NorCal City Among Money's 50 Best Places To Live

SACRAMENTO — Sacramento is one of Money’s 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2024.

“This year’s Best Places to Live list celebrates cities and towns where a thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life,” according to the publication. “Backed by rigorous research and data-driven analysis, these 50 places are the blueprint for the future.”

Only one other California city — Temecula — made the list.

For Sacramento — which has a population of about 528,000, a median listing price of $465,000 and an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent — the publication noted the area’s vibrant art and theater scenes and its Farm-to-Fork Festival celebrating local food.

“What really distinguishes Sacramento from its coastal brethren, though, is its unwavering commitment to the people who call the city home,” according to Money. “As Sac’s popularity (and population) has grown, locals have fought relentlessly to prevent displacement.”

The City Council voted last year in favor of zoning changes to help expand affordable housing, and last month Sacramento County greenlit a program to give low-income Native American and Black families a $725 guaranteed monthly payment, the publication reported.

To view the full list of Money’s 50 Best Places to Live, visit money.com/best-places-to-live.