Top Greater Sacramento Top 8 cities-which one is right for you?
The Greater Sacramento Metropolitan area has several quality cities to live in. Find out which one is best for you!
In the heart of sunny California, the most populous state in the USA, lies the Sacramento Metropolitan area.
This area is generally considered to cover seven California counties
Greater Sacramento Top 8 cities population is about 2,680,831
Greater Sacramento straddles the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is heavily influenced by the metropolitan cultures of the Bay Area, Northern California, and Eastern California. It’s a culturally, ethnically diverse community that is also home to some of the most beautiful natural sites in California.
A Brief History of the Greater Sacramento Area
The Greater Sacramento Area begins, with Sacramento, the capital city of California. It is the largest city in the area. In keeping with the history of many California towns, it saw its first population boom in the gold rush period. Gold was first discovered in the northeast city of Sutter’s Mill.
Railroad
After the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed, Sacramento became the largest transportation hub on the West Coast and remains one of the busiest rail transport systems in America today.
Greater Sacramento Area
From Sacramento, several other cities and counties comprising the area have grown significantly in the last several decades. A majority of the counties and cities around Sacramento have become commuter hubs, with workers traveling into Sacramento or the nearby Bay Area for work but living in smaller and quieter cities in Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, or Placer County.
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Additional counties
The remaining counties of Yuba, Sutter, and Nevada may contain some commuters but are generally more rural in nature. These counties are also the site of many ski resorts and parks. The Donner Memorial State Park is located in Nevada County, which also, along with the counties of El Dorado and Placer, borders the gorgeous and popular Lake Tahoe. The western half of the region is made up primarily of the Sierra Nevada and its foothills.
The Greater Sacramento Area
The Top 8 Greater Sacramento cites
With the gorgeous scenery and multiple cultural attractions, it’s no surprise that the Greater Sacramento Top 8 cities are a popular place to live.
However, there are many options to choose from when deciding what part of the area to live in.
More to choose from
If you want a more urban area, you’ll want to stay closer to Sacramento or make your home in one of the nearby commuter counties (Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, or El Dorado). If you want a more rural scene with some urban perks, try to get a place in one of the more rural counties (Nevada, Yuba, or Sutter).
Climate
Sacramento, the Greater Sacramento Top 8 cities and the valley surrounding it have a Mediterranean climate which is generally warm with hot, dry summers and cooler, damp winters with most rain falling from October to April. The eastern Sacramento area experiences a much wider range of temperatures, ranging from well below freezing in winter months to temperatures nearing 100 degrees in summer.
Education
There are rich educational opportunities near Sacramento. Several community colleges have sprung up in the region, while the University of California, University of California, Davis, and California State University Sacramento also attract thousands of students.
Highways
Several major highways meet in the region, including Interstate 80, US Route 50, Interstate 5, and State Route 99. A large bus system connects the Sacramento region to the Reno and Bay Area and other cities within the metropolitan area.
There is so much to do
Besides all the technical details, you’ll find that the Sacramento area is a fun place to live! You can explore hundreds of bike trails and hiking trails in the Sierras or along the Sacramento River and American River. You can ski at any one of the dozens of beautiful resorts in the area. Swimming is a delight for much of the year with Sacramento’s great climate.
Farming/Restaurants/ Wineries/etc.
There are tons of farmers in the area, allowing for some fantastic grocery options as well as dozens of delicious restaurant dishes supplied by local crops and meats. Multiple wineries and breweries can also be found in many of the area’s cities. Plus, as such a hub of travel, you’ll find all kinds of cultures represented in the metropolitan area.
Overall, no matter what kind of activities you enjoy, if you want to live in a beautiful, affordable, culturally diverse area of California, the Greater Sacramento Metropolitan area may be just what you’re looking for!
The Cities of the Greater Sacramento Metropolitan Area
In the Greater Sacramento Top 8 cities there are dozens of cities, from large metropolises to small incorporated communities. In addition to Sacramento, large cities of over 100,000 residents include Elk Grove and Roseville, while dozens of cities and incorporated areas with fewer than 100,000 residents make up the rest of the community.
While each city is valuable to the area and unique in its makeup, there are 8 Greater Sacramento (Top) cities that stand out as the top cities in the area. These cities include:
Let’s take a quick look at each of these cities.
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills is an incorporated community located in the lush rolling hills of California, 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe and 40 minutes from Sacramento. Located beside Folsom Lake, El Dorado Hills is a thriving community with several high-quality schools, lots of community activities, and a variety of art and wine festivals.
Citrus Heights
Located along Interstate 80, Citrus Heights is a small but prosperous city just a few miles north of Sacramento, right near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The city is one of the most seismically steady in the region and is home to incredibly popular shopping centers and many local businesses.
Granite Bay
Granite Bay is located just 25 miles Northeast of Sacramento on the North shore of Folsom Lake. It’s a small community that prides itself on its strong community values, great schools, numerous churches, low crime rate, and exclusive, luxurious homes.
Rocklin
Nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Sutter-Butte mountain range, Rocklin is a gorgeous, hilly town with much to recommend it. Proximity to Folsom Lake, downtown Sacramento, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bay Area make it a coveted location to call home. A high quality of life and community of friendly citizens keep the city a great place to live as it nears the end of its opportunity for growth (15 Best Things to Do in Rocklin).
Folsom
The city is located along Folsom Lake and Dam and is proud of its rich cultural heritage and many opportunities for outdoor exploration. Home to the famous Folsom Prison and 48 beautiful parks, in addition to tons of great dining opportunities, you’ll always find something to entertain you in Folsom!
Lincoln
Deep in Placer County, Lincoln, California is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA. It’s a tight-knit community with a vibrant arts and culture scene and a rich historical downtown area. Beautiful parks and an active local library are only a few pieces of the growing community that make Lincoln a wonderful place to call home.
Roseville
From its beginning as an agricultural center for gold miners and their families, Roseville has grown to become one of California’s most prominent sports centers and business centers. Several large businesses have headquartered in the city, which is also known for its affordable housing, thousands of acres of open lands and parks, and conservationist practices for its water and energy supplies.
Rancho Cordova
A truly All-American City, Rancho Cordova prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and highly diverse population. The diverse city offers hundreds of regular events, multiple educational opportunities for students, and an up-and-coming arts scene. With 26 miles of biker and pedestrian trails and a rich farming culture, Rancho Cordova is a city that is just as healthy to live in as it is entertaining.
Conclusion
If you would like to take a closer look at each of these 8 top cities, to include 4 additional cities in the same area, please see below.
They are:
- El Dorado Hills
- Citrus Heights
- Granite Bay
- Rocklin
- Folsom
- Lincoln
- Roseville
- Rancho Cordova
- Auburn
- Placerville
- Cameron Park
- Lake Tahoe
But, overall, I think you’ll find that the Greater Sacramento Metropolitan area is one rich in cultural diversity, fascinating historical sites, and high-quality housing and education for families of any size or shape.
Tri-Valley Area
My real estate spans from the East Bay (Tri-Valley) to the Greater Sacramento area.
If you would like to know more about the Tri-Valley area, please read: “Everything you need to know about the Tri-Valley area”
To better understand what each city has to offer, I have created a Pros and Cons videos and articles for each Tri-Valley Area:
To get my TOP PICKS for properties in the Tri-Valley area, please see below:
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If you are thinking about purchasing or selling a home, please reach out to me by text, phone, or email.
If it is convenient, I can schedule a Zoom chat so we can discuss your home goals. Wishing you all the best on your home journey. Cheers!
eXp Realty
(925) 980-4603
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