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Sacramento, California: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Sacramento | Expat Exchange
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Sacramento, California

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 07, 2023

Summary: The population of Sacramento, CA is approximately 500,000 people. People love living in Sacramento because of its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and close proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Residents in Sacramento can enjoy a variety of activities, such as visiting the many museums, galleries, and parks, attending concerts and festivals, and exploring the city's many restaurants and bars. The weather in Sacramento is generally mild, with hot summers and cool winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter it is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for a family in Sacramento is around $3,000 per month. The cost of a three bedroom home is around $400,000, and the cost of a four bedroom home is around $500,000. The best neighborhoods to live in Sacramento are Midtown, East Sacramento, and Land Park. These neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, such as great restaurants, parks, and shopping, as well as easy access to downtown. They are also close to the American River, which is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.

What do I need to know about living in Sacramento?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Sacramento, they said:

"If you are a young person in his/her 20s I would not recommend it. We do have a club scene yes, but it dies around 12am. That and most clubs/bars can be dangerous at times due to gangs coming in and starting trouble. Sacramento is perfect for someone in their later adult years to live and work. However, if you are planning on moving here bring plenty money with you, and try to find a place before coming, which isn't difficult, apartment complexes are always renting," said one expat who made the move to Sacramento.

How do I meet people in Sacramento?

When we asked people living in Sacramento about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I would recommend the bars and clubs here in Sacramento. They are mostly located in the downtown area. Some good clubs to visit are Blue Q and Empire. For bars we have plenty of them, some good ones are Sandbar,Pine Cove,Firehouse,Players,for the youngfolks that attend Sac State Univ. you can check out the Library, and you can also go down to the river Old Sacramento area for the riverside dining bars that are available. If you are into music we have a growing underground music community in hip-hop and rock. Finding out about shows is easy mainly because you can flyers for shows posted in every coffee shop and street corner. A good venue for music to check out is the Boardwalk. If clubbing and music isn't your thing we have 2 rivers and a lake within the Sacramento area. One can do everything from boating,swimming,fishing,mountain biking to jogging. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do," explained one expat living in Sacramento, US.

Where should I setup a bank account in Sacramento?

We asked expats in Sacramento what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:

"No, I first got a Bank of America account which annoyed me so much with their lack of customer services (and charging for them too!) that I looked elsewhere and got an account with a local credit union who turned out to be very friendly and flexible and give great personal service. I use them for my Bank account, HELOC and car loan. It's worth trying to find a local Credit Union (they have simple qualification rules, such as must live in a specific area or be employed by a specific employer or industry type," wrote a member in Sacramento.

Will I be able to find a job in Sacramento?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Sacramento, they reponded:

"Sacramento is the capital of California, so there are many opportunities for State service, and most people here make their livings working in various state departments. However Sacramento has a broad job market with various jobs from health care,manual labor,engineering,IT, and customer service. Most people find jobs here via the state personnel board http://spb.ca.gov or for non-state service jobs we have various employment journals and staffing agencies to work with," explained one expat living in Sacramento, US.

What is life like in Sacramento?

When we asked people living in Sacramento what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," said one expat in Sacramento.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Sacramento accepting of differences?

"Sacramento is probably one of the most diverse cities in North America next to LA and Toronto. Religiously people will accept you, but non-religious ideologies are growing here. Culturally it is both segregated and inter-mized depending on where you go. The inner city area you will tend to find predominantley Black,Mexican,or South East Asian neighborhoods. However, the farther you go out the neighborhoods become more diverse. People here tend to be ignorant toward other races/ethnicities, you will one time or another run into some racial prejudices, but not all the time. Economically we are like most of the country suffering from the mortgage crisis, however housing costs are at a low for the time being, so if shouldnt be hard to find a house under $200,000 right now," explained one expat living in Sacramento, US.

What are the pros and cons of living in Sacramento?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Sacramento responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Sacramento appreciate the city's affordability, diverse cultural attractions, and proximity to outdoor activities. They also enjoy the city's vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and food trucks to explore. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's hot summers and lack of public transportation to be drawbacks," remarked one expat living in Sacramento.

What type of social life can someone expect in Sacramento?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Sacramento, they replied:

"Expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads living in Sacramento typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet new people and make friends, such as attending local events, joining clubs and organizations, and participating in outdoor activities. Sacramento is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and live music venues to explore. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy, as well as a variety of outdoor activities to take part in. With its diverse population, Sacramento is a great place to meet people from all walks of life and make lasting connections," wrote one expat living in Sacramento.

"Sacramento is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore, as well as a variety of cultural events and activities to enjoy. The city is home to a diverse population, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or a more relaxed evening with friends, Sacramento has something for everyone," mentioned an expat living in Sacramento.

What advice to expats in Sacramento have about housing?

"Expats in Sacramento recommend researching the different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle. It is also important to consider the commute to work and other amenities when looking for a place to live. Additionally, it is wise to look into the safety of the area and the availability of public transportation. Lastly, it is important to factor in the cost of living when deciding on a place to live in Sacramento," said an expat in Sacramento.

What are medical services in Sacramento like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sacramento, they replied:

"Sacramento offers a wide range of medical services to meet the needs of its residents. The city is home to a number of hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers that provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical conditions. Patients can access primary care, urgent care, and specialty care services, as well as a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Additionally, Sacramento is home to a number of medical research centers and universities that offer advanced medical care and research opportunities," remarked one expat living in Sacramento.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sacramento?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Sacramento can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of coverage and provider. Generally, health insurance premiums tend to be higher in California than in other states, and the cost of healthcare services can also be higher than in other parts of the country. Additionally, the cost of health insurance can be affected by the type of plan chosen, the deductible, and the amount of coverage," said an expat in Sacramento.

Is the cost of living in Sacramento high?

We asked people about the cost of living in Sacramento, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Sacramento is generally considered to be quite affordable. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Sacramento range from around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,400 to $2,000 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Sacramento can cost around $20 per person," said one expat.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Sacramento?

"In order to obtain a visa to live in Sacramento, California, an individual must first apply for a nonimmigrant visa through the United States Department of State. This process involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once the visa is approved, the individual can then travel to the United States. In order to apply for residency in Sacramento, California, an individual must first obtain a valid visa. Once the visa is obtained, the individual must then apply for a green card, which is the official document that grants permanent residency in the United States. This process involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. Once the green card is approved, the individual can then live and work in the United States," wrote one expat living in Sacramento.

Why do people move to Sacramento?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Sacramento, they responded:

"Sacramento is an attractive destination for expats due to its diverse culture, vibrant economy, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to a wide variety of cultural attractions, including the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Railroad Museum, and the Sacramento Zoo. The city also boasts a thriving job market, with many opportunities in the tech, healthcare, and government sectors. Additionally, Sacramento is known for its mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters. With its low cost of living, Sacramento is an ideal place for expats to settle down and enjoy all that the city has to offer," commented one expat living in Sacramento, the United States.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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