Truth be told, moving to Sacramento probably isn’t everybody’s first idea when it comes to living in Cali. There are glitzier, trendier spots that might catch your eye first. But don’t let that fool you – Sactown is all that, and more, packed with surprises that will make you fall in love with its laid-back vibe and vibrant spirit. Here’s a closer look at the California capital and what you can expect.
Exploring Sacramento’s Secrets – Here’s Where You’ll Be Heading
Everyone seems to have their sights set on the glitz of Los Angeles or the tech buzz of San Francisco. However, the tides are changing, and living in Sacramento has its hidden perks, and recently, they’ve been starting to show. It’s like the cool, underrated sibling who’s just chilling and relaxing while everyone is busy fawning over the flashy, popular kids.
We know what you’re thinking – are people moving to Sacramento? Is it even considered a popular location? Well, the numbers paint a clear picture – it’s the fastest-growing city in the state. Looks like the secret’s out – there are plenty of reasons why Sactown might just be calling your name.
A Quick Guide Into Cali’s Cool Capital
Founded in 1839, the Sacramento Valley region and the town itself became an important hub during the Gold Rush. Many people flocked here, and soon after, it was proclaimed the state capital.
Today, Sactown is known for its diversity, relaxed vibe, and fast growth. One-fifth of its residents came from outside of the US, so you’ve got an interesting melting pot of cultures going on, which for some people is enough of a reason to move. Also, a quarter of the residents are minors, so if you’re relocating with kids, you can rest assured they’ll make friends quite fast.
The Weather Is Nice and the Location Is Even Better
What makes Sactown perfect, especially if you’re an outdoorsy type, is its location. The city sits on a confluence of rivers, so there’s an opportunity for rafting, rowing, or jet skiing. The Bay Area and San Francisco are some two-hour drive away, as are Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Basically, wherever you turn, there’s an opportunity to have a great weekend getaway.
This spot shares the climate with its coastal counterparts. Sure, the humidity is usually lower, but it has scorching summers and mild winters as well. Also, unlike coastal regions, you don’t have to worry about earthquakes. The only significant downside is pollen – in fact, Sactown has been declared one of the worst American cities for people suffering from allergies.
Where to Search for a Job After Moving to Sacramento
Now that we’ve got geography out of the way, let’s turn to everyone’s either favorite or least favorite topic – money. Of course, the smart thing would be to get a job before you move, which requires doing some research ahead of time.
In Sactown, the biggest employers are administration and healthcare institutions. Intel, the famous tech company, also has a strong presence, employing more than 6,000 people in the area. All in all, as with most places, IT skills are highly valued, so keep that in mind if you’re relocating for a job.
What About the Average Annual Salary?
The average annual salary in Sactown is somewhere around $70,000. Of course, you can earn more than that as a project manager, software engineer, or in other engineer or managerial positions. But what’s enough for living the good life here? Other than the relocation budget, let’s take a look at what kind of hits your wallet needs to be able to take to enjoy your new home.
A Short Guide to the Cost of Living – What’s the Price Tag on This Paradise?
Year after year, California is ranked high among the most desirable states in the US. However, such things usually come with higher price tags. Still, the cost of living in Sacramento is much more affordable than in Los Angeles or the cities in the Bay Area, such as San Francisco.
For a detailed overview of the costs, you can always check out websites such as Numbeo. Rent in downtown areas stands at an average of $3,500 for larger and $2,100 for smaller apartments. If you plan to settle outside of the center, or you’re relocating to the suburbs, the respective rents are $2,900 and $1,700. A monthly bill for basic utilities, such as electricity, heating, and water, amounts to an average of $390.
What About the Taxes?
If there’s something nobody likes, it’s taxes. But since the IRS comes on its own like clockwork, we’ve all got to think about this dreaded chore. First, the sales tax. It stands at a combined rate of 8.75%, including state, country, and city rates.
Property tax is quite low, at 1.1%, but the income tax ranges from 1% to 12.3%, which is more than double the US average. You’ll definitely be thinking about this one long and hard before even contacting your chosen relocation and auto transport company.
Where to Find Your Perfect Sacramento Slice of Heaven
When it comes to the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, we have to start with East Sactown, where every street is lined with trees. In fact, Sac is known as the City of Trees, with an estimated 1 million of these green wonders sprawled all across the area.
East Sacramento is close to our next picks, the downtown and midtown. Both of them are great choices, no matter if you’re relocating alone or doing it for a relationship. There are plenty of good places to walk or ride a bicycle, combined with cozy joints to have a cup of coffee and eat while surrounded by marvelous architecture. They are also great for raising a family since they are overall safe and packed with good schools.
Among other family-friendly areas is the Land Park, perfect for those relocating from an apartment to a house. Our last pick would be Tahoe Park, an affordable part of town with beautiful, big houses.
And while you’re researching places to call home, why not leave the boring stuff to a long-distance moving company? To really not have to lift a finger, you can book full packing services – the professional long-distance movers will sweep in and literally take care of everything. Sounds ideal, right?
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Read moreAnd What About Getting Around Sactown?
Companies such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offer one important service – auto transport, as the name implies. This brings us to another important topic – traffic and transportation options.
So, the first option would be to hire a relocation and car shipping company and get your four-wheeler on this cross-country moving adventure with you. Once there, you can take your time to get to know the new surroundings, at your own place. Let’s just be clear on one thing – while Sacramentans will tell you that the traffic is awful, it’s a paradise when compared to… well, any other bigger city. It is all a matter of perspective, in a way.
As for public transport, there are buses and light rail. One of the three rail lines was recently extended to Folsom. Yes, that Folsom, country lovers. Speaking of unique things to do in Sacramento… And if you wish to go further, Sacramento International Airport is nearby, and there are plenty of other ones within driving distance.
The Fun Part – What to See and What to Do
As Sactown grew over the years, the number of things to do and see also grew. For example, if you’re relocating with your partner, there are endless fun things to do in Sacramento for couples. You can take a walk around Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park or visit the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Among all the exciting places, there’s one thing you simply cannot skip – Lake Tahoe. This natural gem is located on the border between California and Nevada and provides endless outdoor activities. Around the lake, there are more than a dozen ski resorts and seven areas for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature.
Top Spots to Send Your Future Scholar in Sactown
Of course, if you have little ones, education is one of the most important aspects you’ll be considering. Sactown got you covered in that department, too. The local population is quite educated, with more people holding a bachelor’s degree than the national average. Here are the educational institutions you should be on the lookout for:
- The California State College,
- California State University in Sacramento,
- Consumnes River College.
Best Bars and Restaurants in Town
What’s the town without a proper joint or two? Luckily, there are many, but that tale begins and ends with tacos. Whichever flavor you prefer, there is a restaurant, truck, or stand that sells it. There’s no way going around it – Sacramentans simply love tacos.
And there, in between taco joints, are other best restaurants in Sacramento. There is, for example, Masullo Pizza (obviously Italian), South (again self-explanatory), or Shady Lady Saloon (essentially a speakeasy from the Prohibition era). All in all, wherever you turn, you’ll be in for a new discovery and a chance to meet new neighbors.
So Is Sacramento a Good Place to Live? Hell Yeah!
There you have it. You’re about to join the ranks of the coolest folks who know that while LA might have the stars, Sactown has the charm. With its laid-back vibe, great food, and unexpected surprises around every corner, you’ll quickly discover that this place isn’t just a pit stop – it’s where the real adventure begins.
Ready to make your Sac dreams a reality? It’s time to call Sacramento cross-country movers and ask for their long-distance moving services. Why not focus on exploring the new city while our team at Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving handles the rest? Contact us today, and we’ll make sure the move is as smooth and hassle-free as a stroll through the Sacramento Riverwalk!