be right in the center of some of California’s most famous natural attractions. If you don’t feel like driving too far, Sacramento has over 200 parks and parkways in its backyard with a wide range of activities like biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking.
3. Urban Access, Too
Downtown Sacramento is a bustling metropolis that stands up to any larger California city. Plus, as the state capital, it’s home to important government buildings like the California State Capitol Museum. While the city has long had a reputation for being on the “sleepy” side, that has changed in recent years. Nightlife has exploded with new bars, restaurants, and clubs popping up all over the city as well as tons of live music and cultural events and festivals like the Sacramento Film and Music Festival, Aftershock Festival, and Farm-to-Fork Festival.
4. The Job Market Is Exploding
The 2008 recession hit Sacramento hard, but since then, there has been nothing but growth. By 2018, the unemployment rate had dropped to less than it was pre-recession—just 3.7 percent. The majority of Sacramento residents work, unsurprisingly, in the government sector, but there are also tons of opportunities in technology, healthcare, and hospitality thanks to the increase in tourism.
5. One of the Most Diverse Cities in America
You may not think of diversity as one of the big draws of moving to Sacramento, but the city continues to surprise. It’s one of the most diverse cities in America according to a US New & World Report analysis. It even beat out heavy hitters like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco (which didn’t even make the top 10). But it shouldn’t come as a surprise. In 2002, TIME Magazine named it America’s most diverse city, and that diversity continues to flourish in the city today.
6. A Million Ways to Tantalize Your Taste Buds
California is above and beyond the largest producer of America’s fruits and vegetables, most of which are grown in the Central Valley. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Sacramento cuisine truly embodies the phrase “farm to table.” With the growing number of people moving to the city, the food scene is also having a renaissance, and it reflects the diverse population with amazing food from Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, Ethiopia, and beyond. The best part? You’ll never have trouble finding the perfect wine pairing. With Napa and Sonoma just an hour away, there’s no shortage of some of the best wines in the world.
7. A Beer Lover’s Paradise
With Wine Country so close, you might not put as much weight in beer options, but Californians love their beer as much as they love their wine. There are over 50 breweries in and around Sacramento, most of which source their ingredients locally. Some favorites include Big Stump Brew Company, which specializes in small batch ales and lagers, Fountainhead Brewing, which has a variety of brews for every palate, and Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, which serves up some of the best barbecue in Sacramento alongside their extensive offering of microbrews.
8. Culture and Amenities
More than a political epicenter, Sacramento is also an arts and culture hub. Spend the day getting lost in the Crocker Art Museum, check out a Sacramento Kings game, stroll through the Second Saturday art walk, or soak in free summer concerts every Friday at Cesar Chavez Park. Live music, film screenings, food festivals, outdoor adventures—Sacramento offers a lot of everything.
9. What Winter?
Sacramento is notorious for its blazing hot summers (temperatures average in the mid-90s in July and August), but survive the heat and you’re rewarded with a mild winter with tons of the country’s best winter sports just an hour or two away. The temperature hovers at a manageable mid-50s during the winter, and while they can sometimes be wet, you’ll never have to deal with down parkas or digging your car out of the snow.
10. Big City with a Small Town Feel
Sacramento’s population continues to grow, currently at around 500,000, but the city’s sprawl and slower pace give it a vibe that’s very different from neighboring San Francisco. While the Bay Area has a much more urban and sometimes frenetic feel, Sacramento natives better embody the chill reputation Californians are famous for. Having weathered their fair share of economic hardships, people in Sacramento are enjoying an economic boom and prioritize a healthy work-life balance.
11. It’s Perfect for Singles and Families
As costs remain affordable, job opportunities grow, and amenities continue to expand, a younger wave of transplants are coming to make Sacramento home. With an ever-growing nightlife, live music, and food scene, its reputation as a humdrum town is quickly fading. Still, Sacramento remains the perfect place for families with tons of family-friendly activities, local programs, and youth camps. Suburbs like Folsom and Rocklin boast amazing public school systems. In short, Sac offers the best of both worlds and it’s no surprise that people from all walks of life are increasingly eager to call the city home.
