California Sacramento
Moving to Sacramento, California
Sacramento, the capital of California, offers a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Known for its unique blend of urban energy and small-town charm, Sacramento caters to all interests. Whether you're visiting or considering a move, the city boasts historic landmarks like Old Sacramento, a thriving arts scene, and a lively downtown with dining and entertainment options.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the city’s parks, riverfront areas, and access to nature reserves, perfect for hiking, biking, or relaxing at Discovery Park. With diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and top healthcare facilities, Sacramento is not only a great destination but also an ideal place to live. Whether you’re drawn to its culture, outdoor lifestyle, or community atmosphere, Sacramento has something for everyone.
Sacramento by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover Sacramento: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Sacramento, California, is a city brimming with diverse local experiences, blending rich history, a vibrant arts scene, and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, enjoying the natural beauty of the area, or diving into the city's lively cultural offerings, Sacramento has something for everyone.
Downtown Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento is the city's heart, where modern life meets historical charm. The area is filled with trendy restaurants, coffee shops, boutique stores, and art galleries, all within walking distance of the city’s famous landmarks. The Sacramento Theatre Company and the Community Center Theater offer a variety of performances, while vibrant local events like the Farm-to-Fork Festival and Sacramento Music Festival bring the community together for unforgettable celebrations.
Sacramento Riverfront
The Sacramento Riverfront is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful parks and recreational opportunities. You can enjoy a relaxing walk along the river, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or hop aboard a riverboat for a guided tour. Discovery Park, where the American and Sacramento rivers meet, is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and events, providing a perfect escape into nature.
Midtown Sacramento
Known for its artsy vibe, Midtown Sacramento is home to vibrant street art, eclectic shops, and a thriving dining scene. The area is perfect for leisurely walks, offering an array of cafes, craft breweries, and local restaurants serving everything from international cuisine to farm-to-table dishes. Midtown is also home to cultural spots like the Crocker Art Museum and the Beatnik Studios, where visitors can immerse themselves in Sacramento’s creative spirit.
With its combination of outdoor adventures, rich history, and dynamic cultural experiences, Sacramento offers an array of local activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this lively city is full of things to explore.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Sacramento, California, is a hub for sports and outdoor recreation, offering activities for athletes, fans, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're participating in local leagues, enjoying outdoor fitness, or cheering for college teams, Sacramento’s active lifestyle is perfect year-round.
Youth Sports
The City of Sacramento offers a wide range of youth sports programs, including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and flag football, through the Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department. These programs are designed to foster teamwork, physical fitness, and a sense of community among young athletes. With state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated coaches, Sacramento's youth sports programs are a great way for children to stay active and build confidence.
College Sports
Sacramento has a rich college sports culture, with Sacramento State University leading the charge. The university's NCAA Division I teams compete in football, basketball, and soccer, drawing crowds of passionate fans. Hornet Stadium hosts exciting football games, while the university’s basketball teams create an electric atmosphere at the Golden 1 Center. College sports are a big part of Sacramento's community pride.
Sacramento State University Athletics
Outdoor Recreation
Sacramento's mild climate and access to the American River make it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports:
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Water Sports: The American River Parkway is a scenic spot for kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding. The river's calm waters make it a favorite for outdoor recreation, with easy access from downtown Sacramento.
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Biking and Running: Sacramento is known for its extensive bike trails, including the American River Bike Trail and the Sacramento River Parkway Trail. These trails are perfect for cycling, running, or simply enjoying the city's beautiful outdoor spaces.
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Golf: Sacramento has numerous public golf courses, such as the prestigious Sacramento Municipal Golf Course and Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, providing options for golfers of all skill levels.
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Parks & Recreation: Sacramento boasts a variety of parks like Discovery Park, which offers excellent picnic spots, hiking, and biking trails. For those who enjoy tennis or basketball, parks like McKinley Park and Curtis Park have well-maintained courts.
Adventures
Adventures
Sacramento, California, offers a wealth of exciting adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers. Whether you're exploring the city's scenic parks, hitting the water for a paddle, or immersing yourself in the area's natural beauty, Sacramento provides a wide range of activities to suit every adventurer. With a perfect mix of outdoor exploration, historical landmarks, and unique urban experiences, there's always something exciting to do in Sacramento.
Sacramento's location along the American River offers countless opportunities for water-based adventures:
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American River Rafting & Kayaking: Known for its calm and scenic stretches, the American River is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. Rent a raft or kayak and float down the river while enjoying stunning views of the Sacramento foothills. Guided tours are available for first-timers or those looking for a more leisurely experience.
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Sacramento River Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the Sacramento River with views of the city’s historic waterfront. These cruises provide a unique perspective of the city, with opportunities for sightseeing and enjoying the beauty of the riverfront.
Outdoor Exploration
Sacramento is filled with lush parks, nature reserves, and trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures:
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Hiking & Biking at American River Parkway: This 23-mile stretch of parkland along the American River is perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk or a more challenging trail, the Parkway offers diverse scenery with views of the river, wildflowers, and wildlife.
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Elk Grove Regional Park: This expansive park offers a variety of activities, from paddle boating on the park’s lake to hiking through wooded areas. It’s a great spot for a day outdoors with picnic areas, sports fields, and a playground for families.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Sacramento, California, offers a vibrant calendar of events year-round, celebrating the city’s rich culture, local history, and diverse community. Whether you're drawn to food festivals, outdoor concerts, or art walks, Sacramento has something for everyone. From the sunny days of summer to the crisp fall evenings, the city hosts events that bring locals and visitors together to enjoy the best of the season.
Sacramento Music Festival - Spring
Every May, Sacramento kicks off the warm season with the Sacramento Music Festival, a lively celebration of jazz, blues, and big band music. Held in the historic Old Sacramento district, the festival features performances by local and national artists, outdoor concerts, and dance floors for those ready to groove to the music. It’s an essential event for music lovers and a great way to experience the heart of Sacramento's arts scene.
Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival - Fall
A nod to the city’s thriving agricultural industry, the Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival takes place every September, celebrating Sacramento’s status as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital of America." This event brings together local chefs, farmers, and food vendors to showcase fresh, seasonal produce and local flavors. Visitors can enjoy farm tours, cooking demonstrations, live music, and delicious dishes made with ingredients sourced right from the Sacramento region. It’s a culinary delight for food enthusiasts of all ages.
Sacramento Jazz Jubilee - Summer
For jazz enthusiasts, the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee is a must-see event held every Memorial Day weekend. Featuring some of the best jazz bands from around the world, this festival takes place in various venues throughout Sacramento, including the historic Railroad Museum and outdoor stages. Visitors can enjoy live jazz, swing dancing, and delicious food, all while soaking in the city’s rich musical history.
Community Resources
Sacramento, California, is home to a comprehensive healthcare system, offering residents and visitors access to a variety of top-tier medical services. With a number of renowned hospitals, specialized treatment centers, and medical facilities, Sacramento ensures individuals of all ages receive the highest level of care across a wide range of specialties.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
UC Davis Medical Center
UC Davis Medical Center is one of Sacramento’s largest and most well-respected healthcare providers. As part of the University of California system, this medical center offers a broad range of services, including emergency care, trauma services, heart care, cancer treatment, and specialized care for women and children. It is also a leader in research and innovation, making it a critical resource for cutting-edge medical treatments and clinical trials.
UC Davis Medical Center
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento is another cornerstone of healthcare in the city, offering a wide variety of services to patients. The hospital provides exceptional care in specialties such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and women’s health. It is also home to a comprehensive cancer care program and advanced surgical services. Known for its compassionate care and advanced medical technologies, Sutter Medical Center serves as a trusted institution for both emergency and routine healthcare needs.
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
Mercy General Hospital
Mercy General Hospital, a part of the Dignity Health network, offers comprehensive medical services with a focus on delivering compassionate care. It provides a wide range of treatments, including emergency services, orthopedic care, cardiac care, and women’s health services. Mercy General is recognized for its patient-first approach and commitment to providing high-quality care to the Sacramento community.
Mercy General Hospital
Sacramento, California, boasts a diverse and robust educational system, offering a range of exceptional learning opportunities from kindergarten through higher education. With a blend of top-rated public schools, respected private institutions, and renowned universities nearby, Sacramento fosters an environment of academic excellence and personal growth.
Public Schools
Sacramento is served by several highly regarded school districts, including Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) and San Juan Unified School District, both of which are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to student success. These districts offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including arts, music, sports, and career-focused programs. Notable schools in the area include:
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Sacramento Charter High School – A well-regarded public high school known for its strong academic focus, college prep courses, and athletic programs.
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C.K. McClatchy High School – A top-ranked public high school in the city, known for its academic rigor and competitive athletics. The school has a strong commitment to college readiness and student achievement.
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Inderkum High School – A diverse and community-focused high school with specialized programs in arts and science.
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John F. Kennedy High School – Known for its STEM programs and focus on preparing students for careers in technology, engineering, and health sciences.
Private Schools:
Sacramento also offers a variety of prestigious private schools, providing personalized education and smaller class sizes. These schools focus on academic excellence and character development. Notable private institutions include:
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Sacramento Country Day School – A highly regarded private school that offers a rigorous academic curriculum, along with a strong emphasis on arts, athletics, and social responsibility.
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Jesuit High School – A private Catholic school that combines strong academic programs with an emphasis on spiritual growth, community service, and leadership development.
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The King's Academy – A private Christian school known for its strong academic performance, athletics, and character-building programs.
Colleges:
Sacramento is home to several respected higher education institutions, making it an ideal destination for students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Notable institutions include:
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California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) – A comprehensive public university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, arts, and health sciences. The university is known for its vibrant campus life, research opportunities, and commitment to community engagement.
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Sacramento City College (SCC) – A well-regarded community college that provides affordable education and strong programs in nursing, business, and technology. SCC is a great stepping stone for students looking to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with specialized skills.
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University of California, Davis (UC Davis) – Located just a short drive from Sacramento, UC Davis is one of the top public universities in the U.S., known for its world-class programs in agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies.
Sacramento's education system is known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed, whether in local schools or at prestigious universities nearby. With diverse options for students of all ages, the city is an excellent place to pursue both primary and higher education.
Sacramento, California, offers dependable utilities and well-managed government services that contribute to the city's high quality of life. From water and energy to public administration and civic services, Sacramento ensures residents and businesses have access to the essential resources they need to thrive. Here’s an overview of the city’s key utilities and government agencies that help Sacramento run smoothly.
Utilities:
Water and Sewer Services
Sacramento’s water and wastewater services are provided by the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. The department manages drinking water distribution, stormwater drainage, and wastewater treatment with a strong focus on sustainability and infrastructure reliability. It also leads conservation efforts through rebate programs, water-wise gardening tips, and community education. The city draws much of its water from the American and Sacramento Rivers, ensuring a local and secure water supply.
Electricity and Gas
Electric service in Sacramento is provided by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), a publicly owned utility known for reliable power and a strong commitment to clean energy. SMUD offers competitive rates, energy-efficiency incentives, and programs to help residents and businesses lower their energy usage and carbon footprint. It’s also one of the nation's leaders in transitioning to renewable power.
Natural gas in the region is supplied by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). PG&E delivers safe and efficient natural gas services while offering energy-saving programs and tools to help customers monitor and reduce consumption. The utility is also investing in infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and reliability.
Government Agencies:
Sacramento operates under a City Council-City Manager form of government. The Mayor serves as the political leader and represents the city on major initiatives, while the City Manager oversees day-to-day operations of city departments. The city government focuses on public safety, sustainability, transportation, and economic development.
City departments like Public Works, Community Development, and Parks and Recreation provide a range of services including infrastructure maintenance, urban planning, permitting, and public space management. The city also promotes civic engagement through accessible services, neighborhood outreach, and digital tools for residents.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.