Moving to Sacramento appeals to people from all walks of life. The city is built at the confluence of two rivers, which makes it a picturesque place to call home. The Californian capital has a lush urban forest made up of everything from willows and elms to eucalyptus, palm, and fruit trees.
Sacramento's diverse, welcoming community draws newcomers from across the US and beyond. The city's culture is made up of many ethnicities and nationalities, and new arrivals soon find their niche here.
Cost of living in Sacramento
The cost of living in Sacramento is steep, at around 20 percent higher than the national average. On the upside, it's significantly below California's average cost of living, which is about 50 percent above the national average.
Housing in Sacramento tends to be pricey. It is over 40 percent more expensive than the national median. That said, it's still one of the cheaper cities in California for housing, especially compared to prime areas such as San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
Transport is another major expense, at more than 20 percent above the national average. Healthcare is around 15 percent above the US average. Utilities and groceries are only slightly higher than the US average.
Although Sacramento's cost of living is high, this is offset by higher-than-average salaries. When looking for work in the city, check that the salary on offer comfortably covers your costs.
Getting around in Sacramento
Traffic in Sacramento can be headache-inducing. The average commute time is around 25 minutes, and about two-thirds of those working in the city commute by car. Only around nine percent carpool to work, while approximately 15 percent are lucky enough to skip the traffic by working from home.
Sacramento Regional Transit (SACRT) manages public transport in the city, including bus and light rail services. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Sacramento. For longer distances, Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains are also available.
Sacramento International Airport is nearby, which makes reaching national and international destinations easy. Various buses and shuttles connect the airport to the city.
Cycling in Sacramento is popular and accessible, thanks to bike lanes and trails, plus scooter and bicycle rental services. This is one of the most pedal-friendly cities in California.
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Healthcare in Sacramento
Sacramento and the surrounding area have many good healthcare facilities, including well-known providers such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, UC Davis, and Dignity Health. These providers offer specialisations such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, and women's health. Notable hospitals include Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center and Mercy General Hospital.
Although Sacramento has good medical care, you need health insurance to access it. Close to 95 percent of Sacramento residents are covered by some form of health insurance. About half use employer-sponsored health insurance, while others use government schemes such as Medicaid and Medicare or private ACA Marketplace plans.
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA
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Schools in Sacramento
Sacramento has several well-regarded universities, including the University of California, Davis, and California State University, Sacramento.
Public education is overseen by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), while the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) manages many of the city's public schools. In addition to the standard US curriculum, a number of public schools in Sacramento offer highly regarded programmes. These include the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is globally recognised and easily transferable across countries, and the Advanced Placement (AP) Programme, a selection of college-level courses that allow students to earn college credit before graduating from high school.
There's also a wide selection of private schools in Sacramento. These tend to offer the American curriculum taught through a particular religious or pedagogical lens and are a good option for families looking for something different. Classes also tend to be smaller, and facilities may be better. Private schools do charge tuition, though, and extras such as textbooks, school lunches, extracurricular activities, and field trips can add up.
Parents who prefer a bilingual education can consider Brookfield, a school that offers French, Spanish, and English tuition.
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Weather in Sacramento
Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are short and partly cloudy. The sunny climate is one of the city's biggest draws, and the many clear days are good for both agriculture and tourism.
In the midst of summer, though, the heat can be overwhelming, especially around July and August. During this time of year, the mercury often reaches 93°F (34°C) or higher, so it's best to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Winter is cooler, and temperatures can drop as low as 39°F (4°C).
Working in Sacramento
As California's capital, Sacramento is a major centre for government services, and this is where many of the city's residents find work. Other major industries include healthcare, retail, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
By and large, Sacramento's work culture is laid-back, as it is across much of California. People here admire hard work and ambition, and those with drive can make good career progress.
Accommodation in Sacramento
Accommodation in Sacramento comes in many forms, from compact apartments and condos to sprawling ranches and spacious freestanding family homes. Sacramento is one of California's oldest cities, and some homes built in the 1800s are still lived in today.
To get an idea of what's available, start by browsing online property portals such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com. If you're brand new to the area, hiring a local estate agent can be helpful, as they have local knowledge and experience and may have access to listings before they go on the market.
Sacramento has a range of neighbourhoods, each with its own feel and character. Midtown is popular with young professionals for its lively arts scene and walkable streets, where historic homes and modern apartments sit side by side.
Families often settle in East Sacramento, a suburb known for its tree-lined streets, spacious homes, good schools, and leafy parks. For those after a quieter, suburban feel, Natomas has newer housing developments and easy access to downtown and the airport.
Land Park is both charming and convenient. It has historic homes and a strong community feel, and attractions such as the Sacramento Zoo and William Land Park are close by.
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Lifestyle in Sacramento
The lifestyle in Sacramento is varied, and there's always something new going on. The city has lively sports, entertainment, food, and culture scenes, so you'd be hard-pressed to be bored here.
Sacramento's sunny weather is ideal for agriculture, and the city has a strong farm-to-fork movement to match. Fans of fresh, locally sourced fare will be spoiled for choice here. An abundance of wineries and breweries is another perk of living in Sacramento, and tastings are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening.
There are events around the year in Sacramento, from arts and music festivals to sports fixtures. Wide Open Walls Festival is a highlight, as artists are invited to paint outdoor murals throughout the city. Sports lovers can make themselves at home by supporting one of the local teams, such as the Sacramento Kings (NBA) or the Sacramento Republic FC (soccer).