Sacramento is one of the most underrated cities in the state of California. With a 2025 population of 526,954, it’s big enough to offer opportunities and culture, but small enough that prices remain reasonable, and the sense of community stays strong.
The Golden State’s spotlight often falls on the Bay Area or Southern California. But for people in the know, Sacramento might be the perfect place to find a balance of space, affordability, and quality of life.
If you’re thinking about moving to Sacramento, this guide breaks down what life here really looks like. Get the lowdown on the cost of living in Sacramento, the job market, neighborhoods, and even fun things to do in Sacramento, whether you’re moving to California for work, lifestyle, or just a fresh start.
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1. Crime and safety in Sacramento vary greatly by neighborhood
Is Sacramento, CA, safe? The honest answer is that it depends where you land. The city as a whole earns a D+ grade on CrimeGrade, ranking in the 30th percentile for safety. That means it’s safer than just 30% of U.S. cities and less safe than the remaining 70%.
Here’s how the numbers break down: Sacramento’s overall crime rate is approximately 32 incidents per 1,000 residents per year, which works out to about a 1 in 31 chance of being affected by crime.
Safest neighborhoods in Sacramento
Based on reported crime rates and community feedback, the three safest neighborhoods include:
Village 12: Located in North Natomas, this neighborhood sees lower crime volumes than most of Sacramento and is considered one of the safest places to live.
South East Sacramento: Residents in this part of the city report lower crime rates and often describe it as quiet and family-oriented.
East Sacramento: A popular and historic area with tree-lined streets and a strong residential feel, ranking as one of the safest places in the city.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Sacramento
Some neighborhoods in Sacramento see significantly higher crime volumes:
Downtown: Dense, walkable, and active day and night, Downtown sees elevated rates of both violent and property crime.
Midtown: While popular for its nightlife and food scene, Midtown also reports higher-than-average incidents of break-ins and vandalism.
Mansion Flats: A historic neighborhood just north of Downtown, Mansion Flats sees more crime than most other residential areas in the city.
2. The Sacramento housing market has cooled slightly but remains competitive
The average home value in Sacramento is currently $486,652, according to Zillow, down about 2.1% from a year ago. While that suggests some cooling, homes are still selling quickly, often within two weeks of listing.
Compared to California’s statewide average (over $780,000), Sacramento remains relatively affordable, especially for buyers relocating from the Bay Area, where median home prices exceed $1 million.
Renters will find a similar story. The average rent in Sacramento is now around $1,921 per month. But long-term projections still point to growth. Many include Sacramento among a group of cities poised to become “million-dollar markets” within the next decade.
3. Crime and safety in Sacramento vary greatly by neighborhood
Is Sacramento, CA, safe? The honest answer is that it depends where you land. The city as a whole earns a D+ grade on CrimeGrade, ranking in the 30th percentile for safety. That means it’s safer than just 30% of U.S. cities and less safe than the remaining 70%.
Here’s how the numbers break down: Sacramento’s overall crime rate is approximately 32 incidents per 1,000 residents per year, which works out to about a 1 in 31 chance of being affected by crime.
Safest neighborhoods in Sacramento
Based on reported crime rates and community feedback, the three safest neighborhoods include:
Village 12: Located in North Natomas, this neighborhood sees lower crime volumes than most of Sacramento and is considered one of the safest places to live.
South East Sacramento: Residents in this part of the city report lower crime rates and often describe it as quiet and family-oriented.
East Sacramento: A popular and historic area with tree-lined streets and a strong residential feel, ranking as one of the safest places in the city.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Sacramento
Some neighborhoods in Sacramento see significantly higher crime volumes:
Downtown: Dense, walkable, and active day and night, Downtown sees elevated rates of both violent and property crime.
Midtown: While popular for its nightlife and food scene, Midtown also reports higher-than-average incidents of break-ins and vandalism.
Mansion Flats: A historic neighborhood just north of Downtown, Mansion Flats sees more crime than most other residential areas in the city.
4. The Sacramento housing market has cooled slightly but remains competitive
The average home value in Sacramento is currently $486,652, according to Zillow, down about 2.1% from a year ago. While that suggests some cooling, homes are still selling quickly, often within two weeks of listing.
Compared to California’s statewide average (over $780,000), Sacramento remains relatively affordable, especially for buyers relocating from the Bay Area, where median home prices exceed $1 million.
Renters will find a similar story. The average rent in Sacramento is now around $1,921 per month. But long-term projections still point to growth. Many include Sacramento among a group of cities poised to become “million-dollar markets” within the next decade.
4. The Sacramento job market offers decent pay but lags behind in opportunity
Sacramento’s job market pays relatively well, but it’s not especially strong when it comes to job availability. According to U.S. News and World Report, the median household income in Sacramento is $86,762, which beats the national median of $79,466. Despite higher earnings, the city’s unemployment rate sits at 5.2%, above the national average of 4.5%.
Still, some sectors are holding strong. Government jobs remain a backbone of the local economy thanks to Sacramento’s role as the state capital. Health care, education, and clean energy also continue to expand. The job market here ranks about average when compared to similar metro areas, with a Job Market Index score of 4.9 out of 10. That means Sacramento offers decent salaries but can be competitive, especially in specialized fields.
5. The best places to live in Sacramento offer something for everyone
Here are three standout neighborhoods frequently cited as the best places to live in Sacramento, each an excellent choice in a different way:
Best for families: East Sacramento
East Sacramento feels like the kind of neighborhood where people settle in and stay a while. With quiet, tree-lined streets, beautiful older homes, and nice schools, it’s a favorite for families who want space and stability.
McKinley Park is a local gem. Everything from coffee to groceries is just a short bike ride away. Plus, it was featured in the Oscar-winning film Lady Bird!
Best for young adults: Downtown Sacramento
If you want to be in the heart of things, Downtown is where it happens. It’s walkable, social, and packed with local restaurants, coffee shops, and venues. The energy is constant, whether you're heading to a Kings game or finding a new brunch spot.
Best for safety: Village 12
Located in North Natomas, this area has lower crime rates, newer housing, and a suburban feel that still connects easily to the rest of the city. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants peace of mind.
6. There are fun things to do in Sacramento all year-round thanks to the beautiful weather
Sacramento has a creative pulse, a love for the outdoors, and year-round activities for every kind of visitor or resident. Here’s how to make it a good time:
Fun things to do in Sacramento with kids
Visit the California State Railroad Museum to explore restored trains and hands-on exhibits.
Spend an afternoon at Fairytale Town, a storybook-themed park with play sets and farm animals.
Head to the Sacramento Zoo to see everything from red pandas to giraffes.
Ride bikes together on the American River Trail, a scenic path stretching over 30 miles.
Explore Old Sacramento State Historic Park, where kids can learn Gold Rush history while walking wooden sidewalks and watching riverboats.
Fun things to do in Sacramento for adults
Check out the Crocker Art Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Californian art.
Grab a drink and play retro arcade games at Coin-Op Game Room, or try your hand at mini golf and cocktails at Tipsy Putt.
Catch a live show at Ace of Spades or relax with some jazz at the historic Torch Club.
Experience the thriving local bar scene.
Take a wine tasting ride on the Old Vine Express, a seasonal train that combines local wine with scenic views.
Fun things to do in Sacramento for couples
Enjoy a romantic walk through Capitol Park or visit the World Peace Rose Garden.
Book a sunset river cruise for a quiet evening on the water.
Have dinner at one of Sacramento’s many farm-to-fork restaurants like Magpie Café.
Catch a show at the B Street Theatre, known for its intimate space and quality performances.
Take a seasonal trip to Apple Hill or a weekend drive to nearby wine country for a relaxing escape.
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Pros and Cons of Living in Sacramento, California
Like anywhere, Sacramento has its trade-offs. But for most people considering a move, the upsides tend to outweigh the drawbacks.
Here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of living in Sacramento, California, based on what we've covered.
Pros
Lower home prices compared to coastal California cities
Strong median income relative to national average
Access to outdoor recreation, bike trails, and riverfront parks
Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools
A growing food and farm-to-fork scene
Active cultural institutions, local music, and seasonal festivals
Close to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and San Francisco
Public transit options and walkable urban cores
Warm, dry climate with long summers
Cons
Higher overall cost of living than the national average
Crime rates vary sharply by neighborhood
Job market lags behind national averages in opportunity
Hot summers can reach triple digits
Poor air quality during wildfire season
Thinking About Moving to Sacramento?
If the idea of lower housing prices, strong neighborhoods, and year-round sunshine sounds appealing — and a few trade-offs like hot summers and a competitive job market don’t scare you off — then moving to Sacramento might be the right move.
When you’re ready to get going, Colonial Van Lines is here to help. With more than 50 years of experience as long-distance movers, our team is ready to manage the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home. Get your free quote today!