I am a Sacramento native, and now that I am older and more traveled, I appreciate our area more than ever. I have raised eight kids here. We have taken countless field trips to Old Sacramento, the Capitol, museums, and Gold Rush towns in the foothills. We have spent years at local theaters, concerts, school programs, and community events. I love our weather, I love that we are close to skiing, golfing, and the ocean, and I truly believe that family life is better when you live here.
One of my favorite memories is the day we skied in the morning, played golf that afternoon, and ended the night in San Francisco for a show. Not many places give you that kind of variety in one day, and it is one of the many reasons I love Northern California.
Here are ten reasons I am grateful to raise a family in Sacramento and Placer County.
1. The weather makes family life easier
Sacramento gives us real seasons without the extremes. Spring fills the region with green hills and wildflowers. Summer brings warm days perfect for lake trips and cooling off in the evenings. Fall offers crisp nights, football games, and beautiful sunsets. Winters are mild enough that outdoor play is rarely interrupted.
This kind of weather makes family life simple. Birthday parties at the park, after school sports, weekend hikes, and backyard barbecues are easy to plan. Kids get to grow up outdoors, and parents get a break from constant weather worries.
2. Local recreation is built for active families
Sacramento and Placer County make staying active natural. The American River Parkway offers miles of paved bike trail that is safe for young riders and fun for teens. There are countless hiking trails across Auburn, Loomis, Folsom, and Rocklin. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing are everyday activities here.
Families can enjoy:
- Bike rides along the river
- Hikes around Folsom Lake and the foothills
- Swimming and paddleboarding at calm water spots
- Youth sports year round
- Dog friendly parks and open spaces
You do not have to be an outdoorsy family to enjoy the recreation here. It is accessible, close by, and perfect for every age.
3. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are close and convenient
One of the biggest perks of living here with kids is convenience. The Roseville Galleria, The Fountains, Palladio, and dozens of local shopping centers make errands simple. Whether it is back to school clothes, sports gear, birthday gifts, or last minute dance dresses, everything you need is close.
The dining scene is excellent for families too. Sacramento’s farm to fork culture gives us restaurants with amazing quality, plus endless pizza places, burger spots, taco shops, coffee bars, and dessert stops that keep kids and teens happy.
Entertainment choices include:
- Movies at Palladio or Century Roseville
- Family friendly theater productions
- Concerts and pro sports in downtown Sacramento
- Seasonal festivals and community events
- Holiday lights, pumpkin patches, and farmers markets
There is always something to do without driving far.
4. You can get a bigger home and a bigger yard
Space matters when you have a family, especially a big one. Compared to the Bay Area or Southern California, Sacramento and Placer County offer larger homes, more bedrooms, and bigger yards at a price many families can manage. This is one of the biggest reasons families move here.
Many neighborhoods offer:
- Spacious floorplans
- Bonus rooms, lofts, and flex spaces
- Larger backyards perfect for kids
- Safe, suburban streets
- Community parks and greenbelts
More space means more comfort, more creativity, and more room for memories.
5. Job opportunities and quality of life go hand in hand
Parents appreciate that Sacramento provides strong job opportunities while keeping daily life balanced. The region is anchored by state government and supported by healthcare, education, construction, logistics, tech, and small business. There is room to grow without sacrificing family time.
Commutes are manageable, remote work options are growing, and families can choose from a variety of communities that match their lifestyle. It creates a rare blend of opportunity and livability.
6. Tahoe is close enough for quick family adventures
Lake Tahoe is about an hour and a half away from much of Placer County. It is easy to decide on a whim to head up the mountain for snow play, hiking, or a beach day. Kids grow up learning how to ski, building snowmen, and exploring trails with views that feel like postcards.
Tahoe offers year round fun, and having it close by is a true gift.
7. The Bay Area is close enough for big city fun
Families get the best of both worlds here. You can live in a calm, spacious community and still take day trips to San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, or Berkeley for:
- Concerts and Broadway style shows
- Museums and aquariums
- Sporting events
- Famous landmarks
- Waterfront restaurants
It is the perfect blend of suburban life and city access.
8. Golf is a regular part of life here
If you golf or want your kids to learn, this is one of the best regions to live in. Placer County and Sacramento offer beautiful, well maintained courses like Whitney Oaks, Catta Verdera, Turkey Creek, Lincoln Hills, Morgan Creek, and Sierra View.
With great weather, you can play almost year round. Many courses have junior programs and lessons, making it easy for kids to start young.
9. Lakes and rivers make weekend fun simple
Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, and Lake Clementine are some of the best family friendly outdoor spots you can find. They offer areas for boating, swimming, biking, picnics, and fishing. You can pack up the car and be on the water within minutes.
These lakes create traditions that last through generations.
10. Local history, museums, and arts enrich childhood
Raising eight kids here has shown me how rich the learning opportunities are. Sacramento is full of museums, historic sites, and hands on experiences for kids of all ages.
Family favorites include:
- Old Sacramento
- The California State Railroad Museum
- Sutter’s Fort
- The Crocker Art Museum
- The Capitol Museum
- Gold Rush towns like Auburn and Coloma
- Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Children’s Museum
Kids learn naturally, simply by living here.
Why I am grateful to raise a family here
When I look back at sports seasons, school programs, lake days, field trips, church activities, backyard dinners, and spontaneous adventures, I see clearly how this region shaped our family. Sacramento and Placer County offer space, recreation, community, and opportunity that support family life in meaningful ways.
If you are already here, I hope this reminds you why you love it. If you are thinking of moving, I can honestly say that raising kids here has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Read up on relocating to Sacramento at https://www.jaydeesheppard.com/homebuying-page/relocating-to-sacramento/
Plan your visit to Sacramento at https://www.visitsacramento.com/
