Moving to Sacramento, CA: What I Wish I Knew Before the Move

We moved from the Bay Area to Rocklin in 2021, and these are the lessons we wish someone had told us. The biggest reason most people move here is value: compared with the Bay Area, the Sacramento region offers brand-new homes and established neighborhoods at prices that are far more realistic. There is also real momentum, with new communities, parks, schools and shopping centers opening across the region.

This guide is from Living In Northern California, a Realty of America team led by Rose and Steven Gonzales. For the full relocation overview, read our Moving to Sacramento guide.

When people say Sacramento, they usually mean the whole region: the city plus suburbs in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties, including Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova. Think regionally, not just city limits. Our top cities guide compares them.

New three- and four-bedroom homes in suburbs like Roseville sell at prices that would be out of reach in much of the Bay Area, and new master plans build parks, trails and schools alongside the homes. Established neighborhoods offer mature trees, larger lots and often lower Mello-Roos. We help clients compare both. See new construction and buying a home.

The region's employment base is broad. Health systems recruit nurses, doctors and allied health professionals; state government is a major employer; construction is busy because of all the building; and there are tech offices, a growing number of remote workers, and military bases within a reasonable drive.

Summer heat

Summers are long, and several stretches of triple-digit heat each year are normal. Evenings stay warm compared with the coast. Air conditioning is essential, and you will plan weekends around pools, lakes and trips to the mountains or the coast.

Construction

Ongoing building means road work, noise and the occasional nail in a tire, especially if you live next to a developing parcel.

Healthcare appointments

Healthcare is a big employer, but rapid growth means some appointments, especially specialty and pediatric ones, can book out. Research providers and health systems before you choose a neighborhood, and set up appointments early.

• Visit neighborhoods at 7 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. to see traffic, noise and sun.
• Find out what is planned nearby: new roads, schools or commercial centers.
• Prioritize a home with a strong cooling system and good windows.
• Read the HOA rules in new communities carefully.
• Use neighborhood social channels and community events to find doctors, gyms and go-to restaurants faster.
• If you plan to buy new construction, bring your own agent on your first model home visit.

Ready to plan your move? Download our free relocation guide, see how we help relocating buyers, or contact us.