SACRAMENTO COUNTY
County Offices
700 H Street
Sacramento 916-876-6188
www.saccounty.net
Chamber of Commerce
917 Seventh Street
Sacramento 916-552-6800
www.metrochamber.org
Stretching over a vast area of nearly 1,000 square miles, Sacramento County is 22 times larger than San Francisco. Yet, for most of its history, the City of Sacramento has held the image of San Francisco’s “country cousin.” In spite of its status as the center of California government and the state’s capital city, Sacramento had an informal, small-town appeal that lacked the global sophistication and world-renowned attractions of the Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Bay Area. In recent decades, however, the metropolis of Sacramento and the county that surrounds it have emerged as a vital new center of business and commerce.
The affordable and exceptional quality of life in and around the Capital City has been too inviting to resist. Lovely new communities are creating a progressive suburban look, Sacramento is taking on a cosmopolitan flavor, and the economy is attracting international attention. From rapid residential growth to new business, it is clear that Sacramento is coming of age. Still, the region tenaciously protects the friendly Western spirit that has driven its transformation into a hot spot for growth and development.
With a geographic shape resembling a triangle, Sacramento County stretches about 25 miles from east to west and 35 miles from north to south along its most traveled routes. When the freeways are moving briskly, it is possible to traverse the region in about a half hour. According to recent tallies by the California Department of Finance, Sacramento County continues to climb the ranks of one of the state’s most heavily populated areas. As the city of Sacramento matures into a position of economic leadership, the influx of new residents is transforming the complexion of the county’s smaller cities.
The trend throughout Sacramento County is definitely a shift from rural to suburban, evidenced by new services, new retail shops, new schools, and vibrant new residential developments. An example of this pattern can be found in Galt, a farming area in the southernmost section of the county. Here, rapid growth and development are infusing a sense of modern suburbia into the rural surroundings. Even the sleepy burg of Isleton is facing a stream of newcomers who are drawn to its quiet life and miles of unspoiled countryside. On the west side of sparkling Folsom Lake, the scenic community of Granite Bay is experiencing a residential boom.
Rancho Murieta in rural eastern Sacramento County has evolved into one of the more desirable addresses. A country club, five lakes, equestrian facilities, and a small airport join two championship golf courses for a full complement of amenities. In fact, golfing is so popular that many of the local garages include miniature doors for golf carts. Already a popular choice for retirees, this quiet town is beginning to draw families and young professionals that are creating a true community spirit and atmosphere. Every corner of the county offers clear evidence that Sacramento is a rising star in California’s robust economy.
Services
With its central location between the snow-capped Sierras and the Pacific Ocean, Sacramento County offers a customer-friendly environment for business and commerce. For years, the “Big Tomato” or “River City,” as Sacramento was affectionately known, depended upon revenue generated by a large military presence that included Mather and McClelland Air Force Bases and the Army Depot. As bases either closed or began to shrink, Sacramento was faced with moving from 60 years of a military-driven economy into a popular relocation destination for leading private firms. In some cases the transition was simple and immediate: Packard Bell NEC opened a factory at the former Sacramento Army Depot and immediately hired several thousand employees.
In spite of the challenging transition from military to private sector, Sacramento is still the place where the governor and legislature forge the laws and regulations that protect and guide the most populous state in the nation. Government plays an important role in the economy and daily life. Joining Sacramento’s host of government offices from federal to county levels are many of the nation’s high-tech leaders, from computer companies and software developers to manufacturers. Food processing remains a significant enterprise, although the all-important tomato is now just a part of a much larger picture. Many of the nation’s major food and drink manufacturers are located in Sacramento or one of the outlying suburbs.
Exceptional transportation facilities have certainly underscored and influenced Sacramento County’s impressive economic success story. Major interstates link with federal and state highways for efficient surface travel, while Sacramento International Airport accommodates more than seven million passengers annually. Serving as a distribution center within Central California, Sacramento County offers a dedicated airport for cargo, the Sacramento Executive Airport, the Port of Sacramento, numerous trucking companies, and three railroads. Commuter light rail, bus systems, and ride-sharing programs serve residents and commuters.
Sacramento County operates quality public school districts, although parents can select from a number of independent and parochial private schools. Sacramento is home to specialty and vocational schools, technical institutions, two-year colleges, and a major university. Those seeking an associate’s degree, certification, or career training will find opportunities and programs at American River College, Cosumnes River College, or Sacramento City College.
California State University-Sacramento is ideally situated near the state legislature, providing exceptional opportunities for internships and research. A number of colleges and universities maintain extension programs and campuses in Sacramento, expanding the opportunities to earn a four-year degree close to home with a combination of classroom study and distance learning techniques. Several law schools are available in Sacramento, and the renowned University of California-Davis offers Schools of Law and Medicine in neighboring Yolo County.
Residents of Sacramento County have all the advantages of a state-of-the-art healthcare network that encompasses regional medical centers, hospitals, emergency clinics, family practice clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, skilled nursing, home care, community education, and screening programs. Major healthcare systems like Sutter, Mercy, and Kaiser operate acute-care, full-service hospitals in several convenient locations that include Sacramento, Folsom, and Carmichael. UC Davis Medical Center crowns the county institutions, serving as the primary clinical education site for the University of California-Davis School of Medicine. Integral to the health and well being of Northern California residents, the center maintains the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and comprehensive adult and pediatric emergency department. Highly acclaimed for its many specialties, the medical center serves as the leading tertiary care referral center for 33 counties.
Lifestyle
An area of gently flowing rivers, rolling hills, and major metropolis with a modern skyline that includes the rotunda of the State Capitol, Sacramento County is often called the “heart” of California. The 1849 Gold Rush, the first continental railroad, and the Pony Express all began at this site. Celebrated by historians as California’s first chartered city, Sacramento has managed to preserve much of the small-town flavor and architectural beauty that have charmed newcomers over the decades of growth. With its impressive governmental complex, miles of riverways and colorful attractions of the “Old Sac” historic district, Sacramento is gaining clout as a top California tourist destination.
More than 250,000 towering oaks, flowering citrus, palm, birch, and ash trees line the city streets and parks, creating the aerial image of a massive garden divided by boulevards and rows of neat homes. Elegant 19th-century Victorians contrast with the gleaming glass and steel towers of downtown business complexes, balancing the glory of yesterday with cosmopolitan advancements. An abundance of paved recreational trails provide a link to the American River parkway, a 13,000-acre regional park that includes Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma. Without a doubt, the region’s rich historical heritage, commitment to quality of life, and abundance of greenery were all factors that contributed to Sacramento’s ranking among the ten best cities in the United States by Newsweek magazine.
Sacramento County takes great pride in its progressive government, the prevailing concern for environmental issues, and the cultural diversity that marks the region. Over the past few years, a significant influx of Russians from the Soviet Union has joined immigrants from Asia, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Central America. This diversification of ethnic groups has served to enrich the entire community —culturally, financially, and educationally. Some of the area’s most delightful events center around ethnic traditions. Local favorites include the Austrian Winterfest, Greek Food Festival, Chinese New Year Celebration, Festival de la Familia, Cinco de Mayo, Croatian Extravaganza, Japanese Cultural Bazaar, Oktoberfest, Highland Scottish Games, Portuguese Festa, and the Native American Arts & Crafts Fair.
The City of Sacramento serves as the cultural center for the Sacramento Valley as a totality, a six-county sprawl that encompasses El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, and Yolo counties. The downtown district alone features a wealth of museums and attractions that encompass the Sacramento Zoo, Discovery Museum, Wells Fargo History Museum, the California State Capitol Museum, Sutter’s Fort and Indian Museum, and the Crocker Art Gallery. The latter is actually a Victorian mansion with a contemporary wing that offers fine collections of everything from “old master drawings” to international ceramics.
The Towe Auto Museum along the banks of the Sacramento River uses “Dream Themes” to organize exhibits, such as The Dream of Luxury, The Dream of Speed, The Dream of Cool, and Down Memory Lane. Nearby, the Governor’s Mansion is a regal, 30-room Victorian mansion that 13 California governors once called “home,” including Earl Warren. The California State Railroad Museum is the largest of its genre in North America, filling 100,000 square feet of space with locomotives, cars and exhibits. In fact, Old Sacramento is a virtual cornucopia of historic venues and entertainment possibilities, from candlelight dinners and riverboat cruises to steam train rides, dinner train tours, and local theater. Ballet, theatre, symphonies and opera are all a part of the Sacramento cultural scene. Scores of playhouses and theaters scattered throughout Sacramento County present everything from original productions to Broadway hits and the classics.
The City of Sacramento hosts the world’s largest traditional jazz festival, an annual jubilee that draws more than 100 internationally acclaimed bands and attracts 100,000 jazz enthusiasts. The Sacramento Opera Association has entertained the Sacramento Valley for more than half a century, achieving national recognition for its full-orchestra productions. The Sacramento Ballet is the Capital City’s professional ballet company, an exceptionally active group that reaches thousands of school children with its Dancepower program. The professional Sacramento Theatre Company presents plays of regional and national stature, and Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra stands in a class of its own as the region’s only professional symphony.
Sports fans, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a full calendar of events underlined by the NBA Sacramento Kings baseball team, WNBA Sacramento Monarchs women’s baseball team, minor league baseball, the WISL Sacramento Knights soccer team, and the Sacramento Capitals World Team Tennis. In addition to cheering for collegiate sports teams or enjoying harness racing thrills, many Sacramento County residents make the short drive to San Francisco or Oakland to watch the Giants, the 49ers, and the Oakland Raiders in action.
When golf is the name of the game, Sacramento is filled with public and private courses. Tennis courts, swimming pools, recreation centers, skating rinks, biking and hiking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, racquet clubs, and league sports can all be found in and near Sacramento County. Enjoyment of outdoor activities and sports are heightened by the mild climate and plentiful sunshine. Located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, the city of Sacramento enjoys cooling breezes on summer days, lovely springs and autumns, and mild but usually foggy winters. Nestled in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains, quality ski resorts include some of the nation’s finest.
Folsom Lake and its marina support water sports of all types, from jet skiing and water skiing to boating and fishing. Leisurely drifting or the high adventure of whitewater rafting is available on the American River. If horseback riding is your passion, you’ll find a myriad of trails that traverse the American River Parkway and outlying areas. With its central location, Sacramento County is about a two-hour drive from five national forests, the Pacific Ocean, vineyards and wineries, Gold Country, the redwoods, the high Sierras, Lake Tahoe, ski resorts, and the all-night gaming thrills of Nevada’s casinos.
Housing options in Sacramento County reflect the same appealing diversity and careful attention as the public places. Canopies of trees shade tightly knit neighborhoods in the heart of the city, while verdant fairways and lakes offer spectacular views for suburban estates. Even Sacramento’s older homes reflect a characteristic charm and pride of ownership. Renovations are common and often very striking, particularly with the magnificent turn-of-the-century Victorians. The small communities that dot the countryside provide a virtually endless variety of housing options and living environments. Whether you settle within the glow of the downtown lights or prefer the bright stars of country skies, your new home will offer an unsurpassed quality of life—a gift from the generous resources of Sacramento County!
SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES
Elk Grove, Laguna
Elk Grove City Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-685-3945
www.elkgroveca.com
Just 15 miles from Sacramento, Elk Grove is one of the most rapidly growing bedroom communities in the county. Unincorporated Elk Grove is closely associated with Laguna —another development hot spot—and the two share a joint school district. Although these residential havens blend together in many respects, Elk Grove is the older town and claims a more deeply rooted sense of history and tradition. Over the past 20 years, thousands of apartments and single-family homes have sprung up, creating an abundance of housing options. Vibrant new developments have contributed to Elk Grove’s residential boom, mixing with well-kept older homes as well as million-dollar ranchettes. The local newspaper provides a community link, strengthened by local activities like sports teams, the annual Strauss Festival, parks, little theater and facilities for swimming, tennis and golf. After-school and children’s programs flourish, and the town is known for its family- oriented lifestyle.
Carmichael
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-481-1002
www.carmichaelchamber.com
Spacious, modern homes and lovely apartments blend with custom ranch-style homes in this prestigious area. Popular with professionals and retirees, this unincorporated community has developed a convenient commercial district along its major thoroughfare, Fair Oaks Boulevard. Carmichael residents are known for their lively community spirit, most evident in the annual Fourth of July parade. Parks are not only plentiful and beautifully landscaped, they provide regional attractions like the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and championship golf greens. Close proximity to the American River and the 480-acre Ancil Hoffman Park opens the door to a wide variety of recreational opportunities. A local newspaper combines with clubs and organizations for a closely knit community spirit. Area youth receive an outstanding education in the San Juan Unified School District. Opportunities for higher education close to home include the American River Community College.
Citrus Heights
Municipal Offices
916-725-2448
http://citrusheights.net
Chamber of Commerce
916-722-4545
www.chchamber.com
Offering one of the area’s newest cities, Citrus Heights is home to a wide selection of family-oriented, affordable housing options. The single-family homes and condominiums in the northern quadrant of Sacramento County east of Interstate 80 represent the lion’s share of the Citrus Heights community. In addition to these attractive, established neighborhoods, Citrus Heights features commercial space that includes one of the area’s large shopping centers. Sunrise Mall is especially popular on the weekend when neighbors gather at the Farmer’s Market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Just across the street from the mall is the open-air shopping area of Birdcage Centre, rapidly redeveloping into an important retail center. In spite of the ‘bedroom community’ atmosphere, the area provides plenty of attractions and activities including movie theaters, coffee houses, a community center, library, golf course, a swimming pool, and a skating rink. Named after orange orchards that once flourished, Citrus Heights was primarily built over three decades after 1950, lending a great deal of variety to the architectural styles. Large home lots and lack of curbs add a country feeling to suburban conveniences.
Fair Oaks
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-967-2903
www.fairoakschamber.com
Located east of Sacramento, the unincorporated community of Fair Oaks began as a fruit-growing center and has managed to retain much of its Old World charm. A secluded, rural atmosphere pervades the quiet neighborhoods, where lush landscaping and tree-canopied streets provide residents with opportunities to catch a glimpse of deer and other wildlife right their own backyards. A host of specialty shops and antique dealers add to the intimacy of the community environment. Home to a number of popular festivities and seasonal celebrations, Fair Oaks ensures that spring blossoms in style with its Fiesta Days, complete with a frog jump, free circus, and abundant arts and crafts. During the summer months, amateur performances of Shakespeare in the amphitheater of Plaza Park captivate local residents. Winter celebrations include a Santa Parade and village tree-lighting ceremonies. Fair Oaks is an older, stable community filled with lovely homes, many of which are set on spacious lots. Narrow, winding streets combine with heavily wooded areas for spectacular home sites that include stately mansions set on the bluffs overlooking the American River. Served by the San Juan School District, the community provides a number of parks, a theater, a library and sports leagues for all ages.
Folsom
Municipal Offices
916-355-7200
www.folsom.ca.us
Chamber of Commerce
916-985-2698
www.folsomchamber.com
Gaining a reputation as a high-tech town, the City of Folsom is now home to firms that range from small companies to international leaders like the Intel Corporation. Excellent transportation facilities and a robust economy have spawned a strong distribution sector, a growing retail sector, and booming construction industry. Located northeast of downtown Sacramento, Folsom offers good schools and beautiful neighborhoods and housing options. Surrounding the antique shops and charming outdoor cafes of Old Folsom are quaint turn-of- the-century homes, while luxurious estates dot the hills of the American River Canyon to offer spectacular river views. An abundance of beautiful, newer subdivisions provide homes in a variety of price ranges. Home to a collection of top outlet stores, Folsom is also one of the oldest and largest centers of antique trade in the West. A local zoo sanctuary, a bevy of galleries and artisans, Old Town’s historic district, and nearby recreation areas make this an ideal place to call home. Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma are both nearby. Opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding combine with dam tours, wonderful museums, cultural activities, and colorful festivities that include a rodeo, a regatta, and snail races. Johnny Cash may have immortalized the name of “Folsom” because of the prison hidden behind its hills, but the town of Folsom is creating its own legend in pure livability.
Gold River
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-552-6800
www.metrochamber.org
Located east of Rancho Cordova and south of the American River, the unincorporated community of Gold River has developed more recently in the suburban history of Sacramento. Comprised of distinct, planned communities, Gold River combines a wide selection of truly beautiful homes in elegant but friendly neighborhoods. Many families who move into the area prefer subdivisions that offer single-family homes with spacious yards, while young professionals seem drawn to the low-maintenance lifestyle of the gated communities filled with lovely half-plexes and luxurious community amenities such as pools, spas, clubhouses, and lighted tennis courts. Gold River residents agree to follow the guidelines developed by the homeowner’s association to regulate the appearance of home exteriors. Served by a small shopping center, these peaceful neighborhoods feature an abundance of two-story homes, wide and curving streets, meticulous landscaping, and a local magazine. The community offers a variety of clubs and organizations, and area youth receive an excellent education in the San Juan School District.
North Highlands, Antelope
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-552-6800
www.metrochamber.org
Known for its easy access to freeways, shopping, parks and the airport, Antelope is an unincorporated community located on the northeastern border of Sacramento County. Rapid development in the Sacramento area during the late ’80s and early ’90s spurred the conversion of 7,000 acres into a planned community of homes and apartments. This relatively new development offers energy-efficient homes in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges. Although North Highlands lies south of Antelope and west of Interstate 80, families in this unincorporated community enjoy the same proximity to shopping, freeways, and parks. The homes tend to be older in North Highlands, an area dominated by comfortable ranch-style homes that were constructed from the mid to late 1950s into the ‘70s. A few newer housing developments blend with the abundance of well-kept, older homes. Another nearby community is Foothill Farms, a quiet area along the southeastern side of the Interstate 80 corridor. First-time homebuyers are especially attracted to the variety of simple homes and fourplexes in the Foothill Farms neighborhood.
Orangevale
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-988-0175
www.orangevalechamber.com
What was once characterized as a rural area that offered a scattered selection of small, single-family homes is undergoing transformation and a shift in identity. Modern Orangevale is an unincorporated but growing community marked by the new construction of lovely, mid-sized custom homes. With good neighborhood schools, a youth center, and its own community newspaper, Orangevale is popular with families in all stages of life. The Orangevale Community Park features tennis courts, two horse arenas, nature trails, an exercise course, and frisbee golf course. Just a short drive from Sunset Boulevard, residents will find the shopping centers of Birdcage Centre and Sunrise Mall. Downtown Sacramento is only 17 miles from home, and Folsom is just across the American River. Situated between Citrus Heights and Folsom, Orangevale offers a variety of homes built in the 1950s and ’60s as well as new subdivisions and a few open fields. Closer to Folsom, the home sites become more spacious, the homes themselves become more luxurious, and the equestrian properties become more abundant. Orangevale is a community with an ideal location that is equally convenient to lake recreation areas or ballet, appealing to a wide cross-section of residents.
Rancho Cordova
Municipal Offices
916-942-0222
www.cityofranchocordova.org
Chamber of Commerce
916-361-8700
www.ranchocordova.org
The unincorporated community of Rancho Cordova is one of Sacramento’s more mature suburban havens. Evolving as a bedroom community, Rancho Cordova has long offered a pleasing selection of ranch-style homes and apartments that are shaded by large, old trees. Home prices and styles vary greatly in this attractive, multi-cultural environment, which includes newer construction and a few prestigious neighborhoods. In recent decades, however, a shift has occurred in the local economy. More companies are finding a desirable home in Rancho Cordova, and burgeoning industrial parks are attracting a growing number of corporations. In spite of the obvious growth and expansion, both the business and residential segments of the community are committed to preserving the best of the community’s spirit. Rancho Cordova follows the south-bank path of the American River, nestled between the Arden Bar bend of the river and Sunrise Boulevard.
Rancho Murieta
County Offices
916-876-6188
Chamber of Commerce
916-552-6800
www.metrochamber.org
Created in the 1970s as a planned community, Rancho Murieta is an exceptionally attractive residential haven about 23 miles east of Sacramento on Highway 16. Within the confines of this 3,500-acre gated community are two golf courses, a country club, tennis courts, and five picturesque lakes for premier recreational opportunities. Home selections range from lovely townhouses to quarter-acre estate lots on secluded and quiet streets. Operating as a planned development rather than an incorporated town, Rancho Murieta requires a homeowner’s association fee and country club fees. Just outside the community gates is an equestrian center that provides a host of resources for horse enthusiasts. Many of the conveniences you would expect to find in a well-balanced small town are available in Rancho Murieta, including restaurants, a post office, a shopping center, and even a private airport. The Cosumnes River flows directly next to the community, expanding the options for fishing and swimming.
