Why Is Everyone Leaving Greater Sacramento? 🤔 (And Should You Still Move Here?)

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Hey everyone, Jake here with the DaRosa Real Estate Team!

Lately, I’ve been getting a ton of questions like:
“Why is everyone leaving the Sacramento area? Should I even consider moving here?”

The truth is, the story is a lot more nuanced. Let’s break it down.

Is Everyone Really Leaving Sacramento?

According to the California Department of Finance, the data actually paints a mixed picture:

• El Dorado County lost about 260 residents (0.14% of its population).

• Sacramento County lost 3,500 residents (~0.22%).

• Placer County gained around 2,000 residents (0.5% increase).

So while some people are leaving, others are moving in—meaning Sacramento isn’t emptying out anytime soon.

Quality of Life 🌳

Sacramento is a “love it or hate it” type of place. Personally, I love it. Born and raised here, I’ve seen how much growth has happened:

• Just 2 hours from both Northern California’s coastlines and Lake Tahoe.

• Incredible hiking, biking trails, lakes, and greenery—after all, Sacramento is called the “City of Trees.”

• Expanding parks, sports, and entertainment—from the Sacramento Kings to the River Cats stadium upgrades, and even a new soccer team.

If you love outdoors, food, and activities, Sacramento checks the boxes.

Food Scene 🍽️

Once nicknamed “Cow Town” for its agriculture, Sacramento has transformed into a farm-to-fork hub. With diverse cuisines and top-notch restaurants, the city is becoming a serious foodie destination.

Cost of Living & Housing 🏡

Here’s the big factor driving moves in and out:

• Median California Home Price: ~$860,000

• Sacramento County: ~$550,000

• Placer County: ~$675,000

• El Dorado County: ~$700,000

Compared to the Bay Area, Los Angeles, or San Diego, Sacramento is still relatively affordable.

Yes, our cost of living is about 38% above the national average, but still 18% lower than California’s average.

Jobs & Economic Opportunity 💼

Sacramento is quickly becoming a mini-tech hub while also offering:

• Major employers like Bosch, Samsung, Solidigm, and healthcare systems expanding locally.

• Job growth from the new A’s stadium and ongoing construction projects.

• A growing presence in healthcare, tech, and government sectors.

For professionals relocating, Sacramento provides plenty of opportunities.

Schools & Communities 🎓

Families are often drawn to the Greater Sacramento area for its high-ranking schools (according to niche.com) and diverse, family-friendly communities.

Placer, Sacramento, and El Dorado Counties consistently rank among the best for:

• Outdoor activities

• Quality public schools

• Retirement communities

• Young professionals

So… Should You Move Here?

Not everyone is leaving Sacramento. The truth is, it depends on what you value:

✔️ Love the outdoors? You’ll thrive here.
✔️ Looking for affordability compared to other California metros? Sacramento is a smart choice.
✔️ Want job opportunities and a growing city vibe? This is a great spot.

But if you’re chasing super low housing costs or prefer another state’s lifestyle, you may decide otherwise.

📖 Free Relocation Guide

Thinking about relocating? I’ve put together the Ultimate Greater Sacramento Relocation Guide—covering top employers, hospitals, schools, and everything you need to know before making the move.

👉 Download the FREE Relocation Guide here

🚀 Ready to Make a Move?

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in Sacramento, my team and I are here to help.
📲 Call, text, or email me anytime—I’d love to answer your questions and guide you through your next move!

Cheers,

Jake