2023 Best Places to Live in the Sacramento Area

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful place to live. Very quite great neighbors. Close to shopping and amazing restaurants. Very friendly... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 14,511

• Neighborhood in Roseville, CA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Niche User: There are a few very isolated incidents, but this area is very safe and neighborhood watches are common.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,316

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  370 reviews

Current Resident: Davis is a quaint, vibrant and welcoming community. I want to emphasize the word "community" because there is a shared ethic amongst all people here to treat each other with kindness and respect that I have not seen in other towns. Davis offers its students an array of activities in its bustling downtown. Additionally, the university offers an abundance of opportunities for students to be involved with recreational activities of their interest. The school also helps provide students with internship and job opportunities. The campus and town are extremely bike-friendly, so much so that there are more bikes than people in the city of Davis! Most key locations are located within a short bike ride of each other so you will not need to worry if you do not own a car. It also affords us the opportunity to lower our carbon footprint! Overall, I would highly recommend living in Davis to those individuals who are willing to be part of and foster a loving community.... Read 370 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 67,208

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: We moved from the Bay Area and we were so surprised by how incredibly nice everybody is here! Strangers greet you and talk to you like old friends. At first we were weirded out bc we’re definitely not used to that - but now I can’t imagine a better environment to raise my kids in. Neighbors are down to earth. They’re the ones that will invite you over for a backyard beer and proactively introduce their kids to yours so that you feel at home. We were so worried about the kids making friends in a new town but it feels like the kids here are raised to welcome new kids - and we are loving it. No regrets whatsoever. We’re home!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,976

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to live. Safe, friendly and well kept suburb. Love neighborhood and surrounding. You tucked away from commercial, but you can drive 5 minutes or walk 15 and do your shopping.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 14,073

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Works Here: Folsom is such a beautiful, green, clean, and welcoming city. I have gotten to explore the history behind the city's startup and have gotten to explore the unique small businesses throughout the geography of the city as well throughout my short time here so far! From the unique mixes of cultures on Sutter street and the live entertainment and delicious foods to the lush hiking trails throughout the town, and the beautiful views of the big Folsom lake, Folsom offers such amazing features that any individual will be delighted by and I highly recommend taking a tour of the city at least once in your lifetime!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,155

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: There is great potential for growth. It has a young atmosphere with local coffee shops, boutiques, and concert venues. It is definitely becoming gentrified, and it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Compared to everywhere else in the country, it can be compared to a rising San Francisco. Everything is convenient and caters to locals.... Read 4 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 1,424

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.69 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful neighborhood close to restaurants, Coffee shops, & parks. Close to downtown but not too close. Homes are unique and built with character. With the new arena and now the Pro soccer coming. This area is going to skyrocket in value.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,167

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: I am living here since my birth. I can never think to leave the Folsom and live somewhere else. It is best and safe place to live.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,422

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  48 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, it's pretty nice to live here, it's just that there's not much to do in Gold River itself--there's plenty things to do outside the neighborhood, and it's relatively close to stores and whatnot, but everything is usually 10 minutes away, if not further. Nice place, though.... Read 48 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 7,932

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 5,364

• Neighborhood in Roseville, CA

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Wonderful safe and clean neighborhoods! We will retire here. Shopping is close, as well as highway 80. You can travel to Lake Tahoe, Reno or the Bay very easily!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 9,026

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  130 reviews

Current Resident: Folsom is a pretty suburban place. However, these last 5 years there have been a lot of construction for new houses and schools along the highway so the place is becoming busier. This place is pretty sheltered as well from the outside world. There is a balanced demographic of people as well and everyone generally can feel welcome! There are many lovely restaurants filled with different cuisines! My personal favorite is the boba shops and Thai/Indian restaurants! Once a couple days, I enjoy walking at the local malls (we have 2!) with friends and going out to eat as well! There are many lovely parks and trails as well! Over quarantine, I enjoyed biking along Johnny Cash Trail all the way up to Folsom Dam! I also enjoyed having small picnics with friends at Folsom Lake! Old Folsom is also really nice and every once in awhile, there's a market on Saturdays that I enjoy attending!... Read 130 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 79,201

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: I've been a home owner in Elmhurst for 18 years, and it's one of the best investments I've ever made. Neighbors are super friendly, and it's easy to get to know them, because most are outside a lot, walking their dogs, or working in their yards, enjoying the community. Very upbeat. Mostly liberal. Yards are nicely landscaped, streets are shaded by a huge canopy of trees. Elmhurst is a pride of ownership community of vintage and antique homes, and it's just a hop, skip and a jump to downtown, East Sac, and the American River. Very convenient to everything: shopping, eateries, theaters, galleries... . I feel very safe here. Only drawback is the noise from all the construction that goes on at the UCD Medical campus and Center next door.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 1,837

• Neighborhood in Folsom, CA

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 4,377

• Neighborhood in Roseville, CA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: There is not a better place to live in Roseville. The shopping available is second to none. The amount and variety of restaurants is unparalleled. The schools are first rate and a number of highly acclaimed charter schools are nearby. A four year college is very close to this neighborhood along with a great junior college in the area. Parks and recreation areas abound. The surrounding suburbs of Sacramento and the city itself provide many attractions and additional recreation, sports teams and theater venues. Access to major travel routes is close at hand. Both San Francisco and Lake Tahoe are within a couple of hours drive. A wide selection of churches are prevalent with many different styles of worship available.... Read 5 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 5,433

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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• grade B

• Population 1,707

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: It's a predominantly white neighborhood, and most of my neighbors are Trump supporters, but there are definitely some very nice people too.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 8,666

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  46 reviews

Nearby Resident: I have lived near GB my entire life. GB used to be Roseville then they broke off and became their own around the 70’s - I’m not positive on the timeframe. Regardless, the area grew and new residents seemed to have a higher standard for what they think GB is/was! Los Lagos Community was what put them over the top, in my opinion, there’s now a mix of old residents who know and remember what it’s supposed to be and newer residents who believe what their agent told them to pull them from larger, overpopulated communities- probably S CA. Schools continue to rank high. Parent involvement expected as it’s important in schools’ continued success. Homes overpriced for what you get. Be cautious if/when buying new builds. GB is just cramming homes into smaller plot maps - the more houses, more $!! I think they forgot about integrity and building a overall successful community. If you care about these things, then you may want to go further up the hill to Auburn, Colfax, Newcastle…... Read 46 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 21,673

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  66 reviews

Current Resident: Sacramento, and East Sacramento in particular, has a large college presence. Despite it never feeling like a college town, it does have a heavy influence on the vibes of the area. There are plenty of stores to feel urban, however, there are a number of local businesses that turn Sacramento into something more special. While East Sacramento is very quiet, a ten minute drive can bring you to downtown. The central nature of Sacramento makes it an interesting middle ground of a city.... Read 66 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 12,926

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Would disagree with the characterization that River Park is conservative. It looks suburban but because of its location next to CSUS and East Sacramento, many of the residents are well educated and enlightened. And there are many yard signs and flags that reflect a tolerance. I am a long time resident and although I find some of the neighbors are only concerned when an issue affects them, for the most part they are pretty friendly.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 4,037

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: So far I love it! Just a college freshman i feel there is a great amount of security since it's near campus. It's a quiet and very nice neighborhood. Although some creeps do tend to drive by here just because they know people have money here. But overall recommend it!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 2,263

• Neighborhood in Roseville, CA

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  17 reviews

Niche User: My main critique of the police is, they are not as fully prepared for emergencies since they mostly deal with minor disputes and traffic stops and only some drug related problems. Not a lot happens here, so they harass who they can. SIDEWALKS ARE AN ISSUE. THere are several developed streets and neighborhoods which don't have sidewalks and instead have dirt trails. Frustrating for people without cars who bike or walk.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,482

• Neighborhood in Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for a year and have nothing but love for my experience. Walking distance to tons of venues, events, and eclectic spots. A young growing community with the amentites of a city and the scale of a town where you can see beautiful sunsets and walk to any ethnicity of food you may crave. Thriving social scene and regular events to keep active, social, and engaged. Housing cost is going steadily up, but so is quality of living.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 4,217

• Neighborhood in Roseville, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I have loved living here! It is very quiet and feels safe. The park a huge asset. There is a family-friendly feeling.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 4,192