You could definitely say the coronavirus has had an impact on the way we live and work. In fact, a new Harris Poll says that nearly 1/3 of Americans considered moving to a less densely populated city over the last six months. For example, in San Franciso, many were already struggling with Bay Area real estate prices but were stuck staying close to work. Now that many companies are allowing employees to work from home, some permanently, living options and the desire for more space is driving people out of the more densely populated urban areas. And guess which city landed in the top five places with the biggest gains in new residents? You guessed it, Sacramento, California. So if you are thinking about making a move and wondering if Sacramento is the right choice for you and your family, here are four reasons why now is a great time to make a move.
Location is Everything
Sacramento is a place where you’ll find everything from the arts to the outdoors—a region full of cultural experiences that will surprise you. Rich in history, community, arts, wine, craft beer, outdoor adventures, and award-winning cuisine, it offers pretty much everything today’s new home buyer is looking for. And the best part? Drive two hours in any direction and you are in some of the best locations Northern California has to offer such as Napa, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco.
It’s the Farm-to-Fork Capital
If you love amazing food, then you’ll love living in Sacramento. You might even say this is the nation’s birthplace of the “Farm to Fork” movement, with its nearly 1.5 million acres of farmland producing about 165 varieties of produce. And since about 2012, the Sacramento food scene has been on the rise, inspired by the surrounding agriculture. With no shortage of amazing dining options, the region includes more than a dozen Michelin Star restaurants.
The Great Outdoors
Sacramento offers more than 250 days of sunshine every year, making it one of the best places for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. The city sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers and features more hiking, biking, and walking trails than you can imagine. Full of parks (it is the City of Trees after all), these sanctuaries provide opportunities to enjoy peaceful weekend activities such as jogging, tennis, and picnics with the family.
If you love wine tasting or craft beer, this is where you want to be. Sacramento is nestled in between two of California’s greatest wine regions, the Amador and El Dorado foothills, and features more than 200 wineries. If beer is your thing, the farm-to-fork movement has lead to the opening of more than 50 local breweries in Sacramento alone.
Affordable Homes
Imagine living surrounded by all these lifestyle amenities in a home you can actually afford? Known for its affordable housing options, Sacramento is unique among California’s major real estate markets in that is more affordable than most especially when compared to the Bay Area or Southern California. In fact, a recent study by the Home Buying Institute stated Sacramento was the second-highest metro area in the nation for “net inflow” of home buyers from other areas. And while Sacramento has an urban downtown area, it also offers many outlying areas ideal for families looking for bigger homes with larger yards in communities with strong school districts, shopping, parks, and more.
