Quick Tips for Moving from San Diego to Sacramento
Sep 10, 2024
Are you considering swapping sunny beaches for tree-lined streets? Moving from San Diego to Sacramento might feel like you’re leaving the ocean breeze behind, but you’re about to gain so much more.
Sacramento is like California’s cool, laid-back cousin with its affordable homes, vibrant food scene, and miles of green spaces. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget, enjoy a change in pace, or explore a new side of California, Sacramento’s got you covered.
But let’s face it: moving from San Diego to Sacramento can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though—we’re here to help you navigate everything from the real estate market to finding the perfect dog park for your furry friend. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to pack up and confidently make the leap from the coast to the capital. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Real Estate: A Whole New Ballgame
One of the first things you’ll likely notice when comparing San Diego to Sacramento is the cost of living—especially when it comes to real estate.
San Diego’s housing market is notoriously expensive. From beachfront properties with panoramic ocean views to trendy urban lofts, the cost of homeownership or even renting in San Diego is sky-high. By contrast, Sacramento offers a more affordable market with spacious homes, larger yards, and a generally quieter suburban atmosphere.
In Sacramento, you’ll find homes in charming architectural styles like Craftsman and Tudor, often located near lush parks and tree-lined streets. Meanwhile, San Diego’s Spanish Colonial and modern coastal designs are perfect for those who want the ocean at their doorstep. Sacramento’s more budget-friendly real estate might just be the perfect change if you’re looking to stretch your dollar a little further.
If you’re considering buying a house, Sacramento’s more affordable market is appealing. But if you’re renting, you’ll still find rental prices to be much lower than San Diego’s, meaning you can score a bigger place or save on rent without sacrificing comfort.
Weather: From Cool Ocean Breezes to Hot Summers
San Diego is famous for its idyllic, temperate climate. Rarely too hot or too cold, it’s pretty much perfect year-round, with mild temperatures averaging between 70°F and 78°F. Winter? Barely feels like it. That’s part of the reason it’s such a paradise for surfers, beach lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
But here’s where Sacramento flips the script. Summers in Sacramento can get hot. We’re talking temperatures that soar to an average of 91°F in the peak of summer. While the city does cool down in the winter, with temperatures dropping to around 39°F, you’ll definitely experience more seasonal variety than in laid-back San Diego. The key to surviving Sacramento summers? Embrace your AC and plan your outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings.
Additionally, while San Diego’s coastal climate means moderate humidity, Sacramento tends to have drier air and sees more rain during the cooler months. The upside? Sacramento’s rain helps to sustain the city’s lush greenery, earning its nickname as the “City of Trees.”
Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods: Furry Friends Welcome!
If you’re a pet owner, moving to Sacramento will be a breeze. Sacramento’s neighborhoods are known for being pet-friendly, with plenty of parks and open spaces for your four-legged friends to explore.
Midtown is one of the best neighborhoods for pet owners, featuring dog parks like Truitt Bark Park and a variety of patios that welcome pets. Then there’s East Sacramento, where McKinley Park offers expansive grounds for long walks with your pooch. And if you want even more space, Land Park’s vast green areas, including William Land Park, provide the perfect spot for outdoor play.
Compared to San Diego’s beachside dog parks, Sacramento’s parks offer a different, more laid-back vibe, with ample shade under tree canopies and wide-open spaces to explore.
Economy & Job Market: What´s Your Career Path?
San Diego has a diverse economy with strengths in tourism, international trade, and the military sector, which creates a variety of job opportunities. In Sacramento, things are a little different. Here, the government sector is a major employer, given that it’s California’s state capital. Healthcare and education also provide plenty of jobs, while Sacramento’s technology and agriculture industries are steadily growing.
The median household income in San Diego sits at $98,657, which is higher than Sacramento’s $78,954. But don’t let that fool you—Sacramento’s lower cost of living more than compensates for the difference in earnings, making the city more affordable overall.
If you’re transitioning careers or looking to downsize and simplify your lifestyle, Sacramento’s economy might just have what you’re looking for. You’ll want to weigh your career options and salary prospects carefully to ensure the move makes financial sense for you and your family.
Traffic and Public Transit: Comparing your Commute
If you’ve ever battled traffic in San Diego, you know that gridlock is a way of life. Sacramento isn’t too different, but the commute times are roughly the same, averaging around 26 minutes. In both cities, traffic congestion can be a challenge, but Sacramento generally sees less traffic than San Diego.
As for public transit, San Diego offers a wider range of options with buses, trolleys, and even a coastal commuter train, making car-free living more feasible. Sacramento’s public transit is a bit more limited, but the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) does offer buses and light rail options. If you’re planning to rely on public transit, consider this when choosing where to live in Sacramento.
Making the Move: Planning for Success
Now that you’ve got a feel for the differences between these two California cities, it’s time to talk logistics. Moving isn’t just about finding the perfect house or navigating the job market. You’ll also need to plan your move carefully, ensuring all your belongings get from San Diego to Sacramento in one piece.
Hiring a reputable moving company is key to reducing stress during your move. Look for house movers with positive reviews, experience with long-distance moves, and insurance to protect your valuables.
Settling into your New Sacramento Life
Once you’ve made the move, it’s time to explore your new city. Sacramento has a rich cultural scene, including art galleries, museums, and a growing food scene that focuses on locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Whether you’re into craft beers, outdoor festivals, or catching a local band, Sacramento offers a mix of urban excitement and suburban tranquility.
For outdoor lovers, the American River Parkway and nearby Lake Tahoe offer opportunities for hiking, boating, and camping, giving you plenty of weekend adventure options.
Transition Smoothly from San Diego to Sacramento With Us!
Moving from San Diego to Sacramento offers a unique blend of lifestyle changes, from more affordable housing and pet-friendly neighborhoods to the hot summers and a new job market. But moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming! At Atlas Allied, we specialize in making both your interstate and intrastate moving smooth and seamless. With our expert team, reliable service, and personalized solutions, you can sit back, relax, and let us handle the heavy lifting.
Get started today—contact Atlas Allied for a free quote and experience the difference of a stress-free move!