What Is Sacramento Known For? [2025]

If you ask someone from California, "What is Sacramento known for?" they might share tips on farm-to-table restaurants, outdoor stops, its gold rush history, farmers markets, and capital city landmarks. The blend of Old Sacramento with a thriving downtown area offers something for everyone, even if you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb.

Compared to other major California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, Sacramento boasts lower rental costs while still offering urban amenities, cultural attractions, and a thriving food scene. Locals enjoy mild weather, a growing economy, and a laid-back lifestyle with all the perks of living in California. Learn more about what Sacramento is known for and why it’s worth considering for your next move.

What Is Sacramento Best Known For?

1. The Gold Rush and Old Sacramento

Sacramento’s story begins with the 1848 gold rush when gold was discovered in the Sacramento Valley. You can still visit Old Sacramento’s historic district, situated along the Sacramento River, which preserves the city’s 19th-century charm with wooden sidewalks, riverboats, and restored buildings. Today, scenic river cruises and the California State Railroad Museum detail the history of the city and the unique flavor of Sacramento.

2. Farm-to-Table Dining

Sacramento is known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital and is surrounded by rich farmland that supplies its restaurants with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From fine dining at establishments like The Kitchen to casual eats at local farmers markets, Sacramento’s culinary scene is a celebration of flavor and sustainability. There’s always a local event, including the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival, highlighting a foodie-oriented culture that draws visitors from across the region.

3. The State Capitol

As California’s capital, Sacramento is home to the ornate Capitol building and a long history of the city’s political significance. Visitors can tour the Capitol grounds’ lush gardens and monuments. There’s also an on-site museum with exhibits about California’s legislative history.

4. The Sacramento River and American River Parkway

Sacramento’s rivers are central to the core of its identity. Spending time at the American River Parkway is a popular pastime, where visitors can enjoy the 32-mile stretch of trails that is perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely walk along the water or paddling through its calm stretches, Sacramento’s waterways provide a peaceful escape from city life.

5. A Thriving Arts Scene

Sacramento has quickly gained momentum over the years as a vibrant arts community. The city’s annual Wide Open Walls festival turns blank walls into colorful murals that make for an ever-changing outdoor art gallery. There’s also an impressive collection of classic and contemporary artwork at the Crocker Art Museum, one of the oldest in the West. Locals also spend time at the Midtown, a cultural hotspot with galleries, live music, and theater performances to enjoy year-round.

6. Mild Winters and Outdoor Living

One of the biggest draws to living in Sacramento is its year-round mild weather. It’s ideal for outdoors enthusiasts and features over 200 parks. Some of the more popular options include McKinley Park and William Land Park, where residents and visitors gather for everything from picnics to sports along manicured green spaces.

7. Local Breweries and Wineries

Sacramento’s proximity to Napa Valley developed the area into a gateway to a world-class wine destination. Despite its wine recognition, the city still managed to carve out its own niche in the craft beer scene. Locals frequent breweries like Track 7 Brewing Company and Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouse, which offer unique and flavorful brews.

8. Sports and Recreation

Sacramento is a city passionate about its sports and is home to the Sacramento Kings, an NBA team that plays at the Golden 1 Center downtown. Visitors can also cheer for the local soccer team, Sacramento Republic FC. Beyond professional sports, Sacramento offers plenty of opportunities for recreation, from local leagues to outdoor activities like golf, cycling, and paddleboarding on its rivers.

9. Music Festivals and Events

Music lovers flock to Sacramento for its diverse lineup of festivals and live events. The Aftershock Festival is a standout option for rock and metal fans, while the annual Hot Jazz Jubilee showcases smooth tunes from top artists. Smaller venues in Midtown and Downtown host live performances regularly and give locals a chance to experience the city’s vibrant music culture year-round.

10. Historic Landmarks and Museums

In addition to Old Sacramento, the city is peppered with historic landmarks and museums. The Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, Leland Stanford Mansion, the Sacramento History Museum, and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park provide deep dives into the region’s gold rush history and pioneer culture. The city is a must-explore for history buffs.

11. Sustainability and Green Living

Sacramento earned its reputation as one of the greenest cities in the country. The city invests heavily in sustainability initiatives, from bike-friendly infrastructure to renewable energy projects. Residents take pride in their eco-conscious lifestyle with community gardens, farmers markets, and green transportation options like light rail lines and electric scooters.

Renter Life in Sacramento

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,372
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,733
• Median home value: $484,600
• Population: 524,943

Living in Sacramento means enjoying the charm of a smaller city while still having access to all the amenities you’d expect from a California hub. With more affordable housing compared to San Francisco or Los Angeles, Sacramento attracts families, professionals, and retirees alike.

You can also consider the U.S. Census Bureau data, which states the median household income in Sacramento is $83,753. That’s a bit above the national median household income of $78,538 a year.

To figure out how much you can afford for rent, we recommend sticking to the 30% rule, which stipulates spending up to 30% of your take-home pay on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,382 a month, you need to earn at least $55,280 a year in Sacramento, or $4,606.67 a month, after taxes to live comfortably. Remember, this is just a general guideline. You may need to earn more if you have student loans, want to save up for a big expense, or plan to travel more.

Economy and Jobs in Sacramento

As the capital of California, Sacramento’s economy is closely tied to government and public service jobs. However, the city is also seeing growth in healthcare, education, and technology. Major employers include Sutter Health, Intel, and the University of California, Davis. With its relatively affordable cost of living and strong job market, Sacramento is an appealing option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Best Places to Live in Sacramento

Sacramento is known for its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic streets of East Sacramento to the trendy vibe of Midtown. East Sacramento is known for its charming tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and tight-knit community vibe. Midtown is a good spot to live in the middle of Sacramento’s cultural scene and its restaurants, bars, art galleries, and music venues. For families, Natomas offers a suburban feel with spacious homes, well-regarded schools, and plenty of parks and recreational facilities.

Find Your Next Apartment in Sacramento

Looking for the perfect place to call home in Sacramento? Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of East Sacramento, the vibrant energy of Midtown, or the family-friendly appeal of Natomas, Sacramento has a neighborhood that’s perfect for you.

Take the Apartment List quiz to find rentals tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. Start your Sacramento adventure by finding the perfect place to call home. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours searching.