Why Sacramento Is One of the Best Places to Live in 2025

Thinking of making a move in 2025? Discover why Sacramento, California, is topping the charts as one of the best places to live this year. In this blog post, we break down the top reasons Sacramento stands out in 2025—and why it might just be your next hometown.

John Wilder

4/29/20252 min read

Why Sacramento Is One of the Best Places to Live in 2025

Sacramento, California’s capital, is increasingly recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. With its blend of affordability, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Sacramento offers a compelling lifestyle for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Top Rankings & Recognition In 2023, Forbes named Sacramento the best place to live in California, considering factors like city size, crime rates, diversity, cost of living, and community amenities . Additionally, Money magazine included Sacramento in its 2024 list of the 50 best places to live in the United States, highlighting its thriving economy, affordability, diversity, and exceptional quality of life .

Affordability with Big-City Perks Compared to coastal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sacramento offers a more affordable cost of living. For instance, the cost of living in Sacramento is approximately 37.1% lower than in San Francisco . This affordability, combined with urban amenities, makes it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing lifestyle.

Outdoor Lifestyle & Natural Beauty Known as the “City of Trees,” Sacramento boasts an extensive park system and the scenic American River Parkway, a 23-mile stretch ideal for cycling and nature enthusiasts . Its proximity to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Bay Area offers residents easy access to diverse recreational activities.

Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene Sacramento’s cultural landscape is rich and diverse. The Wide Open Walls mural festival has transformed the city into an open-air gallery, showcasing over 140 murals by artists worldwide . Institutions like the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi, and the California State Railroad Museum offer deep dives into art and history.

Diverse & Welcoming Communities Neighborhoods like Midtown and East Sacramento offer unique vibes, from historic charm to modern urban living. The city’s diversity is reflected in its communities, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all residents.

Education & Career Opportunities Sacramento is home to reputable institutions like the Sacramento City Unified School District and the University of California, Davis. As the state capital, it offers abundant job opportunities in government, healthcare, and education sectors.

Conclusion Sacramento’s blend of affordability, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it a top choice for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy retirement, Sacramento has something to offer.

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References:

1. CBS News. (2023, July 10). Sacramento ranked the best place to live in California, Forbes says. CBS News Sacramento. https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/sacramento-ranked-best-place-to-live-in-california

2. Money Magazine. (2024). 50 best places to live in the U.S. in 2024. Money. https://money.com/best-places-to-live

3. Salary.com. (n.d.). Cost of living comparison between San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/compare/san-francisco-ca/sacramento-ca

4. American River Parkway Foundation. (n.d.). The parkway. https://arpf.org

5. Wide Open Walls. (n.d.). Murals and public art. https://www.wideopenwalls.com