It often plays second fiddle to nearby San Francisco and Silicon Valley, but California’s state capital isn’t content with being outshined by its flashy coastal neighbors. With a thriving arts scene, farm-to-table restaurants, towering local landmarks and plenty of annual festivals and events, Sacramento is a blend of Northern California nature, culture and history. It’s become one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation in recent years, driven in large part by sky-high housing prices in the Bay Area.
“We’ve seen a lot of people moving here from the Bay Area over the past decade, but it really spiked at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s really the affordability, it’s much less expensive than the Bay, and we have highly ranked schools,” says Realtor Brian Zamora of The Gold Group Real Estate, a longtime area resident who lives in neighboring Elk Grove.
Sacramento has a population of around 525,000, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. It started as a boom town during the California Gold Rush as prospectors swept through the region looking for the next big score. It became a major hub for agriculture and business, and in 1854 it was named the capital of the state. Remnants of this bygone era of pickaxes, pans and saloons are still visible in Old Sacramento, where it’s not uncommon to see horse-drawn carriages rumbling down cobblestone streets against a backdrop of historic Old West architecture.
The Sacramento River and the downtown region offers neighboring communities many attractions.
Tower Cafe in Land park has a variety of fresh coffees and other dishes to satisfy your tastes.
Salt and Pepper sprinkle a chicken wrap at Subway located in Med Center Sacramento.
You will find many artful murals about North Oak Park.
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A booming and diverse restaurant scene
Until recently, Sacramento’s vibrant culinary scene was something of a well-guarded secret. But major profiles in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times in 2023 have put the city in the national spotlight. With an unabashed love for fresh and local ingredients, a “farm-to-fork” mentality and a wide range ethnic diversity, it’s become a foodie mecca that holds its own against cities more than double its size. Ramen restaurants, high-end sushi, creative cocktail bars, cutting edge coffee shops and locally owned bakeries are just a few of the city’s many culinary offerings. “We’re a melting pot of different ethnicities, and you can really see that reflected in the restaurants here,” Zamora says. “The food scene has really come into its own over the last couple years. We just got our first two Michelin-starred restaurants.” The Handle District in Midtown Sacramento is known as a walkable haven for foodies.
Like any large city, shopping options range from mom-and-pop shops and boutiques to modern shopping plazas and outdoor malls. The Old Sacramento Waterfront features vintage stores, eco-friendly apparel and stores with handmade goods. Local markets like the 57th Street Antique Mall and the Midtown Farmers Market bring crowds of people from all over the city and beyond. For chain stores and upper-end department stores, residents make the trip to indoor malls like Arden Fair in Swanston Estates and Downtown Commons.
Sacramento is a major spoke in California’s larger economy. Because it’s the state capital, it employs more than 120,000 government employees, but it’s also home to major healthcare companies and hospitals, and tech companies like Intel and Apple. From a regional perspective, agriculture, food manufacturing and clean energy account for a fast-growing slice of the job market.
Sacramentans come to experience one of the worlds's most healthy dishes at Sushi Paradise.
Locals sip drinks and enjoy good vibes at Round Corner Bar in Newton Booth, Sacramento.
Curtis Park neighbors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Naked Coffee Roasting & Cafe.
Faria Bakery has freshly baked bread and pastries.
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Entertainment and history in the California capital
There are a plethora of attractions and historic landmarks in the city; from the iconic Tower Bridge linking West Sacramento to downtown to the marble floors and chandeliers of the Sacramento State Capitol Building. Those who want a deeper dive can step into the past at the California State Railroad Museum, or walk the galleries at the Crocker Art Museum, the west coast’s oldest art museum. In the outskirts of the city, visitors at the Kennedy Gold Mine get a glimpse into the abyss of the deepest mine in the world at 5,900 feet. Family-friendly fun can be found at the Sacramento Zoo in Land Park , or at a Sacramento Kings basketball game. The city is also going to be the temporary home of the Oakland A’s Major League baseball team for a few years before they depart to their new stadium in Las Vegas. The A’s will take over the city’s minor league ballpark, home of the Sacramento River Cats.
Tower Bridge is a major landmark as well as a transit hub in Capitol Park.
California State Capitol Park is located at the Capitol building in Sacramento, California.
Crocker Art Museum is renowned for their eclectic display of art near Creekside-Sacramento.
Golden 1 Center is home of the Sacramento Kings.
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More than 200 parks
Outdoor recreation and community parks are woven throughout the city’s urban landscape. Its more than 200 parks run the gamut from small playground parks nestled in residential neighborhoods to sprawling urban escapes in the heart of the city’s downtown district. The city’s largest park, William Land Park, stretches for 160 acres and features the Sacramento Zoo, a nine-hole golf course and an historic, scenic cemetery. California State Capitol Park sits at the mouth of the Capitol building, brimming with landscaped plants and flowers, tall trees and winding walking trails. Nearby regional parks, many of which are situated along Sacramento’s waterways, offer ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking and river rafting.
Sacramento’s climate is characterized by hot, Mediterranean summers and mild, rainy winters. Snowfall is relatively rare, with the record sitting at 3 inches way back in 1888. Wildfires aren’t common in Sacramento either, but smoke and ash from fires spreading near the Bay Area are known to greatly impact the region’s air quality and visibility.
The Sacramento Zoo draws visitors to Land Park from around Northern California.
Play on the nine-hole golf course at William Land Regional Park.
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is like a museum of California's history.
People are enjoying paddle boarding on the river in Southport.
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Nationally recognized schools
The Sacramento City Unified School District serves around 40,000 students and earns a B grade from Niche. Niche routinely ranks the school division among the most diverse in the country. Standout schools include West Campus High School in Colonial Heights , which was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Education. Plenty of high-ranking private schools are available to those looking for an alternative. Sacramento County Day School, a K-12 school with an A-plus Niche rating, is located in Sierra Oaks . California State University of Sacramento is the city’s largest college with more than 30,000 students enrolled each year.
Courses in Reading, Writing, and Literature are available at West Campus High School .
Sierra Oaks Vista offers an affordable private school at Sacramento Country Day School.
Sacramento State University is located near the Tahoe Park South neighborhood.
Sacred Heart Parish School serves students residing in the East Sacramento neighborhood.
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Cheaper than the Bay – but housing costs on the rise
Sacramento’s housing market was red hot during the COVID-19 pandemic but slowed slightly as federal interest rates ticked upwards. Today, the market is still tight, but homes are selling more slowly than in the previous few years. The average list price for a single-family home was $627,000 in August 2024, more-or-less the same as it was a year ago. Housing options cross a wide range, from urban apartments and condo buildings to upscale vintage homes in historic neighborhoods and new builds in the city’s suburban outskirts. Popular neighborhoods include Midtown, near the city’s historic riverfront, the lush tree-lined streets of West Sacramento and the million-dollar homes in Boulevard Park .
An apartment complex can be found on the 19th block of J Street in Midtown Sacramento.
Adjacent Homes in Capitol Park can be as old as this victorian.
Row of Fab forties homes.
Find your dream home in Upper Land Park of Sacramento.
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Above average crime rates
According to FBI data, Sacramento’s property and violent crime rates are elevated compared to both the statewide and national rates. The city of Sacramento’s 2024 police department overview reflected a more than 18% drop in violent crime from 2022 to 2023. In 2024, Sacramento County’s District Attorney, Thien Ho, outlined several initiatives the city would take to combat crime, including implementing a retail theft prosecution unit and continued outreach and intervention in communities that suffer from high rates of gun violence.
Bike lanes, light rail and a major airport
Residents have access to several commuting options, including buses, trains, rideshare, and bike paths. Sacramento is steadily improving its bicycle infrastructure by adding new protected bike lanes, some of which are separated from vehicle traffic entirely. Sacramento Regional Transit operates more than 80 bus routes and a robust light rail system that ranks among the busiest in the country. Frequent flyers have easy access to the Sacramento International Airport, a major hub for air travel with nonstop flights to cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.
Megan is a driven and accomplished entrepreneur who found her true calling in the world of real estate. With a relentless passion for the industry and a natural aptitude for sales and negotiation, Megan quickly made a name for herself as a top-performing real estate professional. In her first year as a real estate agent, Megan astounded both colleagues and industry veterans alike by putting an impressive 20 deals into contract. This remarkable achievement not only established her as a rising star in the field but also served as a testament to her unwavering work ethic and exceptional sales skills. One of Megan's most defining characteristics is her reputation as a tough negotiator. In real estate, where deals can often be highly competitive and emotionally charged, Megan's resolute nature proved to be a significant advantage. She fearlessly advocated for her clients, ensuring that their interests were well-represented and that they secured the best possible outcomes. Furthermore, Megan's client-centric approach sets her apart from her peers. She invests time in getting to know her clients on a personal level, understanding their unique needs and preferences. This empathetic approach enables her to find properties that align perfectly with her clients' vision, leading to countless successful transactions and many happy homeowners. As a co-owner of Amen Real Estate, Megan understands that real estate is not merely about transactions but about helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. Her genuine empathy and ability to connect with clients on a personal level have earned her a loyal clientele who appreciate her unwavering commitment to their best interests.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
