Known for being the capital city of California, Sacramento is growing rapidly and offers some of the most affordable living in the state. The city offers residents a laid-back atmosphere, a booming economy, amazing food, a growing art scene, and plenty of things to do
That said, living in Sacramento isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there are numerous cities near Sacramento that may meet your budget and needs while keeping you within commuting distance.
So if you’re interested in staying close to the state’s capital while – here are eight cities near Sacramento to consider moving to this year. Keep reading to see if any of these cities might be a good fit for you.
#1: Rancho Cordova, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 13
Population: 74,500
Median home sale price: $540,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,335
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 33
Transit Score: 60
Rancho Cordova is a vibrant, growing community located just outside of Sacramento. The city is home to a diverse population, a thriving business community, and various recreational and cultural opportunities.
If you decide to move to Rancho Cordova, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. If you like hiking, biking, or picnicking, be sure to check out the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The American River Parkway is another area where residents can enjoy the outdoors. The Sacramento Zoo and the Fairytale Town are perfect for families with young children. There are also a few museums, such as the California Automobile Museum and the Sacramento Children’s Museum. Regardless of what you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone in Rancho Cordova.
Homes for sale in Rancho Cordova, CA
Apartments for rent in Rancho Cordova, CA
#2: Elk Grove, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 15
Population: 173,500
Median home sale price: $647,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,067
Walk Score: 32
Transit Score: 45
Elk Grove is the fifth-largest city in the Sacramento area and the second-largest in Sacramento County. The city is known for its diverse population, strong economy, and good schools. The city is also home to several parks and recreation facilities, as well as many businesses and industries.
If you’re moving to Elk Grove, CA, you won’t be disappointed by the wealth of things to see and do in the city. Elk Grove is home to several excellent museums, including the Elk Grove House and Stage Stop Museum and the Elk Grove Historical Society. The city’s arts and culture scene is also worth exploring, with highlights including the Bario Festival and the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center. When it comes to parks and green spaces, Elk Grove has plenty to offer, from Elk Grove Regional Park to Morse Park and Horseshoe Park.
Homes for sale in Elk Grove, CA
Apartments for rent in Elk Grove, CA
#3: Davis, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 15
Population: 67,000
Median home sale price: $835,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,490
Walk Score: 50
Bike Score: 38
Transit Score: 90
The city of Davis is located about 15 miles west of Sacramento. Home to 67,000 residents, the city is known for its tree-lined streets, vibrant downtown, and college town feel. The University of California, Davis is located here, and the city has a strong emphasis on the arts.
If you decide to call the city of Davis home, there are plenty of activities around the city to keep you and your family busy. Some of these activities include going to the UC Davis Arboretum, going for a walk or bike ride on the Putah Creek Bike Path, visiting the Davis Farmers Market, and going to one of the many parks in the city.
Homes for sale in Davis, CA
Apartments for rent in Davis, CA
#4: Citrus Heights, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 16
Population: 88,000
Median home sale price: $477,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,820
Walk Score: 43
Transit Score: 46
Citrus Heights is a quiet, suburban city in northern California, about 20 miles from downtown Sacramento. The city is known for its mild climate and abundance of citrus trees. Citrus Heights is also a top destination for retail shopping in the Sacramento area, home to the Birdcage Walk and the Sunrise Mall.
There are many things to do while living in Citrus Heights. You can visit Old Towne, shop at Sunrise Mall, or enjoy the great outdoors at Rusch Park. Citrus Heights is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival, the Taste the World Festival, and Berryfest.
Homes for sale in Citrus Heights, CA
Apartments for rent in Citrus Heights, CA
#5: Roseville, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 20
Population: 139,000
Median home sale price: $675,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,289
Walk Score: 38
Bike Score: 20
Transit Score: 59
Roseville is a great place to live, with plenty of houses, shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a growing arts scene. The area has strong industries like public administration, healthcare, construction, and education, making it easy to find a job or start a career. Some of the major employers in Roseville include Adventist Health, Kaiser Permanente, PRIDE industries, and Sutter Health. There are also several colleges in the area, including Sierra College Roseville Center and InterCoast College Roseville Campus.
If you’re moving to Roseville, you won’t be disappointed by the number of things to do in the city. With 8 museums, including the Roseville Telephone Museum and Maidu Museum & Historic Site, there’s plenty to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a night out, check out one of the many performing arts venues, like Opera House Saloon or The Fig Tree Coffee, Art, & Music Lounge. And if you love being outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of parks and green spaces, like Maidu Regional Park, Dry Creek Community Park, and H. C. Elliott Park.
Homes for sale in Roseville, CA
Apartments for rent in Roseville, CA
#6: Rocklin, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 23
Population: 67,000
Median home sale price: $745,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,427
Walk Score: 34
Transit Score: 51
Rocklin is a fantastic city located in South Placer County at the intersection of Interstate 80 and State Highway 65. It is characterized by rolling hill terrain with 360-degree panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the northeast and the Sutter-Butte mountain range in the West.
There are plenty of activities for residents to do while living in Rocklin. There are several parks and recreation areas, including Quarry Park, which features hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a picnic area. The city also has a public library, a senior center, and a community center. Rocklin is known for its popular museums, such as Natural History Museum, Beachouse Deli, and Rocklin History Museum. Finnish Temperance Hall and Platinum Living Amphitheater at Quarry Park are among the many performing arts venues you can check out.
Homes for sale in Rocklin, CA
Apartments for rent in Rocklin, CA
#7: Folsom, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 23
Population: 79,500
Median home sale price: $725,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,446
Walk Score: 31
Transit Score: 54
Folsom, California is a historic city located 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. The city is situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills and offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The Gold Rush history of Folsom is still evident in the downtown area, which features many old-time storefronts and hotels.
There are many things to do in Folsom, California, from dining at delicious restaurants to visiting one of its many parks. Folsom is known for its popular museums, such as the Folsom History Museum, the Folsom Railroad Museum, and the Folsom Prison Museum. Performing arts venues like the Folsom Historic District Amphitheater and the FreeFall Stage are popular among locals. If you want to check out some of the amazing parks and green spaces throughout the city, pay a visit to Negro Bar State Park, Lembi Park, and Livermore Community Park.
Homes for sale in Folsom, CA
Apartments for rent in Folsom, CA
#8: Vacaville, CA
Miles from Sacramento: 34
Population: 100,000
Median home sale price: $598,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,943
Walk Score: 36
Bike Score: 20
Transit Score: 46
The city of Vacaville is located in Northern California’s Solano County. It is considered to be part of both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley. The city is best known for the Nut Tree Airport, which showcases historic aircraft from the 20th century, and the Vacaville Premium Outlets retail center.
Vacaville residents can enjoy various activities, including exploring the Vacaville Museum, hiking at Lagoon Valley Park, or playing golf at one of the city’s three golf courses. Each year, the city hosts the annual Vacaville Fiesta Days celebration, which includes a parade and an electric car showcase.
Homes for sale in Vacaville, CA
Apartments for rent in Vacaville, CA
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Sacramento. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.