Thinking of relocating to the Golden State’s capital city? With its thriving economy, ample recreation opportunities, world-class entertainment options and picturesque scenery, there’s no shortage of appeal to living in the “City of Trees.” Several cities near Sacramento offer an equally enjoyable living experience, with a compelling blend of rural charm and urban convenience providing the best of both worlds. Living outside of the big city can also typically mean you get more bang for your buck when it comes to purchasing a home.
Let’s explore some spots in Northern California to consider checking out while doing your house hunting research:
Elk Grove
Located just 15 miles south of bustling downtown Sacramento, Elk Grove is known for being a family-friendly city with well-regarded schools, a low crime rate, and an abundance of parks and other recreational facilities. Blending suburban comfort with rural charm, the city offers convenient access to scenic farmland, the Sacramento River, and the nearby Lodi Wine Region, which boasts over 80 wineries. Residents of Elk Grove enjoy top-notch shopping and dining on the city’s popular Main Street, as well as strong youth sports programs and a packed calendar of community events like the annual Multicultural and Western festivals. Despite its recent growth and status as burgeoning hot spot on the West Coast, Elk Grove maintains a welcoming, small-town atmosphere and remains one of the most affordable cities near Sacramento.
Elk Grove communities to explore: Cherry Knolls & Laguna Ranch
Rancho Cordova
Originally founded as mining town during the California Gold Rush era, Rancho Cordova has evolved into a dynamic city with a multi-faceted economy and a strong work force. Today, the city’s primary industries include technology, healthcare, and finance. Renowned for being a safe place to live and having high-quality schools, Rancho Cordova is a two-time winner of the All-America City Award. The city features the scenic American River Parkway, plenty of restaurants and breweries, and no shortage of things to do year-round, making it a great place to live for young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
Rancho Cordova communities to explore: Seasons at Montelena & Seasons at Cypress
Plumas Lake
A relatively recent addition to popular Yuba County, Plumas Lake is situated along the Feather and Bear Rivers—just 30 miles north of Sacramento and 10 miles south of Marysville via SR-70. Plumas Lake offers safe neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and access to abundant outdoor recreation—including several parks and the Bear River Habitat Trail. Local attractions include the Plumas Lake Golf Club, the Spenceville Wildlife Area and Salle Orchards, as well as a casino and an 18,500-seat amphitheater that regularly hosts international recording artists.
Plumas Lake communities to explore: Seasons at Riverton North & Seasons at Riverton South
If you’re an active-duty military member or veteran planning on living near Beale Air Force Base, be sure to check out our Military Homebuyer Guide. Many of our communities are located near military bases, so we regularly assist members of the armed forces. To show our appreciation for your service, we’ve created this guide to share insights that can help you make informed homebuying decisions!
Roseville
The largest city in Placer County, Roseville has been referred to as a Sacramento “boomburb” in recent years due to its diversified economy, rapid population growth and exceptional amenities. Once known for its railroad roots, Roseville has transformed into a thriving tech sector, boasting major employers like Hewlett-Packard and GoodLeap. Its retail landscape is highlighted by the sizable Westfield Galleria and one of the nation’s largest auto malls. Residents enjoy close proximity to I-80 and SR-65 and are able to partake in an eclectic array of recreational options—from golf courses and hiking/biking trails to a water park and the nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Extension campuses of Sierra College and UMass Global can be found in Roseville, as can prominent train and bus stations connecting the city to its surrounding areas.
Roseville communities to explore: Tapestry at Amoruso Ranch, Seasons at Amoruso Ranch & Seasons at Sierra Vista
Lincoln
To the northwest of Roseville is Lincoln, another rapidly growing NorCal city offering a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city convenience. Its historic downtown area is walkable and inviting, featuring an inspired collection of locally owned shops, cozy cafés and bakeries, and a lively Sunday farmers’ market. Lincolnites enjoy beautifully maintained parks, extensive trails and open spaces, and numerous golf courses—making it easy to stay active and connected to nature. The city is also part of the renowned Placer County Wine Trail, featuring several family-run wineries. With its distinguished schools, wholesome atmosphere, and proximity to larger urban centers, Lincoln is an attractive place to call home that’s amenable to a variety of lifestyles.
Lincoln community to explore: Noble at Liberty at Lincoln
Grass Valley
Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley boasts natural beauty, historic landmarks, inspired cultural centers and a prime Nevada County location. Its charming downtown is lined with boutique shops, wine bars, and well-preserved Victorian buildings. Grass Valley also has a rich arts scene, hosts several seasonal festivals, and offers quick access to outdoor adventures in the nearby Tahoe National Forest. A diverse economy—bolstered by tourism, agriculture, tech and healthcare companies—further adds to Grass Valley’s appeal.
Grass Valley community to explore: Seasons at Loma Rica Ranch
We hope that this list of impressive cities near Sacramento helps you narrow down the perfect location as you plan your move to Northern California. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, be sure to check out this guide to help you start your house hunting journey off on the right foot. For decades, we’ve helped new homebuyers find their dream homes and we’ve compiled our expertise into a comprehensive guidebook featuring savvy shopping tips, house-hunting checklists, a buying vs. renting comparison, and a summary of the myriad benefits of homeownership.
Looking to relocate to NorCal ASAP? One of our inspired quick move-in homes may be a perfect fit for you!* Thoughtfully curated by our talented in-house design team, these beautiful new homes showcase eye-catching fixtures and finishes—just waiting for your personal touches, like photos, furniture, and artwork, to make them truly your own.
Want more information? Our knowledgeable New Home Specialists can be reached at 888.799.8322. They’re happy to help you learn all about Richmond American’s quick move-in options in cities near Sacramento and elsewhere!
