Moving From San Francisco to Sacramento

Are you moving from San Francisco to Sacramento?

Sacramento is the capital of California and is considered one of the best places to live in America. 

As one of the fastest-growing large cities in California, the “City of Trees” is renowned for its booming job economy, affordable cost of living, and mouthwatering food scene. It also boasts a warm climate, high-quality education, and too many attractions to count. 

While living in Sacramento is a dream, it also comes with a few cons, such as high taxes and a pretty gnarly allergy season. 

This guide will look at the pros and cons of moving to Sacramento from San Fransisco and should help you decide about moving out to Sacramento, CA. 

Pros

There are more pros than you can poke a stick at when moving to Sacramento. The area has a booming economy, one of the lowest living costs in California, and plenty of fun things to do. It is also steeped in historical roots, close to popular attractions, and soaked in greenery. 

Job Opportunities

Sacramento is home to the 7th largest economy in the world. Businesses who relocate to the city are drawn to its prime location, affordable cost of living, and access to an excellent quality of life. 

As the state’s capital city, the government is Sacramento’s largest employer. Working for the government provides job security, better benefits, generous compensation, and a sense of accomplishment. 

There are many different kinds of jobs you can achieve in each sector. You might find yourself working as:

• Law enforcement 
• Accounting manager 
• Records clerk 
• Airport operations dispatcher 
• Land surveyor 
• Planner 
• Civil engineer 
• Attorney

Government isn’t the only industry sector in Sacramento. The region is home to five major sectors contributing to its robust economic growth:

• Clean energy 
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Post-secondary education 
• Real estate 

There’s no doubt about it; Sacramento is still recovering from the recession. However, with an abundance of employment opportunities, the economy looks more robust than ever.  

Cost of Living

Despite Sacramento being the state capital, the cost of living is relatively affordable. After the 2008 recession, the housing market took a significant hit, giving people the opportunity to relocate to the city without the hefty price tag of moving to Los Angeles or San Fransisco. 

Even now, the cost of living is affordable by Californian standards. Currently, the median price for a home in Sacramento is between $470 and $510K. While the price is rising, it pales compared to the $950K median home price in Los Angeles. 

The average rent price is about $1,700 per month for a studio apartment. This is slightly below Los Angeles and well below San Fransisco rental prices. 

Households in Sacramento earn a median yearly income of $77,118, with expenditures averaging $72,157 per year. Most earnings are spent on housing, food, and beverages, healthcare, and utilities. 

If you’re relocating from San Fransisco, the cost of living in Sacramento is exceptionally enticing. 

Local Attractions

To discuss all of the attractions in Sacramento would be to write an entire novel on the subject. The city has many experiences for all types of people.

There are plenty of touristy things to do, like visit the Sacramento Zoo, the Crocker Art Museum, and the California Automobile Museum.

Once you’ve done them, it’s time to live like a local. Unlike the rest of California, Sacramento boasts large freshwater bodies. One of the major draws of living in the city is the presence of beautiful rivers and lakes. 

When the weather’s warm, which is almost the entire year, you can participate in several water sports activities such as boating, rafting, and fishing. 

If shopping is your thing, you’re also in luck. Sacramento offers a variety of shopping facilities, from trendy midtown boutiques to shopping malls with national retailers. You will also find specialty shops with local handmade goods and unique gifts. 

Arden Fair is Sacramento’s fashion destination. It is located in the city’s heart and offers a diverse selection of over 150 premier apparel shops. They include Quay Australia, Macy’s, Hollister Co., and more. 

Weather

If you enjoy year-round sunshine and hate chilly winters, Sacramento is your city. The city boasts a Mediterranean climate which means mild winters and drier summers.

The weather is relatively predictable, meaning you don’t need to pack four seasons of clothing on a day out. You generally won’t expect the temperature to be below 30°F or above 102°F. 

During winter, the average high is 55°F with a low of 41°F. In summer, the average high sits around 89°F with a low of 59°F. 

Summer in Sacramento is fun. You can visit the Sac State Aquatic Center, swim in any of the open city pools, or escape the heat with a visit to the movie theater. 

Food 

Unbeknownst to some, Sacramento’s food scene is second to none. Last year, Sacramento ranked amongst the top “Foodie Cities” in America. There’s a reason why foodies flock to the city with its welcoming atmosphere and farm-to-fork reputation.

Sacramento is the official birthplace of America’s farm-to-fork movement. Farm-to-fork is a social movement where restaurants source their ingredients from local farmers. Here in Sactown, it isn’t only a social movement; it’s a way of life. 

The local Farm-to-Fork Festival celebrates the region’s incredible food and agriculture, featuring dozens of vendors serving up delicious food and drinks. 

But it isn’t the only festival. Sacramento loves to celebrate its produce with individual events, including festivals for grilled cheese, vegan food, shrimp, pear, banana, and eggplant, to name a few. 

Sacramento is also famous for tacos and pizza, with the former served everywhere, including food stands, trucks, and restaurants. Residents live every day like it’s Taco Tuesday, which isn’t a bad thing. 

When you move to Sacramento, there are 30 things every Sarcramentan must eat. Do it; we dare you! 

LGBTQ Community

California is one of America’s most LGBTQ-friendly states, and Sacramento continues to wave the flag high. Every year, there are several can’t-miss LGBTQ events that thousands of residents and tourists flock to see what all the fuss is about. 

Some of the best events include: 

• Sacramento PRIDE Festival and Parade 
• BENT – Sacramento LGBTQ Film Festival 
• Sacramento Rainbow Festival 
• LGBT Wedding Expo 
• California State Fair 

The city also hosts the annual Sacramento Pride Awards, a gala that recognizes individuals and organizations who help create a safer, welcoming community. 

Arts and Entertainment 

Sacramento has a vibrant arts and culture scene, from theater performances to massive murals and graffiti artworks.

The Community Center Theater is a great venue that seats over 2,000 people. The center hosts the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera performances.

For lovers of musicals, the Broadway Sacramento might be more your style. The nonprofit musical theater company hosts traveling “Broadway on Tour” productions. Hosting popular musicals such as Wicked, Tootsie, and Come From Away. 

Street art is big in Sacramento, too. More than 600 colorful, large-scale murals have appeared on the streets of Sacramento. Every year, the Wide Open Walls festival celebrates its artistic flair and continues to create beautiful spaces for the community to enjoy. 

Sacramento is also a destination for professional sports tourism. The city is home to the Sacramento Kings, Sacramento Republic FC, and the Sacramento River Cats.

Watch De’Aaron Fox shoot a three at Golden 1 Center. Or, watch a minor league home run at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. 

Coffee

What the rest of the country lacks in coffee finesse, Sacramento more than makes up for it. The city boasts some of the best coffee shops in the country. Its rich coffee drinking culture is visible on nearly every street corner. 

Take a coffee-to-go and immerse yourself in the rich history of Sacramento. During the Gold Rush, Sacramento literally struck gold. Nearly $2 billion worth of gold was extracted, making the city the major commercial center it is today. 

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is in midtown Sacramento and is a preserved artifact from the dawn of the California Gold Rush. You can explore the Fort on a self-guided tour with helpful staff on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

On the way home, grab another coffee (you can never have too much) at Temple Coffee Roasters, a top-ranked coffee shop in the city. 

Neighborhood Options

Sacramento may seem like a small city when you first move from San Fransisco. However, it is actually a mid-sized metropolis. You can choose from an assorted mix of neighborhoods, both within the city and the outer suburbs. 

When deciding on your new home’s location, it’s important to choose wisely. Some neighborhoods are more suited to families, while others are for singles and young professionals. 

For the latter, the best neighborhoods to live in are: 

• Downtown Sacramento 
• East Sacramento 
• Land Park 
• Natomas Park 
• North Oak Park 

For families, you might like to consider putting down roots in: 

• Westlake 
• Village 7 
• Natomas Park 
• Curtis Park 
• Pocket 
• Little Pocket 
• River Park 

The most affordable places to live in the Sacramento area include: 

• College-Glen
• Natomas Park 
• Pocket
• River Park 
• Tahoe Park 

The best way to find a neighborhood you like is to visit the area before moving. While this isn’t feasible for everyone, it does give you a chance to feel the area out for yourself. Real estate agents are notorious for spinning the truth, so you can’t totally believe what they say. 

Post-Secondary Education 

Post-secondary education represents a $1.1 billion industry with over 190K students enrolled in higher education.

Students from across the country and the globe travel to Sacramento to experience quality education and increase their earning potential. 

Sacramento is home to three four-year university institutions, as well as seven community colleges: 

• The University of California (UC Davis)
• California State Univerity
• Sacramento State

The Univerity of California (UC Davis) is the ninth-best public university, while Sacramento State ranks the 16th best public university in the Western United States. 

The popular majors at Sacramento State are business, communications, and criminal justice. In fact, the criminal justice program is one of the largest in the nation. 

With the booming job economy, your future career prospect upon graduation appear promising. 

Cons

Unfortunately, moving to any new city is not without a con or two. Sacramento is no exception. Increasing traffic, pollen out the wazoo, and high taxes are things you will need to factor in your move to Sacramento.

Allergies

While March marks the start of Spring, it also is the season for sneezing and sniffing. California’s mild winters can wreak havoc on your sinuses.

The warmer weather increases the amount of pollen in the air, creating unpleasant allergy symptoms. 

If you were moving from the Bay Area to escape pollen, Sacramento might not be the city for you. While it has a reputation for being the “City of Trees,” these trees can be more problematic than stunning. 

Unfortunately, avoiding pollen is like avoiding chocolate; it’s impossible. The best way to treat your allergies is to book a consultation with your doctor who can prescribe the proper medication. 

Traffic

While the traffic doesn’t hold a candle to San Francisco, it does still suck. As with any growing large city, Sacramento experience high traffic during rush hour. This is between 6 to 10 am and 3 to 7 pm. 

Unless you work from home, braving long lines of vehicles is unavoidable. A recent study found that Sacramento is one of the worst NorCal cities to drive in.

You have to remember, traffic in any California city is no picnic. Researchers found that Los Angeles and San Fransisco faired worse in the same study, with Oakland dead last. 

If commuting to work doesn’t bother you, moving to Sacramento won’t. There are many ways to find your commute less tedious and more productive. 

The following are ways you can maximize your commute time: 

• Make phone calls
• Listen to podcasts 
• Master a new language 
• Mentally prepare yourself for the day
• Enjoy the scenery in silence

If you catch public transport, you can medicate, start a gratitude journal, or fall in love with reading. Before you know it, you’re at work wishing you were stuck in traffic. 

Taxes

No matter where you live in California, you’re always paying higher tax rates than anywhere else. 

The minimum combined 2022 sales tax rate in Sacramento is 8.75%. This is the total state, county, and city sale tax rates. 

To put it into perspective, take a look at the following tax rates in California: 

• Los Angeles County: 9.50%
• San Fransisco County: 8.625% 
• Monterey County: 7.75%
• Napa County: 7.75% 
• Orange County: 7.75% 
• San Mateo County: 9.375% 

While the Sacramento tax rate is high, it appears on par with its neighboring cities. Nonetheless, high tax rates can deter people from moving to Sacramento.

Before you decide to move, it’s important to ensure you have the budget to support yourself while you’re here. It will make life in Sacramento much more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Tips for Moving From San Diego

Despite common conception, moving doesn’t always involve blood, sweat, and tears. With proper planning and preparation, the moving process can be, dare we say, enjoyable? 

Probably not, but it can be less stressful. The following tips can help you stay focused, organized and have a smooth move to your new house in Sacramento. 

Plan

To simplify the moving process, make a plan. Without one, it will feel like you’re trying to do a complicated jigsaw puzzle with five pieces under the couch. 

Plan early and prepare for every aspect of the move. A “to-do” list will ensure you keep your move on track. It will also remind you of what you have achieved and what tasks need to be done. 

If you’re super organized, you can break up your list into sections. Decide what needs to be done within the first half of the move and the second half. You should start to plan six weeks before your move. 

Book Reliable Movers

If you have decided to use a moving service, now is the time to book them. Hiring movers will help you free up time and make everything seem easier. Your professional movers can pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your belongings. 

Finding a reputable company requires doing some research. To ensure you hire a reliable mover, consider the following: 

• Hire a local mover 
• Get estimates 
• Verify credentials
• Read reviews and complaints
• Be wary of large deposit requirements 

Booking movers early is key to getting the date you want. The peak moving season usually begins in April and ends in September. To secure your spot, book early or choose a date outside peak moving season, if possible. 

Declutter

Yes, it’s Marie Kondo time. Decluttering before moving will save you time packing up things you no longer want or need. It will also reduce the cost of moving. 

While it can seem daunting, you’ll thank yourself when your future self is unpacking at your new home. 

The best way to declutter is to go through one room at a time. Make a pile of the items you want to keep, the ones you can donate, and those that can go in the trash. 

You’ll feel better knowing you’re not paying for your sandwich press with the busted cord to travel across the state. 

Pack Early

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you packing is their least favorite part of moving house. The world’s best unkept secret to packing is to pack early. There’s nothing worse than leaving packing to the last minute, especially if your movers are about to pull up into your driveway. 

The following tips can help you prepare for a smoother move: 

• Use the right size boxes 
• Put heavier items on the bottom, lighter ones on the top
• Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes
• Avoid mixing items from different rooms 
• Label each box 
• Tape your boxes well

Better yet, choose a moving company that includes packing services. They can pack up your entire home or assist you if you just need help with a room or two. As a bonus, they will use their top-shelf packing supplies to ensure your belongings make the trip in one piece. 

Notify Service Providers

Now it’s time to update your address and keep your service providers in the loop. Changing your address before moving will prevent your bills from getting mixed up in the mail system. 

Here is a list of service providers you may need to contact: 

• Post office
• IRS
• Credit card companies
• Banks
• Utility companies
• Home or renters’ insurance
• The phone company, cable, and internet 
• Magazine subscriptions
• DMV 
• Voter registration 

It couldn’t hurt to let your friends and family know, too.  

Pack an Essentials Box

If you’ve ever moved before, you know the first 24 hours are pure mayhem. You’re too tired to unpack, starving hungry, and can’t find your toothbrush. 

This is where the essentials box comes in to save the day. This is the box that doesn’t go on the moving truck (in case something goes wrong). It contains everything you need within the first 24 hours of living in Sacramento. 

It should include spare clothes, food, phone charges, medication, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it safe in the car with you, and rest assured you have enough to survive the first day in your new city. 

Moving From San Francisco to Sacramento? Hire Us!

Moving to Sacramento is a great decision to make. With warm weather, a booming job economy, and an affordable cost of living, Sactown offers a lot to its residents for a lot less. 

But it does come with a few drawbacks. Allergies can be a significant problem when living here, traffic is becoming a growing issue, and taxes are a tad high.

But when moving from San Francisco to Sacramento, none of the cons should come as a real shocker. 

Now that you know the pros and cons of moving to Sacramento, it’s time to make your decision. When it comes to moving to Sacramento, a little help can go a long way. 

Get a free moving quote today. Your new home in Sacramento awaits.