As one of the fastest-growing cities in California, it's no secret that Sacramento has a few things up its sleeve. Of course, it's only about 2 hours from fun destinations like San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, but the city has much more going on under the hood than new residents may think. If you're considering moving to the City of Trees and are wondering what awaits you, look no further. Here's what you need to know before moving to Sacramento and some advice for when you get here:
The Weather
Like many California cities, Sacramento is home to nice and reasonably moderate weather, gracing us with the sun about 270 days a year. On average, the annual temperature in Sacramento is around 62°, making for a comfortable range of temperatures all year. During the summer months (mainly July and August), it's common for thermometer readings to read above 100°, but at least it's a dry heat! However, tons of pleasant breezes come in from the Sacramento Delta and the American River if you get overheated. On the other hand, January takes the cake for the coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging between 37-56°. The last time it snowed here was in 2009, though, so there is no need to pack your tire chains.
The Housing
Across California, Sacramento's cost of living is 15% lower than the state average, with housing being 29% lower than the rest of CA. In addition to its cheaper rates, remote work has also proved beneficial as workers are able to enjoy the lower cost of living in Sacramento while working in places that have a higher cost of living, i.e., San Francisco and surrounding bay cities. Additionally, the average home price is about 63% cheaper than its neighboring cities as well at around $490,000, compared to the $1.3 million in SF.
The Sports
Sacramento hosts numerous sports teams and events with endless games to watch and cheer on. Although most teams play in minor leagues, The Sacramento Kings lead the city in pride. Holding most of their games at the Golden 1 Center downtown, locals gather from far and wide, donned in the team's purple and silver colors to show support.
If basketball isn't your mojo, you can also enjoy a game watching the Sacramento River Cats, a proud affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Finally, Sacramento Republic FC is a Sac favorite in the realm of professional soccer.
The Schools
If you're looking to further your own education or enroll your children in schools within Sacramento County, you are in good hands. On average, schools across Sacramento have a ranking score of 7/10 which is in the top 50% of California public schools. The Sacramento City Unified District also contains much diversity and many student opportunities & resources.
Higher education is also a focus of the area home to California State University (CSU), Sacramento. Continuing to rank as one of the top universities in the U.S., this school has some notable alumni, such as Lester Holt and Tom Hanks. With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs combined to choose from, you'll see why 29,000 people choose this 300-acre campus as their alma mater.
The Coffee
Sacramento continues to make the list of the for having some of the best coffee in the nation, ranking #9 in 2022. As one of the only things that makes Mondays bearable, Sacramento won't let you down when it comes to your cup of joe. A few top spots come to mind when you think of the java scene: First up is Temple Coffee founded in 2005 with a focus on sustainability, which has been serving up the rich taste of coffee ever since. They are full of calm vibes and is perfect for a chill start to the morning. Chocolate Fish is another local staple both for its fantastic name and delicious brews celebrating over 15 years in business. The Mill is another cozy place to enjoy your morning coffee, but if you're not feeling like a latte, they also have tons of tea options to choose from too. Last on our mini recommendation list is Insight Coffee Roasters, running with everything organic; this place knows what they're doing and can teach a thing or two about the process of coffee from start to finish. Wherever you find yourself, the Sac Coffee Scene will be right beside you.
The Drinks
If you're looking for a different type of brew... or fermentation for that matter, Sacramento is no stranger to bustling breweries and wineries peppered around the city. Track 7 is always a great mention serving up microbrews set within a huge brewery warehouse where you can get an inside look at their whole operation. Fieldwork is another big name in the Sacramento brewing scene and beyond, offering fun flights and original craft brews since 2014. If we focus our attention on vineyards, Scribner Bend is a great place to visit with great wines and a beautiful venue perfect for an evening out or special events. Bailarin Cellars is another award-winning winery in Sonoma, with a wine and tasting bar here in Sacramento. Everything there is homegrown, from their grapes to their hand-drawn logo.
The Amenities
Of course, in addition to the wonderful culture and incredible surroundings, Sacramento is full of fun, unique spots to check out and spend your day at as well. First, we have the Sacramento Zoo, great for a day trip and educational outing to see fun, exotic animals and learn a little about the local flora and fauna. The California State Railroad Museum is also an excellent place for those looking to learn about the deep, intertwined history of railroads and how they helped build Sacramento. While you're in the area, you can also stop by the Old Sacramento Historic State Park and learn even more about the history of the Gold Rush era and how it shaped Sac. However, if you're just looking for a place to relax, the American River Bike Trail is a 32-mile stretch full of parks and swimming areas to enjoy on any sunny day.
Sacramento has a lot to offer, and it's no question why it's one of the fastest-growing cities in California. From the literal and figurative rivers of culture running through the city to its most urban footprint, endless enjoyment and ways to spend your days await you. Like every big move in life, there's a lot to consider, but when it comes to choosing Sacramento, we hope to make that decision simple. Whether you know it as the City of Trees or the Farm-to-Fork Capital, the city is buzzing with everything to taste, see, and savor. Find out why people are finding their Eureka moment here.