10 Cities Near Sacramento To Live in 2021
While Southern California often gets a lot of attention for its coastline and movie stars, Northern California has beautiful lakes, state parks, an idyllic wine country, mountains, and iconic stops. If you choose to live in one of these 10 cities near Sacramento, you can enjoy all that this bustling capital has to offer.
All located within 56 km of the city center, you are sure to find a perfect place to call home from the following:
Photo source: Apartment Guide / Heritage Oaks Apartments
- Average rent for a room: $ 1,232 (down 4.7% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 1,466 (down 5.0% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 10.6 miles
Just under 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the unincorporated suburb of Carmichael.
Its unbeatable central location makes it a breeze to get to area attractions like the American River, the state capital, museums, and many great restaurants.
With the affordability, number of amenities and peaceful ambience of Carmichael, this is an attractive location for both. single adults and families. Picnic in the beautiful Ancil Hoffman Park, with hiking trails and an award-winning golf course.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 1,257 (up 0.7% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 1,510 (up 3.1% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 14.3 miles
When you reside in Rancho Cordova, you’re just steps from all of the fine dining, bars, arts and culture of downtown Sacramento.
Families will love the nearby Sacramento Children’s Museum, where you can have a hands-on learning experience or throw a fun birthday party with friends. Or you can choose to splash around at Swanston Park’s interactive water feature.
For a night on the town, meet up with friends at Harlow’s Starlet Lounge on bustling J Street in Sacramento.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 2,148 (up 8.5% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,443 (up 6.3% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 15.2 miles
Travel 20 minutes to downtown Sacramento and you’ll land in the welcoming suburb of Elk Grove.
Offering great schools, a ton of beautiful parks and a real sense of community,
Elk Grove is also close to the Delta wine region. Family-owned McConnell Estates Winery has been producing vino for two decades on its historic 700-acre property. Stop in for a drink of their popular 6 Gen Zin.
Plan to stay all day at Elk Grove Park, whose lake views, large picnic tables, biking, fishing, dog park, and athletic fields offer something for everyone. You won’t want to miss the free concerts in the summer.
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- R average of a rooment: $ 2,448 (up 40.4% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,274 (up 12.9% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 15.5 miles
If you want to live in a friendly village where everyone (maybe) knows your name, Fair Oaks is a great fit. It has the lowest population on the list and offers a short commute if you work in Sacramento.
The Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District hosts many seasonal events like the popular Chicken Festival in the fall and Comedy Under the Stars in the summer. If you can’t wait for the festival, Fair Oaks is known for its wild chickens that roam the city.
Be sure to stop by the local Sunflower Drive-In for some delicious vegetarian comfort food.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 1,710 (down 8.4% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,092 (down 1.9% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 15.6 miles
Located west of Sacramento and just 15 miles from downtown, Davis is a compact college town with an abundance of cafes, cafes, and pubs.
Welcome to the University of California, DavisThis laid-back town is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, with 60 miles of beautiful greenbelt. Over 50% of the population are students, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone to share the rent if needed.
The year-round Farmer’s Market in Central Park is a huge draw. Fresh products, artisanal dishes and colorful flowers adorn the stalls. Grab a bite from a local food truck and hang out on the large lawn. You won’t earn a degree, but you can choose from a dizzying selection of local craft beers at the University of Beer on 3rd Street.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 1,540 (up 3.0% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 1,835 (up 4.0% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 16.1 miles
One of the more affordable towns near Sacramento, Citrus Heights is perfect for those who want to spend a little less on rent while still enjoying the perks of being near a major city. Residents can shop until they drop at Sunrise Mall and dine at popular chains like Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden.
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned fun activity, head to Sunrise Rollerland and skate to music on a classic wooden floor. For outdoor adventure, Arcade Creek Park Preserve has nearly 10 acres of playground, walking trails, and fitness equipment.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 1,759 (up 3.2% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,081 (down 0.7% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 19.0 miles
With top-notch schools, parks, and so many places to go, it’s no surprise that young professionals and families choose to relocate to Roseville.
Job opportunities abound with top companies like Apple, Blue Shield, Intel, CalTrans, and Kaiser, all located in Roseville. On your day off, you can spend hours browsing the 150 stores at the Westfield Galleria in Roseville. Across the street, enjoy unique shops and restaurants at Fountains, an upscale outdoor mall.
You cannot miss the large castle visible from the highway. People of all ages have fun sliding down water slides, playing mini-golf and celebrating birthdays at Golfland-Sunsplash.
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Photo source: rocklin.ca.us
- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 2,028 (up 20.2% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,530 (up 18.6% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 21.3 miles
Just 10 minutes past Roseville is Rocklin, about half the size of its larger neighbor but close to all of the same awesome attractions.
Rocklin definitely has a youthful vibe, with the middle age of its residents at 37.5 years old. Whether you’re on a date, with friends, or looking for an outing with the kids, you’ll have no problem finding something really fun to do.
Swap wine for a beer tasting at the many breweries like Moksa Brewing Company on Pacific Street. If a thrilling adventure is more your speed, Quarry Park Adventures offers ziplines, rock climbing, and 60-foot rappelling.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 1,820 (up 4.7% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,206 (up 5.8% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 21.6 miles
Two words come to mind when you think of Folsom: charm and water.
Charming, because the historic district or “Old Town” has a gold rush history and boasts over 80 antique stores, mom and pop boutiques and quaint cafes.
Water, due to its two lakes, Folsom and Natoma, as well as the nearby American River. From kayaking to fishing, your aquatic needs are sure to be met.
Head east on Highway 50 and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the Amador wine region. Here you can have a Napa Valley-like experience without the price tag.
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- Average rent for a bedroom: $ 2,051 (up 12.1% from last year)
- Average rent for two bedrooms: $ 2,324 (up 14.9% from last year)
- Distance from downtown Sacramento: 34.8 miles
Vacaville is the furthest from Sacramento on our list, but this pleasant town deserves special attention. Located off the busy Interstate 80 corridor between Sacramento and San Francisco, family-oriented Vacaville has rolling hills and quiet countryside along with plenty of dining and shopping.
Home to the iconic Nut Tree Road Stop where you will find your favorite retail stores, cafes and an entertainment area with the beloved Nut Tree Train. If you still have the energy to shop, the Vacaville Premium points of sale are just a stone’s throw away.
Kaiser Permanente and biotech giant Genentech employ many residents. This suburban gem gets high marks for schools, public transportation, and outdoor activities.
You can stroll through the idyllic Lagoon Valley Park, with miles of biking, hiking and horse riding trails. Be sure to bring Fido into the large dog pen designed especially for him.
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Best places to live near Sacramento
You have a lot of attractive apartment options to consider for a move to a city near Sacramento. Affordable housing, attractive amenities like shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and employment opportunities are all available in this vibrant and diverse neighborhood.
When you do your homework, you’ll find that each of these cities offers something special.
Rental prices are based on a moving weighted average of one bedroom apartment inventory from Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each type of unit individually and reduces the influence of seasonality on rental prices in specific markets.
The rental information included in this article is used for illustration purposes only. The data contained in this document does not constitute financial advice or a price guarantee for any apartment.
