Firstly why Sacramento, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Sacramento
• State: California
• Population: 513,624 people
• Sacramento’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for its historic Old Sacramento district and the California State Capitol Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 25,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 7,000
• Number of Homeless people: 5,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital it attracts government workers and has a rich cultural scene

Perk #1: Sacramento Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $73,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Sacramento is $75,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Sacramento’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,946
• Property Tax %: 1.19%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,000
• Rent for an average house: $2,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Sacramento, Elk-Grove, West-Sacramento, Roseville, and probably could include Davis
• Avg. Age of Homes in Sacramento: 58 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Sacramento’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Sacramento are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Sacramento Job Scene: strong job market in government and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: state capital, growing tech hub focusing on government technology, education and healthcare
• Sacramento Resident’s pay $2,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Sacramento: 8.75%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 400 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 34

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Sacramento

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $160 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Sacramento connecting it to major northern and southern cities
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: gridlock on I-5 during peak hours
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Sacramento: 460,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Sacramento: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 67 of 100
• Local Airport: Sacramento International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Sacramento’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Sacramento is best described as has hot dry summers with temperatures exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Sacramento i’d describe as cool with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Sacramento can be described as warm with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Sacramento are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Sacramento is usually mild and rainier
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 92 days in summer
• Days in a row in Sacramento below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by city traffic
• Sacramento Winter Air average air quality with high pollution days in winter

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Sacramento Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Sacramento 17
• While the number of trade schools inside Sacramentos’s city limits are 14
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Sacramento Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Sacramento Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Sacramento only Doctors is about 500
• Local Hospitals here is  22
• Full-time Sacramento only Police Officers is about 1,500
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Sacramento’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Sacramento’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Sacramento’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Sacramento

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 18 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a vibrant arts scene and rich history
• You might enjoy concerts at the Golden 1 Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Sacramento  features a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars nightclubs and live music venues throughout the city

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Sacramento

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers farm-to-fork dining and a variety of international restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 250 scattered around Sacramento
• The Popular Sports Team is Sacramento Kings
• Top Level Political Climate in Sacramento can be described as state capital with a strong progressive influence
• Sacramento’s Longer standing religious establishment is Catalyst Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Sacramento Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Sacramento has 100 Parks?
• William Land Park is Sacramento’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Sacramento Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are River kayaking, biking, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Sacramento Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Sacramento can be described as balanced city life with government arts and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Sacramento visiting historical sites biking along the river attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Sacramento are Stockton 50 miles away Roseville 18 miles away Elk-Grove 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Sacramento or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: gridlock on I-5 during peak hours. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Sacramento’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Sacramento are Stockton 50 miles away Roseville 18 miles away Elk-Grove 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Sacramento has 0 days in a row below freezing and 92 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Sacramento people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   5,000 homeless people living in Sacramento. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a strong progressive influence could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Sacramento.

Retiree & Senior Life in Sacramento

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive tax credits on property taxes depending on income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Aegis O’Bear Creek
• Sacramento Senior Center features a variety of programs for health wellness and social engagement

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Sacramento, California?

If Sacramento, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Sacramento, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!