UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#5. Sacramento CA
California’s capital city doesn’t get nearly as much attention as SF or LA, but a vibrant coffee scene has been brewing under the radar here for a while now, and the rest of the nation has started to take notice. Sprudge recently named Sacramento one of five underrated coffee cities in America, and we wholeheartedly agree. A relatively low number of large chains means Sacramento is one of the top metro areas in the nation with the most indie coffee shops per capita. Delicious coffee flows here at artisan shops like Insight Coffee Roasters, Old Soul Co. and the New Zealand-influenced Chocolate Fish Coffee.
This isn’t just a well-caffeinated city, it’s a fun one. Sacramento is home to Coin Op, one of the coolest arcade bars in the country, plus a full calendar of community events to keep residents entertained. And for those who want to live in California but can’t afford the steep price tag, Sacramento is an affordable choice. With easy access to San Francisco and the beautiful California coast, the location can’t be beat.
Coolest Coffee Shop: Award-winning Temple Coffee is our pick for the city’s coolest shop, as its vibe is low-key and modeled after some of the temples owner Sean Kohmescher visited during his travels through Indonesia.