Sacramento is a great place to live in the U.S., offering California living at a relatively affordable price. Many residents enjoy Sac’s variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and family-friendly activities, though the intense summer heat and poor air quality are common complaints. If you’re considering moving, check out these pros and cons of living in Sacramento!
Quick Facts About Sacramento
| Population | 503,482 |
| Average Home Price | $705,095 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $2,277 |
| Median Household Income | $65,847 |
| Average Days of Sunshine | 269 |
Statistics from AreaVibes, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), & Best Places
Pros of Living in Sacramento
There are many benefits of living in Sacramento, including its strong job market, higher education opportunities, and outdoor recreation. Explore more reasons to live in Sacramento below.
Pro: Affordable California City
Choosing to settle down in Sactown allows you to enjoy the perks of California living while keeping more money in your pocket! The cost of living in Sacramento may be higher than the national average, but it’s relatively affordable compared to other California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. This is especially true when it comes to housing—the average Sacramento home costs $705,095, whereas homes in LA, San Fran, and San Diego typically cost over $1,000,000. Rentals are much more budget-friendly in Sacramento, as well.
Pro: Strong Job Market in Sacramento
Sacramento is one of the best cities for jobs in California, especially for professionals looking to work in popular industries such as government, healthcare, agriculture, education, and technology. Plus, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%—lower than both the national and state averages—there are better odds of job security.
Seek employment in agriculture with Blue Diamond Growers, start your career in healthcare at Sacramento hospitals like UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center, or find employment with great Sacramento companies like River City Bank, Lionakis, or SMUD.
Pro: High-Quality Sacramento Colleges
With several excellent Sacramento universities and colleges, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to continue your education in Sac. Top options include:
- California State University, Sacramento for a large public university with strong programs in business, engineering, & health
- UC Davis School of Medicine for a nationally-recognized teaching hospital offering clinical training across a wide range of healthcare disciplines
- American River College for affordable transfer degrees in sociology, economics, biology, & more
- Sacramento City College for a centrally-located campus with programs ranging from geology to journalism to dental assisting
- Cosumnes River College for a smaller community college offering programs like horticulture, real estate, & welding
Pro: Conveniently Located for Weekend Getaways
Life in Sacramento means benefiting from close proximity to other beloved California cities and popular regional destinations! Sac’s central location makes it easy to plan quick getaways to places like:
- Napa Valley, CA (1-hour drive)—for wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, & hot air balloon rides
- San Francisco, CA (1.5-hour drive)—for iconic landmarks, bay views, & diverse culture
- Reno, NV (2-hour drive)—for cultural attractions, dining, & outdoor recreation
- Lake Tahoe (2-hour drive)—for ski resorts, boating, & hiking
- Yosemite National Park (3-hour drive)—for hiking, wildlife watching, & breathtaking views
Pro: Friendly Community
Known for its laid-back vibe and slower pace of life, Sacramento offers a particularly friendly, welcoming atmosphere compared to other California cities. Residents appreciate Sacramento’s big-city energy while relishing in its suburban comforts. With an active social scene made up of interest-based groups, lots of farmers markets, regular events like Second Saturday, and fun community gatherings like the Aftershock Music Festival, newcomers find it fairly easy to make friends and feel at home after relocating to Sacramento!
Pro: Family Fun in Sacramento
From the city’s high-ranking schools and family-friendly neighborhoods to the variety of exciting attractions for kiddos, Sacramento is considered a great place to raise a family! Popular Sacramento family activities include:
- Sacramento Zoo to see lemurs, emus, laughing kookaburras, & other animals
- Sacramento Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits & imaginative events
- Fairytale Town to explore whimsical play areas, gardens, & more
- Funderland Amusement Park for kid-sized thrill rides
- SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity for interactive exhibits & a full-dome theater
- International Kids Festival for a fun-filled day of engaging performances, cultural activities, bounce houses, & crafting
Pro: Plenty of Outdoor Activities in Sacramento
One of the best reasons to move to Sacramento is for abundant outdoor recreation opportunities! With its mild climate, plentiful sunshine, and beautiful parks, the City of Trees is an outdoor lover’s dream. Some top spots for outdoor recreation in Sacramento include:
- William Land Regional Park for softball, golf, soccer, swimming, & other sports
- Sacramento River Parkway, Sacramento Northern Bikeway, & Two Rivers Trail for scenic bike rides, jogs, & riverside walks
- McKinley Park for play areas, volleyball, a rose garden, & large open fields
- Discovery Park for boat launches, picnic areas, an archery range, & more
- Southside Park for tennis, fishing, or enjoying the wading pool
Pro: Interesting Sacramento Museums & Historic Sites
From history to art, Sacramento offers a variety of museums and historic sites that are fun and educational for everyone! Top spots include:
- Crocker Art Museum for an extensive collection of global art & contemporary works
- California State Railroad Museum for vintage train rides & interactive exhibits
- California State Capitol Museum to learn about the city’s government & history
- Aerospace Museum of California for hands-on exhibits about aviation & space history
- State Indian Museum State Historic Park to learn about California’s indigenous peoples through photographs & cultural exhibits
- Sacramento History Museum for Gold Rush history & underground tours
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park to explore the oldest restored fort in the region
Pro: Captivating Performing Arts in Sacramento
If you’re a fan of the performing arts, Sacramento is sure to deliver what you’re looking for—with stages featuring both local and international talent. Here are some venues, organizations, and events to check out:
- SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center for Broadway shows, concerts, & other performances in a state-of-the-art venue
- Sacramento Ballet for enchanting dance productions throughout the year
- Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera for symphonies, operas, & classical music
- Capital Stage for local theatre performances of contemporary plays
- River City Theatre Company for family-friendly theatre productions
- Sacramento Shakespeare Festival for summer performances of Shakespeare plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Pro: Sacramento Is Diverse
Considered one of the five most diverse cities in the nation, Sacramento is home to residents from many walks of life. Additionally, Sactown boasts a thriving LGBTQ community, with events like the Sacramento Pride Festival & March—as well as support services like the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. Sacramento’s mix of cultures and inclusive atmosphere make it easier for newcomers to feel at home here, while also allowing residents to benefit from a vibrant community filled with diverse cuisines, festivals, and more!
Pro: Amazing Sacramento Food Scene
Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento offers everything from food festivals like Taste of East Sacramento and Terra Madre Americas to amazing local eateries. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, here’s where to find some of the best food in Sacramento:
- Bacon & Butter for Sacramento brunch favorites
- Frog & Slim for upscale supper club vibes & regionally-sourced ingredients
- Mulvaney’s B&L for patio seating & a New American menu that changes daily
- Zocalo for modern Sacramento Mexican food in an elegant setting
- Sellands for comfort foods, dinner specials, & craft cocktails
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to Sacramento
Cons of Living in Sacramento
Some disadvantages of living in Sacramento include hot summers, poor air quality, and higher-than-average crime. Learn more about the cons of living in Sacramento below.
Con: Sacramento Crime Rates
Sacramento’s crime rate is 56% higher than the national average, which can be a concern for those who prioritize safety. It’s important to note, however, that Sacramento has seen a significant decrease in crime in recent years—and remains safer overall than other major cities like Fresno and San Francisco.
Sac also provides safety and crime prevention tips for residents, along with educational events designed to raise awareness and strengthen community bonds—like National Night Out. Additionally, there are several safe neighborhoods in Sacramento with particularly low crime rates and quiet streets—like Natomas Park, Pocket, and River Park.
Con: Limited Public Transit in Sacramento
With a transit score of 34, Sacramento is a highly car-dependent city—and residents who drive also note challenges with traffic congestion. While Sacramento’s public transportation has limitations, locals can still utilize the Sacramento Regional Transit light rail and bus lines to get around the city. For regional travel, Amtrak provides rail connections to nearby cities—and for longer trips, Sacramento International Airport offers more than 40 convenient nonstop destinations. Plus, neighborhoods like Midtown are extremely walkable and bikeable, allowing residents without cars to get around with relative ease.
Con: Infrastructural Challenges
From aging roads and bridges to storm-related issues caused by the city’s trees, Sacramento faces some infrastructural challenges. Fortunately, the city is addressing these issues through improvement programs and actions such as:
- Pavement resurfacing projects that help keep roads safe & drivable
- Bridge inspections to ensure older structures remain reliable
- Storm resources that help residents manage tree-related emergencies
- Vision Zero Action Plan, designed to reduce accidents & create safer road conditions
Con: Hot Sacramento Summers
With summer highs in the 90s and above-average sunshine, the heat in Sacramento can be challenging for those who work outside or live in older homes without air conditioning. Running errands or participating in outdoor activities can be uncomfortable on hot summer days, as well.
Residents can manage the heat by following Sacramento County’s tips for staying safe in hot weather, such as drinking plenty of fluids, wearing sunscreen, and limiting exposure during the hottest part of the day. Plus, with mild winters and little snow, Sacramento is perfect for those looking to escape the cold—and the city has plenty of indoor activities and places to keep cool when it’s hot!
Con: Bad Air Quality in Sacramento
The American Lung Association has ranked the Sacramento area among the worst cities for ozone and particle pollution due to issues with smog and wildfire smoke—which can be unhealthy for those with pre-existing conditions.
Luckily, local initiatives and organizations like the Community Air Protection Program and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District are developing strategies to reduce emissions and improve air quality for all. Residents can also utilize helpful tools like Spare The Air for regular updates on air quality conditions so they can take the necessary precautions. Additionally, Sacramento offers tips for reducing personal emissions—from carpooling to opting for lawn equipment that runs on electricity rather than gas.
Con: Lack of Sacramento Sports Teams
Unfortunately, Sacramento lacks many major sports teams—placing it on the list of the worst sports cities. That said, Sac still has a passionate, loyal fanbase for its NBA team—plus other great teams nearby that you can cheer on! Some of the best sports teams Sacramento residents can support include:
- Sacramento Kings (NBA) at Golden 1 Center
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL) at Heart Health Park
- Sacramento River Cats (MiLB) at Sutter Health Park
You can also travel to see Bay Area teams like the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Golden State Warriors (NBA), and San Jose Sharks (NHL).
Con: Smaller Nightlife Scene
Compared to other California cities, Sacramento nightlife is not quite as lively or fast-paced. Many locals note that the nightlife scene is sleepy early in the week, though it picks up a bit on the weekends. While Sac’s nightlife is more mellow than other major metros, there are still cool Sacramento breweries and nightlife spots to enjoy, like:
- The Shady Lady Saloon for a 1920s-style bar with beer, artisan cocktails, & more
- Oishii Sushi & Heartbeat KTV Lounge for sushi & karaoke
- The Roost for a speakeasy vibe & creative cocktails
- The Press Club for dance parties & live music in Sacramento
- King Cong Brewing Co. for unique craft beers in Uptown Sacramento
Should You Move to Sacramento?
You should move to Sacramento if you want to find a relatively affordable California city with a variety of career opportunities, abundant outdoor activities, and a diverse food scene. Before making the move, consider your ideal lifestyle, weather preferences, transportation needs, and budget—as Sacramento experiences hot weather and limited public transportation. Here are some additional scenarios that can help you decide whether Sacramento’s lifestyle makes sense for you.
Sacramento may be the right fit for you if…
- You’re looking for a career in top industries like government, healthcare, technology, education, or agriculture.
- You want easy access to outdoor activities.
- You’d like to raise a family near good schools and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
- You enjoy festivals and performing arts.
- You want a diverse, multicultural city with a strong food scene.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You dislike hot, dry summers with average highs in the mid-90s.
- You’re sensitive to poor air quality from heat and seasonal wildfires.
- You want to live in a city known for its safety.
- You rely on public transit or prefer not to own a car.
- You’re looking for a major sports hub or an exciting nightlife scene.
Sacramento Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering if Sacramento is better than Los Angeles, Portland, or San Jose? Compare Sacramento to other popular West Coast cities below to decide which destination best suits your needs.
| Factor | Sacramento, CA | Los Angeles, CA | Portland, OR | San Jose, CA |
| Average Rent | $2,277 | $2,991 | $2,519 | $3,303 |
| Average Home Price | $705,095 | $1,320,663 | $683,212 | $1,982,986 |
| Average Commute Time | 25 minutes | 31 minutes | 26 minutes | 29 minutes |
| Walk Score | 49/100 | 69/100 | 67/100 | 51/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 4.6% | 3.8% | 3.2% |
| Major Industries | Government, healthcare, agriculture | Entertainment, transportation, aerospace | Athletic & outdoor apparel, technology, bioscience | Technology, healthcare, finance |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Best Places, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Sacramento
Is Sacramento expensive to live in?
While Sacramento is more expensive than some U.S. cities, it’s relatively affordable compared to other major California cities. A livable wage in Sacramento for a single adult with no children is about $58,502 per year—and with a median household income of $65,847, many residents are able to maintain a comfortable living here.
Is Sacramento safe?
Like many mid-sized and large cities, Sacramento has higher-than-average crime rates—ranking as safer than 4% of U.S. cities and 7% of California cities. That said, crime levels vary significantly by neighborhood, and prospective residents can find peace of mind by considering safe neighborhoods in Sacramento like Pocket and College Glen.
What is the average temperature in Sacramento?
Summers in Sacramento see highs in the 90s, while average winter temperatures tend to be in the 40s and 50s. There are more than 70 days annually with highs above 90 degrees—and abundant sunshine can make it feel even hotter. However, Sacramento’s mild winters are perfect for those who dislike the cold—and the city rarely receives any snowfall.
What state is Sacramento in?
Sacramento is the capital of California, located in the heart of the Central Valley. This puts it in close proximity to many of California’s most popular destinations. For example, Sacramento is less than two hours from San Francisco, one hour from Napa Valley, and around a two-hour drive from Lake Tahoe.
Is Sacramento a nice place to live?
Sacramento is widely considered a wonderful place to live, offering a more affordable and family-friendly alternative to other major California cities. The city is known for its top jobs, fantastic outdoor recreation, delicious cuisine, and more.
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