Vacaville, a city of just over 100,000 residents, sits along Interstate 80 at the base of the Vaca Mountains about 35 miles southwest of Sacramento. The rich soil and temperate climate once made Vacaville the perfect spot for agriculture. “There used to be a lot of onions; it’s known for tomatoes and onions.” says Tom Sokol, a Vacaville resident.
Though some people assume that the city’s name, which in Spanish translates to “cow town,” relates to a history of cattle farming, its origin comes from Juan Manuel Vaca, who settled the area in 1842. Today, top employers are Kaiser Permanente, Amazon and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Many workers commute to Sacramento or the Bay Area, and more than 15% of the population is over 65 years of age; some of these citizens live in the Leisure Town community, reserved for those 55 and up.
Highway 80 is the border of Leisure Town and provides quick access to neighboring cities.
Nicely designed subdivisions with large track homes are common in Leisure Town.
Leisure Town's location is perfect for people who want to live close to shopping and recreation.
A view from the bell tower shows beautiful downtown Vacaville.
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Dining and unwinding in downtown Vacaville
The intersection of Merchant and Main streets marks the heart of downtown and the center of local dining and entertainment. The downtown district’s boutiques and antique shops have been staples for generations; downtown is also home to coffee shops, upscale dining options and wine bars stocked with bottles from nearby vineyards. Bordering downtown, Andrews Park hosts the CreekWalk Concert Series, a free live concert every Friday during the summer. Downtown also hosts the farmers market, which is open Saturdays, May through October. More shopping and dining can be found a few miles up I-80. Nut Tree Plaza has national restaurant and retail chains and family-friendly entertainment, like a life-sized chessboard. It is located across I-80 from Vacaville Premium Outlets, home to a variety of clothing, sportswear and furniture stores.
The brisket grilled cheese is a local favorite at The Brass Tap in Leisure Town.
Brass taps line the bar in Leisure Town at The Brass Tap.
The Brass Tap offers a tequila tasting event for Dia De Los Muertos in Leisure Town.
Creekwalk in Downtown Vacaville is the entrance to the Vacaville Farmers Market.
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Lower median prices than the California average
The median single-family home price is $615,000. Comparatively, as of September 2024, the median home price across the state is about $870,000. Vacaville’s residential real estate market is steady, attracting people getting outpriced in the Bay Area. Location is the big draw: “It’s a good central location between Sacramento and the San Francisco metro areas,” says Joe Reichert, real estate agent at Keller Williams with 18 years of experience. “Even though there’s a commute either way, we have more affordability than living in the Bay Area; people are moving here for that reason.” Twentieth-century ranch-style homes are common across Vacaville. Custom homes can sell for up to $2 million, while manufactured homes bordering Leisure Town typically start in the low $100,000s. Vacaville also has pockets of townhouse subdivisions and a robust inventory of condos.
Your perfect home is waiting in Leisure Town.
Leisure Town is a great place to enjoy life and neighbors.
The Leisure Town neighborhood is full of homes to meet any family need.
A single-story home waits for it's residents to return.
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Commuting to Sacramento and San Francisco
Locals can quickly get around the city by using the Vacaville City Coach, or VCC, a system of buses with five fixed routes hitting the most popular places in town. At the Vacaville Transportation Center, commuters can access VCC buses and a park-and-ride. SolTrans buses transport passengers to neighboring cities like Fairfield and Benicia. Drivers can hop on Interstate 80 and head 35 miles to Sacramento or go west 57 miles to San Francisco.
Domestic and international travel is available at the Sacramento International Airport, 38 miles away. Emergency care is available within Vacaville at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center.
Hiking, biking and staying aware of wildfires
Vacaville’s recreation opportunities range from cycling on the Alamo Creek Bike Trail to playing at one of Centennial Park’s athletic fields and courts. Kids and adults can join recreation leagues, while seniors can take advantage of McBride Senior Center’s Active Aging programs and events, ranging from group day trips to nutrition classes.
Lagoon Valley Park surrounds a 100-acre reservoir and has a dog park, disc golf course and hiking trails. Along the park’s 7.5-mile trail, hikers and bikers may come across a wooden swing overlooking the rolling hills below, a hard-to-find but beloved spot for taking sunset photos. The land south of this park was once up for development, but conservation groups and citizens worked to preserve it.
Vacaville’s winter temperatures are relatively mild, and summers tend to be hot and dry. The city faces a wildfire risk, particularly in the eastern half. In addition to fire damage, wildfires can cause days of poor air quality.
Lagoon Valley Park is huge with hiking opportunities through the hills.
Vacaville Fire Protection is always ready to respond in Hartley.
Vacaville has several clubs where you can get fit.
Vacaville is filled with different biking paths.
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Vacaville’s A-rated public school district
The Vacaville Unified School District, rated A-minus on Niche, serves the student population. Many teenagers in the city attend Vacaville High School, also rated B-plus. The high school is also known for its robust athletics department, which has produced professional baseball and football players. The Academy of 21st Century Learning is a private K-8 school rated A-plus.
An aerial view of Vacaville shows it's great topography and homes near schools.
The entrance to Will C Wood High School is colorful and inviting.
Educational opportunities abound at Cooper Elementary School.
The entrance to the Vaca Pena Middle School is safe with a police presence.
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Crime in context
Vacaville is home to two state prisons, one of which specializes in medical treatment for inmates. From 2023 to 2024, property crime rates in Vacaville have stayed slightly below state rates, but slightly above national rates. The city’s violent crime rates have been below both state and national rates for that same period. The crime rates are highest around Browns Valley Parkway.
Investing in infrastructure
The city has several initiatives to improve infrastructure. A detour is currently in effect as improvements are made to Leisure Town Road. Vacaville plans to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians around Vaca Valley Parkway. In 2025, the city will replace water and sewer pipes downtown. Vacaville’s Sustainable Energy Project aims to partner with Solano Community College to bolster green technology education.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Vacaville, CA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Vacaville, CA over the last 12 months is $629,999, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this inviting South Town home, perfectly situated just a short walk from Magnolia Park, and located in the highly regarded Travis School District. The open concept layout features low maintenance laminate wood flooring throughout and a bright kitchen with quartz countertops, tile, backsplash, stainless steel appliances, island, and spacious pantry. A flexible bonus area off the great
Charming Single-Story Home in Sought-After Ulatis Creek Estates! Welcome to this beautifully updated home nestled in the tranquil and highly desirable Ulatis Creek Estates. Offering a perfect blend of modern upgrades and natural charm, this single-story gem is designed for comfort, functionality, and style. Step into the heart of the home, a thoughtfully updated kitchen featuring sleek
Ideal horse property on a quiet dead-end lane just minutes from Vacaville with easy access to I-505 and I-80. This well-equipped horse property offers everything you need to make the most out of country living, including a barn, 10 stalls with paddocks, fenced pastures, and room to add an arena. A 40' x 60' metal shop with two 12' roll-up doors is perfect for contractors, hobbyists, or extra
Huge potential on this country home. Over 7 acres to be sold with additional 3.5-acre parcel. Live in existing home and build your dream home overlooking the Vaca Valley. Seasonal ponds. Great for horses, goats or any other livestock. Close to town. Existing well and several outbuildings. SID water
$5,000 seller credit! Remarkable property situated in an exceptional location, offering convenient access to both I-80 and I-505, and just minutes away from the Vacaville Premium Outlets. This residence is also within the highly regarded Browns Valley School District. This nearly new home features five spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms, including a loft on the upper level and a full
Move In Ready! Welcome to this charming two-story home with many upgrades featuring Owned Solar System, Newer HVAC System, New LVT flooring, Newer Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, Newer Fence installed, Whole House Fan, Attic Fan and Freshly painted interior. Located in a highly sought after Vacaville neighborhood with excellent school system featuring Cooper Elementary school. Featuring 4
Nestled in the hills of Vacaville, Montessa is a vibrant community of newly constructed single-family homes for rent. With stunning natural landscapes surrounding the area, Montessa offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. Ideally situated near popular restaurants, boutique shops, and scenic outdoor spaces, Montessa offers a vibrant and welcoming environment where convenience meets luxury.
Cute Duplex with large back yard and front porch. Single car garage. Recently remodeled bathroom, newer carpet and paint. Nicely fenced backyard with large shade trees. Must see this gem close to the heart of downtown Vacaville.
Live carefree every day. At The Preserve at Harbison, coming home feels like you're on vacation. With impressive finishes and resort-quality amenities, our Vacaville 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes make it possible to live beyond your expectations. With so much to do in the perfect location, a vibrant new lifestyle awaits. Embrace it.
While California might not be the first state that comes to mind when someone mentions retirement, the Leisure Town neighborhood of Vacaville offers residents 55 and over a tight-knit and active community with plenty of amenities to keep them active and engaged. And while the core of the neighborhood is centered on retired residents, there is a section of the neighborhood without age restrictions, further adding to the diversity of Leisure Town. Whether it’s taking advantage of the offerings at the Leisure Town Center, walking one of the many trails in the neighborhood, visiting a local park or even taking the 30-mile drive north to Sacramento, residents of Leisure Town have access to a range of nearby amenities. Interstate 85 marks the neighborhood’s western boundary, offering easy highway access, and the NorthBay Health VacaValley Hospital is in the neighborhood, providing nearby medical services if the need arises.
The majority of homes in Leisure Town are ranch-style, allowing for one-floor living. There are also several subdivisions for manufactured homes in the neighborhood, as well as condominium complexes. In the southeastern part of Leisure Town, potential buyers will find more two-story homes, including Tudors, Craftsman-styles and Mediterranean-inspired homes. The median price of real estate in Leisure Town is $550,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $340 per square foot. A typical three-bedroom/two-bathroom manufactured home can sell for around $150,000, and condominium prices start at $250,000 for a one-bedroom/one-bathroom unit. A two-bedroom/one-bathroom detached ranch-style home can sell for $335,000, and prices can go up to over $900,000 for a five-bedroom/three-bathroom Tudor-inspired house.
The Leisure Town neighborhood is districted to the Vacaville Unified School District, which earns an overall rating of A-minus from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Eugene Padan Elementary, Vaca Pena Middle and Will C. Wood High School. Eugene Padan earns a B-minus from Niche, Vaca Pena earns a B and Will C. Wood earns an A-minus. Students at Will C. Wood High School can take part in any of over 25 school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play any of 15 varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of several area private schools, including Vacaville Christian School, which earns an A from Niche.
The centerpiece of Leisure Town’s recreation is the Leisure Town Center, reserved for use by the senior residents of the neighborhood. The center has a pool table, a sewing studio, a library and several multi-purpose rooms for card games, arts & crafts. The center is also home to two swimming pools, bocce and horseshoe courts and a fitness center. For outdoor recreation, Stonegate Park, in the neighborhood’s southeastern quadrant, has a playground, basketball court and plenty of open space for play or relaxation.
When it’s time to stock up on groceries, residents of Leisure Town head to Safeway in Vacaville Commons Shopping Center on the western edge of the neighborhood, where they can also find a Target for any home necessities. Next door at the Vacaville Premium Outlets, shoppers can get their fill of retail therapy shopping at outlet stores for Tommy Bahama, West Elm and Banana Republic, as well as many others. Sam’s Club and Walmart Supercenter also have locations within the neighborhood. A favorite destination with locals for those times when cooking at home just isn’t on the menu is The Original Mel’s Diner, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting. The menu features comfort food favorites, including pancakes, burgers and chicken-fried steak.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
