Your Guide to Moving to Sacramento in 2022
When people think about moving to California, Sacramento is not the first place they think of. They think of the sun, surf, and the Hollywood sign, but they don’t know the secret haven that is Sacramento.
Sacramento offers a laid-back atmosphere, thriving economy, and an abundance of attractions. Not only that, but it’s also far more affordable than San Francisco and its other neighbors. Sacramento is one of the best places to live in California.
Want to know more about this hidden gem? In this guide, we break down what to expect when moving to Sacramento; from the market value to schools, you will understand the ins and outs of California’s capital.
What is the Sacramento market like?
Sacramento is a hot market. There’s no questioning why. You can get a beautiful home with great neighbors and excellent schools for a fraction of the cost of other California areas. But Sacramento is growing in popularity, so you will want to purchase before it becomes the next San Francisco.
According to Redfin, the Sacramento real estate market has grown 7.3% since last year, and there are no signs of it stopping
The median home value is $510,000, a whopping $388,980 less than the California average. With buyers being priced out of the Bay Area, this hidden gem has become less hidden in recent years. Homes regularly get:
- Multiple offers
- Waived contingencies
- Above-asking price
- Offers in less than a week
Because this market is growing more competitive, you will want a real estate agent who knows the area and is prepared for these obstacles.
Common concerns with moving to Sacramento
When buying a home in Sacramento, there’s a lot to consider. From weather to employment opportunities, moving to a new city will leave you with many questions.
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Weather: Summers get hot! Sacramento is not far behind Death Valley in terms of heat in the summer. You can expect temperatures of 100 degrees or higher in July and August.
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Allergies: Sacramento is the city of trees, which could be problematic if you get seasonal allergies. Pollen rains down in the spring and summer, causing many residents to sneeze.
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Employment: Unless you plan to work for the government, you might have difficulty finding employment in the state capitol. In Sacramento, 1 in 5 people work for the government.
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Traffic: Traffic is a way of life in California, so if you are moving to Sacramento from within the state, the traffic won’t be an issue. But, if you’re moving from out of state, the traffic will feel cumbersome. As you’ll learn, I-5 and I-80 come together here, but they don’t go to the heart of downtown, so the streets can become congested.
Common concerns with buying a house in Sacramento
When you find the perfect home for sale, you’re on cloud nine! But then the multiple offers, over-asking pricing offers, and quick sales move that excitement to emotional exhaustion.Here are some stats that concern home buyers considering a property in Sacramento:
- Homes are selling for 102.4% of their list price
- 66.7% of Sacramento houses sell above list price
- Homes that reach “Hot Homes” status sell 6% above list price and go to pending status within 6 days on average
As difficult as it can be to purchase your dream home in this hot market, it is possible. Kinship Real Estate knows the Sacramento market and is prepared for these circumstances. Kinship promises to get you under contract within 1-3 offers.
Things to do in Sacramento
The Sacramento area isn’t short on attractions. Whether you want to spend your time in bustling downtown Sacramento or the leafy streets of East Sacramento, you can find something to do that will feed your soul.
Historical Tours & Museums
Kid-friendly Fun
Outdoor Adventure
The Sacramento weather
Sacramento has mild winters and hot summers, so you can enjoy all four seasons without the frigid winters that most of the country gets. Winter nights rarely dip below 30 degrees, while summer days usually stay below 100 degrees.For a California city, you get a variety of weather, but nothing too extreme.
As you research prospective properties for your family, schools are bound to be on your mind. The Sacramento area has several suburbs with top public schools.These are the Sacramento area suburbs with the best schools; according to Niche:
- Davis
“Davis is a quaint, vibrant, and welcoming community. I want to emphasize the word ‘community’ because there is a shared ethic amongst all people here to treat each other with kindness and respect that I have not seen in other towns.” — Reviewer
- Folsom
“Folsom, CA is a wonderful town to live in! It is a fantastic place to reside or vacation just before the foothills. The American River is a focal point in the city, offering water sports, like kayaking, tubing, and paddle boarding; It also has many wonderful trails people can hike or bike ride. Many people spend most of their days outdoors enjoying the warm California sun while performing their favorite hobbies.” Reviewer
- Rocklin
“I had been living in the Bay Area with my husband and happy there too, but we really wanted to own a nice home with a decent sized yard which is hard to find there, for under $1M. We looked all over the Sacramento area and fell in love with Rocklin.” — Reviewer
- El Dorado Hills
“Moving from the Bay Area (Santa Clara) 4 years ago, we did a ton of research on areas near Folsom Lake. We fell in love with El Dorado Hills mostly because of the amazing neighborhoods, friendly people, endless recreational opportunities, and great schools. We were tired of the endless traffic, rude people, crappy public schools, and EXPENSIVE homes in the Bay. El Dorado Hills has been a breath of fresh air!” — Reviewer
- Granite Bay
“I like how safe and picturesque the area is. There is a good variety of food and shopping choices in the area. Although, the people are not very diverse, and it’s an expensive place in real estate. The schools are amazing, though!” — Reviewer.
Review the top five schools in Sacramento by Great Schools.
Safety in Sacramento
Where in Sacramento is the best place to live?
Moving to Sacramento? You will be surprised by the diverse neighborhoods available in this city. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, and we’ve set out to capture the essence of the nine major neighborhoods in Sacramento.
Arden Arcade
Arden Arcade is bustling with events year-round. From live music to the county fair, Arden Arcade hosts it all. You can find homes of all sizes and price points in this neighborhood, but beware that the crime rate is higher in Arden Arcade than the state average.
Midtown and Downtown Sacramento have a nice mix of quiet tree-lined streets, but with great shops and restaurants, and plenty of things to do. This neighborhood is considered a favorite in Sacramento, with an A+ Niche Grade.
Known for its family-friendly activities, Land Park is home to Fairytale Town, Funderland Amusement Park, and the Sacramento Zoo. The parents can also enjoy this neighborhood with its budding craft brewery and taphouse scene.
If you’re looking for a suburban feel, look no further than Natomas Park. This neighborhood is popular among families with its above-average public schools.
This neighborhood is a mix of urban and suburban and is more affordable than most neighborhoods in Sacramento. It has a median home value of $219,892.
Inman describes Oak Park as one of Sacramento’s best neighborhoods to live in. It has an eclectic mix of homes, is close to downtown, and is a more affordable neighborhood.
West Sacramento
West Sacramento/Yolo counties sits just over the Sacramento River. From this vantage point, you get beautiful views of the Old Sacramento and downtown Sacramento skylines. Just off the river is an emerging restaurant and bar scene.
Jenny Rosas says, “West Sacramento is right on the outskirts of downtown and is kind of the quintessential Sacramento neighborhood. When people think of West Sacramento, they think of that farm culture that Sacramento is famous for and an area that is more spacious. But like many areas of Sacramento, it has a lot of diverse pockets of more or less affordability. For instance, in the north area of West Sac is much more affordable for first-time homebuyers, whereas the southern area is more expensive.”
Most affordable Sacramento neighborhoods
One of the major benefits of moving to Sacramento is that it is more affordable than other Bay Area cities. But, these neighborhoods hit the mark on multiple points. These are the neighborhoods to explore if you are looking for a safe, affordable neighborhood.
College/Glen
Median Home Value: $287,250Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of SacramentoSchools: B+ —
Top-rated SchoolsCollege/Glen is a great neighborhood for families. Real estate is affordable, and schools are top-rated. Commuters headed to downtown Sacramento will have an easy commute with a rail system close to Lincoln Highway. Plus, California State University Sacramento is nearby, offering job opportunities.
Get more information about the College/Glen neighborhood.
Natomas Park
Median Home Value: $285,950Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of SacramentoSchools: B+ —
Top Rated SchoolsOne of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento, Natomas Park, is a favorite among families. This neighborhood has green space and is walkable — a hard-to-find combination. Natomas Park attracts people because of its close-knit community and great schools.
Get more information about Natomas Park.
Pocket
Median Home Value: $370,425Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of SacramentoSchools: B+ —
Top Rated SchoolsWith a thriving outdoor adventure scene, you can hike, boat, golf, or play at the numerous neighborhood parks. Pocket is safe and is the home of some top schools. This community is a mix of apartments and single-family homes, attracting anyone from families to retirees.
Get more information about the Pocket neighborhood.
Is Sacramento a good place to invest in real estate?
Sacramento has a growing community of real estate investors. While it may be tempting to invest in San Francisco or Los Angeles, Sacramento draws in beginner investors for its affordability, growing economy, and population growth.California real estate is expensive, but Sacramento is a small pocket within the state with more affordable housing, making it easier for new investors to buy into this community. With a median property value of approximately $510,000, it’s easier to break into real estate investing in Sacramento than in its surrounding cities.When choosing a location to invest in, choose a city that has a growing economy. This will lead to population growth and financial stability for prospective renters. Sacramento has universities, government buildings, healthcare institutions, and technology companies, which drive a thriving economy with long-term employment security.Finally, real estate investors need to look for upward trends in population growth. Is the city you’re considering investing in growing? The answer to this question directly impacts your tenant pool. The demand for rentals has increased in Sacramento, and the proof is in the low 2.88% vacancy rate – 3.72% below the national average.As you consider buying in Sacramento, you will need a community expert to guide you. The team at Kinship Real Estate has experts ready to help first-time
buyers, investors, experienced buyers, and
sellers.
Meet the entire team to find the right real estate expert for your situation.
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