OVERVIEW
Sacramento, California, is a good place to retire for active adults who want California’s warm climate, strong health care, and cultural amenities at a lower cost than coastal cities. Sacramento’s cost of living is 24% above the national average, with a median home price of about $734,000—significantly more affordable than San Francisco or Los Angeles. The city offers top-rated hospitals, including UC Davis Medical Center, as well as active adult communities in the surrounding region.
The move to Sacramento is an exciting opportunity. Not only are there gorgeous rolling hills, incredible lakes for leisure (not to mention the views), and plenty of opportunities to stay active, but there are still more affordable homes available in this area. Furthermore, you can enjoy the many perks of living in California, including its warm weather and excellent health care.
Are you thinking about retiring to Sacramento? Take a look at what that might actually look like and what to expect.
Cost of Living
If you’re moving to Sacramento, the cost of living may be at the top of your list of considerations. The cost of living in Sacramento is around 24% higher than the national average. However, the cost of living in California is 44% higher than the national average.
If you’re looking for a place to live in California, Sacramento could be a great choice for maintaining your lifestyle at a lower average cost. The median home listing price in Sacramento is around $628,000, while the median listing price in a 55+ community is about $576,000, according to 55places data. Also, energy bills average $359 per month. Taking those estimates into account can help you plan for your big move.
Population
Sacramento is home to about 541,000 people. The population continues to grow, with an expected annual growth rate of 0.47%. While that may mean a lot of people in the area, it also means many opportunities for activities, social engagement, and more.
Climate
Sacramento has a mild climate overall, with temperatures remaining warm throughout most of the year. The city also has abundant sunshine, making it the perfect home for people who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Culture and Entertainment
Sacramento has a laid-back culture with plenty of entertainment opportunities for everyone. In addition to its spot as the “Farm to Fork” capital, with strong agricultural roots and an incredible range of restaurants that showcase locally sourced food in delicious combinations, Sacramento offers a rich culture with plenty of activities, places to visit, and more.
- Performing Arts: Explore Broadway shows in Downtown Sacramento, check out performances at local theaters, or attend ballet, opera, and philharmonic performances.
- Culinary Adventures: Sacramento is home to a diverse array of restaurants, including farm-to-fork eateries and many exciting new concepts.
- History: Sacramento has a rich history, including multiple Gold Rush-era buildings, historic railroads, and a variety of museums.
- Events: Throughout the Sacramento area, you can find a range of exciting events, including the Aftershock music festival, the Sacramento Pride Festival, and cultural events for local communities.
With the rich culture throughout the area, Sacramento residents can find plenty to explore and enjoy, making it a fantastic place for active adults looking for a community that encourages them to stay engaged.
Outdoor Exploration
Sacramento’s mild, sunny climate makes it a great place for retirees who are hoping to enjoy time in the great outdoors. The tree-lined streets of Downtown Sacramento are the perfect place to stroll while shopping, spending time with friends, or just getting out in the community. For active adults looking for more extensive outdoor activities, plenty are available, from hiking along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail to exploring local parks.
In addition to walking or biking, Sacramento offers plenty of opportunities for residents to get out on the water: kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and even whitewater rafting just outside the city. With that range of activities, Sacramento residents can find regular chances to get outside and make the most of the sunshine.
Health Care
Sacramento is home to some of the best hospitals in California, including UC Davis Medical Center and Dignity Health. There is also a Sacramento VA Medical Center, where veterans can seek a range of health care services. Also, several health care centers in Sacramento, including Sutter SeniorCare and InnoAge, offer PACE programs geared toward senior residents, with options such as in-home care and senior care facilities. As the population of Sacramento ages, the area continues to provide a host of health care options.
In the Sacramento area, you can also find a variety of resources that can make retirement living easier and encourage independence, from the Sacramento County Aging and Disability Resource Connection to the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. Many of these programs make it easier for aging retirees to navigate the care options and support available to them.
Education
For active adults interested in furthering their education, there are plenty of options to help them build skills across a variety of subjects. The Sacramento Public Library offers six-week, online Gale courses as well as a range of other resources and programs. Oasis Institute is another popular option. Retirees can engage in lifelong learning opportunities, including health and exercise, technology education, and many more.
For those looking for in-person classes that encourage social interaction alongside lifelong learning, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Davis offers a range of classes and options. These courses help retirees stay active, engaged, and focused, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and keep their minds sharp.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sacramento
Pros
- Affordability: While Sacramento might have a high cost of living compared to cities in other states, it offers the benefits of living in California at a lower cost than many other cities.
- Amenities: Not only is Sacramento home to plenty of culture, with regular events to explore, but it also offers access to many senior resources and care solutions—not to mention a robust educational program.
- Climate: The warm climate is ideal for those hoping to spend more time outdoors and enjoy a variety of activities.
Cons
- Growing population: While the rapidly growing population in Sacramento can offer some benefits, it may also make the city feel crowded or more difficult for retirees to find homes.
- Location: Sacramento is further from the top beaches that many people want to make the most of when they live in California.
FAQ: Retiring in Sacramento
Is Sacramento a good place to retire?
Sacramento is a strong retirement destination, especially for those who want to live in California at a lower cost than many other cities in the state. The city offers a mild, sunny climate, a renowned farm-to-fork dining scene, strong health care through UC Davis Medical Center, and plenty of outdoor recreation. The cost of living is about 24% above the national average, but that’s well below California’s statewide average of 44% above the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento?
Sacramento’s cost of living is about 24% higher than the national average. The median home listing price in Sacramento is around $628,000, and energy bills average $359 per month. While this is high compared to many U.S. cities, it’s significantly lower than California’s statewide cost of living, which runs more than 44% above the national average. For retirees who want to live in California, Sacramento offers a more affordable entry point than cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles.
What is the weather like in Sacramento?
Sacramento has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures throughout most of the year and abundant sunshine. Summers average in the low 90s, with occasional hotter days. Winters are mild, with lows in the upper 30s. Annual rainfall is limited, mostly falling between November and March. The warm, dry climate supports year-round outdoor activities and is a major draw for retirees who want to spend time outside.
What outdoor activities are available in Sacramento?
Sacramento offers hiking and biking along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, strolling through tree-lined Downtown streets, and exploring local parks. Water activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and whitewater rafting just outside the city. The mild, sunny climate makes outdoor recreation accessible year-round. The city’s proximity to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and the California coast adds seasonal variety for day trips and weekend getaways.
What is the population of Sacramento?
Sacramento has an estimated population of 541,000 people, with an expected annual growth rate of 0.47%. The growing population supports a wide range of amenities, restaurants, cultural events, and social opportunities. However, the growth also means increased competition in the housing market, which retirees should factor into their planning and timeline.
Does Sacramento have continuing education for retirees?
Yes. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Davis offers in-person classes designed for older adults across a range of subjects. The Sacramento Public Library provides six-week online Gale courses along with other programs. Also, the Oasis Institute offers lifelong learning opportunities in health, exercise, and technology.
Is Sacramento close to the beach?
Sacramento is not a coastal city. The closest beaches along the California coast are roughly a two-hour drive west through the Bay Area. While this means beach access isn’t an everyday convenience, it’s still a practical day trip. Locally, Sacramento compensates with rivers, lakes, and waterways that support kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
What are the pros and cons of retiring in Sacramento?
The main pros are affordability compared with other California cities, a warm year-round climate, strong health care, a rich cultural and dining scene, and extensive senior resources and educational programs. The main cons are the cost of living, still 24% above the national average, a growing population that can make the housing market more competitive, and a location farther from California’s top beaches than coastal cities. Overall, Sacramento offers California’s benefits at a lower price, but it’s not a budget destination by national standards.
How does Sacramento compare to other California retirement cities?
Sacramento is more affordable than San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego while still offering California’s warm climate, health care infrastructure, and cultural amenities. Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork dining scene, proximity to wine country and outdoor recreation, and strong senior resources make it competitive as a retirement destination. The tradeoffs are distance from the coast and a less dramatic setting than California’s beach cities. For retirees who want California living without coastal prices, Sacramento is one of the strongest options.
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