Sacramento, California’s capital city, is a hub for government, healthcare, and education. If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to settle down, the surrounding cities have plenty to offer. Let’s explore the 9 best cities near Sacramento for families in 2024.
The best cities near Sacramento
- Roseville
- Elk Grove
- Folsom
- Davis
- Rancho Cordova
- Citrus Heights
- Rocklin
- West Sacramento
- Woodland
1. Roseville, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 18.8 miles
- Commute time by car: 26 minutes
- Median rent: $2,750, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Young professionals and families looking for a mix of urban living and suburban comfort
- Attractions: Golfland Sunsplash, Roseville Utility Exploration Center, Denio’s Farmers Market & Swap Meet
Why Roseville is a great place to live
Roseville is a lovely city with restaurants, coffee shops, and good schools, including Granite Bay High School and Oakmont High School, which rank among the best in the state. Major employers like Kaiser Permanente and Hewlett-Packard support the city’s strong economy. Families love the numerous parks, such as Maidu Regional Park and Royer Park, which offer a variety of recreational activities.
2. Elk Grove, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 15.7 miles
- Commute time by car: 25 minutes
- Median rent: $2,700, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families looking for a diverse community and easy access to Sacramento
- Attractions: Elk Grove Regional Park, Old Town Elk Grove, Laguna Creek Parkway
Why Elk Grove is a great place to live
Elk Grove is one of the most diverse cities in the Sacramento area, with a vibrant multicultural community. The highly-rated Elk Grove Unified School District serves the city. Elk Grove’s annual Giant Pumpkin Festival and Dickens Street Faire are popular events that unite the community.
3. Folsom, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 23.1 miles
- Commute time by car: 33 minutes
- Median rent: $2,875, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a high quality of life
- Attractions: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Historic Folsom, Palladio at Broadstone
Why Folsom is a great place to live
Folsom is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, with top-rated schools like Vista del Lago High School and Folsom High School. The city’s proximity to Folsom Lake offers abundant water sports, hiking, and biking opportunities. Folsom’s historic downtown district features unique shops, restaurants, and the popular Folsom Prison Museum.
4. Davis, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 15.8 miles
- Commute time by car: 26 minutes
- Median rent: $2,200, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and students looking for a lively, eco-friendly community
- Attractions: UC Davis Arboretum, Farmers Market, Explorit Science Center
Why Davis is a great place to live
Davis is a lively college town, home to the prestigious University of California, Davis. The city is known for its strong commitment to sustainability, with an extensive network of bike lanes and paths that make it easy to get around without a car. The Davis Farmers Market, held twice weekly, is a community staple, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live entertainment.
5. Rancho Cordova, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 14.7 miles
- Commute time by car: 24 minutes
- Median rent: $2,278, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and professionals looking for affordable housing and easy access to outdoor activities
- Attractions: American River Parkway, Soil Born Farms, Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Why Rancho Cordova is a great place to live
Rancho Cordova is an attractive option for families and professionals. The city’s location along the American River provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Rancho Cordova is also home to the Sacramento Children’s Museum and the annual Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration.
6. Citrus Heights, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 14.8 miles
- Commute time by car: 24 minutes
- Median rent: $1,725, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families looking for an affordable, family-friendly community with good schools
- Attractions: Sunrise Mall, Rusch Park, Antelope Crossing Shopping Center
Why Citrus Heights is a great place to live
Citrus Heights is a family-friendly community with a small-town feel. It offers affordable housing options and a lower cost of living than other cities in the Sacramento area. The San Juan Unified School District serves the city and includes well-regarded schools like Mesa Verde High School and Carriage Drive Elementary. Citrus Heights hosts several annual events, including the Red, White, and Blue Parade and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
7. Rocklin, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 21.2 miles
- Commute time by car: 27 minutes
- Median rent: $2,502, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families looking for a safe, upscale community with excellent schools and recreational opportunities
- Attractions: Quarry Park Adventures, Whitney Oaks Golf Club, Johnson-Springview Park
Why Rocklin is a great place to live
Rocklin is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in California, making it an ideal place for families. The city is known for its top-rated schools, including Rocklin Academy and Whitney High School. Rocklin’s Quarry Park Adventures offers a unique outdoor experience, with zip lines, rock climbing, and a ropes course set in a former granite quarry.
8. West Sacramento, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 2.7 miles
- Commute time by car: 10 minutes
- Commute time by public transit: 17 minutes
- Median rent: $1,949, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Young professionals and families looking for an urban lifestyle with easy access to Sacramento
- Attractions: Raley Field, River Walk Park, Drake’s: The Barn
Why West Sacramento is a great place to live
West Sacramento is located just across the Sacramento River from downtown Sacramento, offering a convenient urban lifestyle with a lower cost of living. The Bridge District is a new, master-planned community featuring modern apartments, restaurants, and public spaces. West Sacramento is home to Raley Field, where the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball team plays, alongside the popular Drake’s: The Barn, a beer garden and event space.
9. Woodland, CA
- Distance from Sacramento: 19.8 miles
- Commute time by car: 33 minutes
- Median rent: $2,037, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families looking for a charming, historic community with a strong agricultural heritage
- Attractions: Historic Downtown Woodland, Woodland Opera House, Cache Creek Nature Preserve
Why Woodland is a great place to live
Woodland is a charming, historic city with a strong agricultural heritage. It is known for its annual Stroll Through History event and the Woodland Tomato Festival. The city’s downtown district features beautifully restored buildings, unique shops, and restaurants. Woodland is also home to the Woodland Opera House, a restored 19th-century theater that hosts plays, concerts, and other cultural events.
From urban convenience to suburban tranquility, the cities near Sacramento offer diverse options for families seeking the perfect place to call home in 2024.
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