As the workforce transforms into one that is more remote-based, many professionals are taking a hard look at where they live and why they live there – especially when they aren’t tied to an office building in an expensive locale.
Moving to Sacramento
With its proximity to San Francisco, California’s capital city has a history of being overlooked, but that is not the case anymore with young professionals. Sacramento currently ranks as no. 3 in the nation for inflow of tech workers, according to LinkedIn data, and an estimated 41,000 people moved to Greater Sacramento in 2020. Additionally, U.S. Census data shows the Bay Area and Greater Sacramento share a workforce of more than 230,000, with 29,000 Bay Area residents moving to Sacramento annually.
Now as residents throughout the state look for a new place to call home, many are discovering what makes Sacramento special.
The Sacramento region offers an abundance of benefits – reasonable cost-of-living, extensive outdoor recreation and a burgeoning dining and arts scene. In a single weekend, a couple or family living in Sacramento can road trip to the coast and back, relax and enjoy a great meal downtown and spend the next day hiking the Sierra Foothills. There may even be time in between for a stop at a local winery or brewery.
Speak to long-time residents of the Sacramento area and they’ll tell you this river city located halfway between Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area is a true gem that others are quickly recognizing.
Homeownership dreams come true
It’s clear that Sacramento isn’t the Golden State’s best-kept secret anymore.
Data from Redfin shows Sacramento ranks no. 1 in the nation in net inflow, with nearly 51% of users searching for homes from outside the metro area. Bay Area residents are the largest group of people looking from outside the region to Sacramento.
Despite the rapid growth and migration, there is still room for those considering moving to Sacramento. Home building is booming throughout the Sacramento region, and a variety of neighborhoods are available to suit the taste of any family, couple or up-and-coming professional.
“We have fantastic housing opportunities throughout the Sacramento region,” said Cornelious Burke, Legislative Director of the North State Building Industries Association. “You can become a homeowner in a great neighborhood and have a good quality of life here.”
For those who want something a little more suburban, Sacramento has options in all directions. Family favorites include Folsom and Elk Grove, which lie within Sacramento County, and Rocklin and Roseville, which sit in Placer County. For those who want to go even more low key, rural properties can be found in locations like Marysville, Yuba City, Auburn or Placerville.
Recreation of all types
Burke, who moved to Sacramento about 10 years ago from Los Angeles, calls Hollywood Park home. About four miles from the heart of downtown Sacramento, Hollywood Park is a historic neighborhood within city limits with several city parks, a major golf course nearby (Land Park) and Burke’s personal favorite, Track 7 brewery.
Choose any neighborhood around the region and you’re likely to find similar amenities, from local parks and entertainment venues to excellent restaurants and bars.
Greater Sacramento has more than 35 golf courses, hiking and biking trails galore (more than 150, to be exact), and access to nine lakes and rivers.
Avid hikers and mountain bikers will love the Auburn State Recreation Area, an expansive space located in the heart of historic Gold Country. The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and the American River are also wildly popular for outdoor enthusiasts. From jogging and cycling to paddle boarding and whitewater rafting, there are plenty of activities for anyone to enjoy.
The best part? It typically takes just about an hour or less to reach one of these amazing spots no matter where you live in Sacramento.
Booming Culture
The draw of Sacramento only grows when prospective residents take a look at all the city has to offer in terms of culture, arts and entertainment. Incoming residents are impressed with just how much there is to appreciate inside and outside the city limits.
“Growing up in the Bay Area, I didn’t know Sacramento,” said Theresa, who lives in Sacramento and works remotely for a Bay Area-based software company. “What surprised me the most is that there’s so much talent, so much creativity, so much drive and so much passion.”
Sacramento has a well-established arts scene. Home to galleries, Second Saturday, and several performing arts venues, people feel an artistic pull here. Visit the Crocker Art Museum or check out one of the vibrant murals around town to catch a glimpse of local art. Looking for live theater? Try Broadway Sacramento or catch a show at The Wells Fargo Pavilion.
The dining scene in the region is also getting major accolades as of late. As the Farm-to-Fork capital of America, Sacramento is proud of its agricultural heritage and fresh, local products and purveyors. Looking for Michelin star restaurants? Sure, Sacramento has those – but there are also countless best-kept secrets, trendy favorites and off-the-beaten-path culinary discoveries. The local food and drink culture is also shaped by the wineries and breweries that dot the Sacramento map from midtown Sacramento to the Foothills.
With three professional sports teams in Sacramento, sports fans will find plenty to cheer about. Catch a Kings game at Golden 1 Center if you’re an NBA fan or check out one of the other shows, sporting events or concerts that frequent the venue. Soccer lovers flock to Sacramento Republic FC games. Want to watch a little baseball? Look no further than Raley Field in West Sacramento, where the River Cats minor league baseball team plays.
When it comes to living, working and exploring, there’s never been a better time to be a Sacramentan. For more information on moving to Sacramento, visit What’sNextOutWest.com or email marketing@greatersacramento.com.