2023 Best Suburbs to Live in the Sacramento Area

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  371 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 371 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 67,208

• 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

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 7,932

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  132 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 132 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 79,201

• 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

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  161 reviews

Current Resident: El Dorado Hills seems like a small town, but it's not exactly small enough where everybody knows everybody. The population is continuously growing tons of people move in town, but the community is very connected. This was a good town to grow up in; the community is supportive and the roads are pretty safe to learn how to drive on and there are tons of opportunities for all types of experiences. The high school I attend is very diverse in activities, both academic and extracurricular. My education experience has always included several activities, and it's not uncommon for students to participate in multiple extracurriculars. I've enjoyed living in this town because wherever you live, you're always near enough to stores, schools, parks, etc. It's also very close to Sacramento, which gives you a taste of bigger city life. It's also not an old, behind-the-times type of city that people would try to "escape" from; it's kind of a Goldie Locks town for all.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 48,612

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  225 reviews

Current Resident: Rocklin offers a mix of class and subtlety just outside of Sacramento. A short drive to the capital city allows for easy commutes to sporting events, exciting shopping and dining options, and access to activities. Rocklin provides its residents with great options for schooling, with 2 major high schools, and many primary schools, as well as a community college, Rocklin attracts many visitors and people from all over the greater Sacramento area. I would say that Rocklin lacks in diverse culture, being very confined to a small social bubble, word gets around quickly in Rocklin, and being on the outs is a hard situation to be in.... Read 225 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 70,317

• City in California

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  247 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Roseville my whole life and have pleasant memories here. My family knows a lot of the people in the city and we have a lot of connections. I like that within Roseville there are a lot of opportunities for the younger population, including schools and the programs within the school. There are also a lot of city sports, library programs and volunteering, which I've participated in, and activities to do in town. But, I personally have experienced and witnessed a lot of prejudice and malice towards different cultural groups and toward the LGBTQ+ community. It can be disheartening to see, and I've provided my voice to defend these groups when I see the negative speech happen.... Read 247 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 145,687

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: Best place to live! Award winning schools, beautiful trails and lakes, safe and strong community involvement. Great churches, community groups, Rancho Murieta Country Club and Equestrian Center keep the community connected and provide fun events. I think living in Rancho Murieta saved my families health and sanity during the pandemic. Good neighbors, beautiful nature and quality local services available.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 5,874

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  120 reviews

Current Resident: I have grown up here! I love the area, I have raised my children here. For the most part its beautiful, there are so not so good spots but that's everywhere.... Read 120 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 31,750

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Most homes show pride in ownership and are well maintained. Perfect location! Walking distance the gorgeous American River, minutes to Downtown Sacramento, and easy freeway access to lots close by. About 1 1/2 hour drive to South Lake Tahoe. Lots of hiking trails and plenty of shopping within a short drive.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 11,723

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  756 reviews

Current Resident: Elk Grove's unique blend of suburban comforts and urban conveniences has made it a highly desirable place to live. Its strong sense of community, beautiful parks, and convenient location make it an ideal destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The city's well-maintained parks and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for residents to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful California weather. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is sure to remain one of the best places to call home in the United States. The sole aspect that I would seek to modify concerning Elk Grove pertains to safety, particularly in specific regions.... Read 756 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 175,510

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.47 out of 5  53 reviews

Current Resident: Vineyard is a great neighborhood! I have had a good experience with neighbors and the general area. There are beautiful sunset views and ponds, as well as a long walking path. There is a huge park that's great for children and dogs. The neighborhood is close to many schools and close to shops and such. There is a lively neighborhood app where the members communicate with each other. Great neighborhood!... Read 53 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 41,505

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Newcastle is a small town, northeast of Sacramento. They have lots of fun small town shops and restaurants. Come check It out!... Read 10 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 1,505

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  83 reviews

Current Resident: July 2021 will mark 3 years that I have bought a house here. It took some time to get use to, but now I feel that I really love this place. I lived in Oakland before (Fairfield, Napa, Campbell, Santa Clara, Austin, Houston) and I think Orangevale is my favorite place so far. I like it because I am 10 mins from the lake and bike trails. There's a hometown feel to it. I also love the fact that it's between Citrus Heights, Roseville, Folsom and Granite Bay and it's a small hokey town that no one has heard of so no one comes here. This place is affordable (although getting more expensive by the minute) and I would say that if you can find a home here, you are lucky! We are in SMUD electric country and the OV water taste great and it's inexpensive! The area has free Waldorf schools, public montessori school and wonderful charter schools! Home insurance is also cheap here for my home and I am on 1/4 acre. I am definitely lucky to be able to live here! Definitely affordable.... Read 83 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 35,729

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.4 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: I've grown up here, moved to Citrus Heights for two years and came back to Rosemont as soon as I could.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 24,343

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  101 reviews

Nearby Resident: If you love a place with the social bustle, you'll love it here. There's everything from Target, to Ross, to Panera within a matter of seconds of each other. In other words, there's usually something to do and somewhere to go. There are beautiful hills everywhere and easily accessible freeways any way you turn. Lots of food options and people of all ages. There are also three Starbucks right next to Target and another one just down the road by the high school, Bear River, so don't worry about your next coffee or hot chocolate! The downside is housing can be difficult to find and afford, so choose carefully!... Read 101 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 13,738

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.66 out of 5  158 reviews

Current Resident: My neighbors are friendly, it’s quiet where I live, people take care of their houses, zoning is R2 (2 homes per acre), I enjoy my large lot, there are lots of trees, we’re close to the river and lots of parks, I’m a 5 minute drive from anything, public transit is 2 blocks away, fire station is 2 blocks away, I feel safe here, I’ve left my door unlocked for days, I have a lot of wildlife in my yard, such as songbirds, turkeys, skunks, opossums. The scrub jays come to eat peanuts off my patio, making my indoor cats very happy. I have a lot of sun in my yard, have planted native plants, which have done well, and are water wise. The trauma center is less than 2 miles away (in case of emergency), every kind of outdoor activity is within 5 minutes, like hiking, bike trail, horseback riding, swimming. Every kind of restaurant is within 5 minutes, like Italian. Moroccan, Thai, Indian, American. Every kind of supermarket is within 5 minutes, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Raley’s, Target. It’s home.... Read 158 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 77,358

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  21 reviews

Former Resident: Super charming and tight knit community! Has a variety of things to do in town and around it! Lake Tahoe is only and hour away, the mall is a 15 minute drive, you get to see beautiful sights from numerous places in town. It has a country feel, but if you are dying for some thing to do Sacramento is only 40 minutes away and you can find countless activities and events there!... Read 21 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 6,791

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  101 reviews

Current Resident: I like living in West Sacramento CA, you get to see a little of everything and experience many different things. From the different cultures, ethnicities, foods, music, and weather, we get a little of everything. I like how close everything is to Sacramento but you also get to experience the countryside of life if you want to. I would like to see the streets get new pavement because we have a lot of pot holes.... Read 101 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 53,589

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  153 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve grown up here since I was 5 years old - going to school in the area up until middle school, I’ve been surrounded by families who’ve been nothing but warm, welcoming and helpful to my family. I love how tight-knit the community here has come to be, and with the new neighborhoods coming along PFE road, it’s only going to grow stronger. There’s always something to do, with a multitude of large, clean parks and great places to eat like a Fire Wings or Jamba Juice. The only critique I’ve ever had of the town is that it seems so small, so there’s certain places or services they lack, like an automotive shop or cultural grocery-stores, where some people have to travel much farther than necessary to get the goods or services they need.... Read 153 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 48,421

• Town in California

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  187 reviews

Current Resident: Rancho Cordova is the city I live in! I moved here back in 2019 and didn't have much of a community around me. Soon I actually started going to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Mather, which is the next little area over, and I started to build a community! I am very appreciative of Rancho Cordova, as it supports almost anything and everyone. This city is very safe and extremely welcoming. One thing I would maybe change is the whole HOA thing, as it does make people pay extra, but I am guessing that it is what it is! Rancho Cordova is still growing and it has far to go, but I am hoping that it becomes an extremely successful community and city!... Read 187 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 78,358

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: I started at Lincoln High School in my sophomore year, right before my dad passed away. I noticed that the overall atmosphere of the city made me anxious, but soon grew to find things I love and admire about my town!... Read 86 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 49,203

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Shingle Springs is a small, mostly rural community that's everything the California stereotype isn't: it's mostly white, heavily conservative leaning, and has a small commuter town feel. Most folks commute to Folsom/Sacramento for work and entertainment. The most interesting things about Shingle Springs are the extensive dog rescue and the railroad history of the town, including the El Dorado Trail. Shingle Springs itself is not a particularly exciting place to live but the surrounding areas offer plenty of entertainment, outdoor activities, and community; the town is a matter of a short drive from excellent hiking, incredible vistas, and historical sites.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 3,609

• Suburb of Sacramento, CA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: The town is beautiful, comfy, safe, enjoyable, and very family-friendly! The amenities are less plentiful in the area, but it is supposed to be more of a community-feel anyways. I enjoy living here and recommend it to anybody who is looking to move to the area!... Read 51 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 17,790

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: This is a small town with all of the charm of a small town, friendly residents who help each other. Its also very close to big cities, which brings the drug users and homeless around, but overall crime is low and traffic is slow, so kick back and go with the flow.... Read 16 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Population 14,307