Think You’re Built for Sacramento? These 6 Things Say Otherwise!

Hey, it’s Jake DaRosa here with The DaRosa Real Estate Team. As someone who’s lived in the Greater Sacramento area for over 48 years—and helped hundreds of families relocate here—I’ve heard just about every surprise people run into after making the move.

Some say, “I wish I would’ve known this before moving.” Others are genuinely shocked. So let’s break it down.

Here are 6 things that might catch you off guard when you move to the Sacramento area—and what you need to know to be ready for them.

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1. It Gets HOT (Like, Really Hot)

Let’s talk weather. Summers here are no joke. Sacramento typically averages about 23 days over 100°F each year—but in 2024, we had 45 days hit triple digits. And it’s not just the peak heat. The hot season stretches longer, often cutting spring short and extending well into September and October.

On the flip side, our winters are super mild—think 40s, 50s, and low 60s. If you’re from somewhere like Colorado or Idaho, you’ll probably love it. But if you can’t take the heat... well, you’ve been warned.

2. Traffic Is No Fun

Whether you’re commuting from Roseville, Elk Grove, or out toward Folsom, you’re going to hit congestion. We’ve got three major corridors—Highway 80, 50, and 99—that get packed during rush hours.

Part of the reason? We’re the state capital. Thousands of government employees commute daily. And while Caltrans has some freeway widening projects in the works, they’re slow-moving at best. That Roseville-to-Downtown run can easily take 45 minutes (or more) each way during peak times.

3. Air Quality Isn’t Always Great

Sacramento is known as the "City of Trees"—we’ve got more trees per square mile than almost anywhere. It’s beautiful, but it also means pollen. If you’ve got allergies, spring might be rough.

Then there’s fire season. When wildfires hit nearby counties (especially Placer or El Dorado), the smoke can drift in and linger. There have been days when we’re told to stay inside. If clean, clear air is a must for you, this could be a deal breaker.

4. The Cost of Living Can Catch You Off Guard

Let’s be real: living in California isn’t cheap, and Sacramento is no exception.

A few quick points:

• Energy bills are high—especially if you’re with PG&E (Placer and El Dorado Counties). I know people who pay $500–$1,000 a month just to keep their home running. Solar can help a lot.

• If you’re in Sacramento County like me (Fair Oaks area), you’ll have SMUD. It’s more affordable, but rates are climbing too.

• New home communities often come with extra taxes like Mello-Roos, which can add thousands of dollars per year to your property taxes.

• And don’t forget about gas prices—we’re among the highest in the country.
  
  

The cost of living is manageable for many, but definitely something to plan for.

5. Suburban Sprawl = Car Life

Unless you’re living right in Downtown Sacramento, you’re probably not walking to the grocery store or the game. Most of our newer housing developments are in suburban areas—beautiful, spacious, and quiet—but you’ll need a car.

Public transit here is pretty limited. We’ve got buses and light rail, but nothing close to what you’d find in San Francisco or even Portland. Expect to drive for most things: shopping, restaurants, entertainment.

6. The Roads… Yeah, They’re Rough

This one doesn’t make headlines, but it’s all over local social media: the roads here are a mess.

From major highways to side streets, potholes and poor maintenance are common complaints. And nobody seems to know where the tax dollars are going. This can lead to expensive wear-and-tear on your car and a lot of frustration—especially if you’re used to smooth streets.

So—Is Sacramento Still Worth It?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t still be here after nearly five decades if it wasn’t.

But my job is to give it to you straight. These are the things that catch people by surprise, and I want you to be informed before making your move.

If you're thinking about relocating to the Greater Sacramento area, I’ve got something for you:
👉 Download Our FREE Relocation Guide. It’s packed with helpful info—top employers, best hospitals, schools, local neighborhoods—and it’ll save you hours of research.

And of course, if you have any questions about neighborhoods, schools, or just life in general out here—reach out. Whether you're planning a move next week or next year, my team and I are here to help.