Elk Grove, CABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Just minutes from California’s capital city, Elk Grove blends suburban comforts and urban conveniences. From top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods to plenty of outdoor activities, Elk Grove is the ideal setting for families and young professionals.
More About Moving to California
Elk Grove, CA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Nestled about 20 minutes south of Sacramento, Elk Grove, CA, is rapidly becoming one of the Golden State’s favorite suburbs — and one of the best places to live in the U.S. Elk Grove is brimming with small-town charm while simultaneously becoming a powerhouse for industry, home to both Apple and Kaiser Permanente regional headquarters.
But beyond economics, what earns Elk Grove a spot in our places to live list is its commitment to the health and well-being of its citizens. The city of Elk Grove is steadfast in becoming a leader in environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on sustainable building practices. For example, in 2015, Elk Grove built the Special Waste Collection Center, the first in the country to be powered by solar energy.
Also proving how much Elk Grove is quickly becoming the place to be is the groundbreaking of a new full-service hospital. Expected to open in 2026, Dignity Health’s Elk Grove Hospital will be a 100-bed center and over 200,000 square feet. In addition, it was recently announced that UC Davis would also be expanding outpatient health care services in Elk Grove, giving patients many options outside Sacramento.
Elk Grove, CA Quality of Life LivScore
Elk Grove, CA Top Categories
Environment
Economy
Transportation
Elk Grove ranks highest for environment, economy and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Elk Grove, CA
Summers are hot and dry (reaching an average of about 93 degrees in July), and winters are short and basically nonexistent. The average highs and lows are 91°F and 58°F (summer) and 57°F and 40°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Elk Grove is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Elk Grove is relatively low, at around 20 inches per year.
Elk Grove averages 273 sunny days a year.
The magnificent Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge is located about a 20-minute drive away, where 18,000 protected acres are home to many migratory bird species. Though the refuge is currently closed due to extreme flooding in the area, once it’s safe to resume visiting, be sure to check out their miles of trails (which are wheelchair accessible!).
Things To Do in Elk Grove, CA
Take a leisurely stroll (and maybe do some window shopping) around Old Town Elk Grove, which has buildings that date all the way back to the 1800s.
The kids will be in summer heaven at Elk Grove Aquatics Center, which features a competition pool and a recreational pool with a lazy river and two 30-foot water slides.
Bring your friends and your appetite to Hidden Dumpling House, which has delectable dumplings and indoor/outdoor dining.
Rescate Coffee Roasters is the only local roaster in Elk Grove, with the goal of delivering high-quality crafted bevvies to every customer.
The Local and State Economy in Elk Grove, CA
Health care and social assistance, retail trade, and education are among the largest industries in Elk Grove. Elk Grove Unified School District, Apple Inc., and Kaiser Permanente are a sampling of the largest employers in the city.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Elk Grove is 8.75%.
Yes, California has a state income tax.
Elk Grove’s Sacramento County location provides residents with a wealth of options when it comes to finding a highly-rated health care provider. Sutter Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health all have medical facilities located in the city. And the University of California-Davis will soon expand outpatient services into the area.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Elk Grove, there are several higher education institutions in nearby Sacramento and Davis.
Quick Facts About Elk Grove, CA
- Median Household Income
- $102,749
- Median Home Value
- $494,136
- Average State Property Tax
- $4,279
- Total Population
- 177,532
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,632
- Average Commute
- 26.92 minutes
Elk Grove’s economy, health and well-being, and environmental stewardship contributed to the city’s ranking as one of the best places to live in the U.S. — one of only two California cities to make it on the list. Learn more about living in Elk Grove, or consider other great places to live in California. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
