Elk Grove, CA is among the Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S.

Explore Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CABest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Just minutes from California's capital city, Elk Grove blends suburban comforts with urban conveniences. With top-rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods and plenty of outdoor activities, Elk Grove is the ideal setting for families and young professionals.

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Elk Grove, CA

Why You’ll Love Living in Elk Grove, California

Elk Grove, California, attracts people from all over the country with its welcoming community and celebratory spirit. And putting down roots here is easy thanks to the city’s low crime rates, family-friendly atmosphere, and wealth of good schools, green spaces and recreational activities for children. The city regularly hosts events, from the packed farmers markets to the lively concerts in the park and culture festivals all year round. The economy makes it an easy place to settle down, too, with a wide range of job opportunities in everything from health care and manufacturing to technology and retail.

Thinking of moving to Elk Grove, CA? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Elk Grove, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Elk Grove, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.

What Makes Elk Grove, CA, a Best Place to Live in 2024

Elk Grove, CA, has exploded in recent years. As a suburb of Sacramento — just 20 minutes south — this community of nearly 182,000 is one of the best places to live in the U.S., and that’s no surprise. Industry has discovered the advantages of calling Elk Grove home, with heavyweights like Apple and Kaiser Permanente having regional headquarters here. 

The city is also on track to be a health center, with the opening of a new full-service hospital in 2026. Dignity Health Elk Grove Hospital will be outfitted with the latest technology to care for patients. Also announced are new outpatient health care services at UC Davis as it expands with a 20-acre parcel in Elk Grove. 

The city takes that healthy initiative even one step further with a commitment to the well-being of residents by being a leader in sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship. In fact, back in 2015, Elk Grove built the first Special Waste Collection Center in the country powered by solar energy.

Residents are active, thanks to more than 90 parks outfitted with all kinds of amenities. Elk Grove also boasts an assortment of tasty restaurants and excellent schools, attracting both young professionals and families alike.

Elk Grove, CA Quality of Life LivScore

0 1000 1000 799

Elk Grove, CA Top Categories

  • Environment

  • Health

  • Economy

Elk Grove ranks highest for environment, health and economy.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Elk Grove, CA

What is the weather like in Elk Grove? 

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).

Does Elk Grove get a lot of snow?

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.

Does Elk Grove get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Elk Grove is relatively low, at around 19 inches per year.

How many sunny days does Elk Grove get?

Elk Grove averages 269 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Elk Grove?

Spend an afternoon at the Elk Grove Regional Park’s Disc Golf Course. For anyone unacquainted with the game, disc golf blends golf with frisbee, and the course in Elk Grove is excellent for both beginners and experienced players.

Elk Grove, CA is among the Top 100 best cities to live in America
Explore Elk Grove
District56 in Elk Grove, CA, blends modern amenities, such as a pool, senior center and cafe, with outdoor spaces that honor art and nature. 

Things To Do in Elk Grove, CA

What is something free to do in Elk Grove?

Take a leisurely stroll (and maybe do some window shopping) around Old Town Elk Grove, which has buildings dating back to the 1800s. If you’re looking to get out in nature, the Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge is about a 20-minute drive away. Its 18,000 protected acres are home to many migratory bird species. Be sure to check out the miles of trails (which are wheelchair accessible!).

What are some fun things to do with kids in Elk Grove?

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.

What is the best open secret about Elk Grove?

Elk Grove puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to creating a sustainable city. It’s home to the first comprehensive large-scale rain garden in California. The Rain Garden Plaza is an open space with gardens that show off wildlife while educating visitors about the importance of conserving natural resources.

Where do locals shop in Elk Grove?

Locals have plenty of shopping choices in Elk Grove, like Elk Grove Commons, which has popular national chains. If you want to keep it more local, Vintage Soul and The Red Door are beloved home decor stores.

What is a fun restaurant in Elk Grove? 

Bring your friends and your appetite to Hidden Dumpling House, which has delectable dumplings and indoor/outdoor dining.

Where is the best place for live music or performing arts in Elk Grove?

Elk Grove doesn’t have many dedicated venues for live music and performing arts, but places like Elk Grove Regional Park and Laguna Town Hall host community events, concerts and performances throughout the year. Several local restaurants and bars host live music nights, too.

What is the best coffee shop in Elk Grove? 

Rescate Coffee Roasters is the only local roaster in Elk Grove, with the goal of delivering high-quality crafted coffees to every customer.

The Local and State Economy in Elk Grove, CA

What are the three largest industries in Elk Grove?

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.

What is the sales tax rate in Elk Grove?

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Elk Grove is 8.75%.

Does California have a state income tax?

Yes, California has a state income tax.

Who are the major health care providers in Elk Grove?

Elk Grove’s Sacramento County location provides residents with a wealth of options when it comes to finding a highly-rated healthcare provider. Sutter Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health all have medical facilities in the city. The University of California-Davis will soon expand outpatient services into the area.

What colleges and universities are in Elk Grove?

Although there aren’t any significant colleges or universities in Elk Grove, there are several higher education institutions in nearby Sacramento and Davis, California.

Weather in Elk Grove, CA

Average Temperatures

74 High / 49 Low

Average Annual Rainfall

19 Inches

Average Annual Snowfall

0 Inches

Quick Facts about Elk Grove, California

Median Home Value
$497,689
Median Property Tax
$3,613
Total Population
181,530
Average Commute
27 min
Median Household Income
$115,804
Median Rent per Month
$1,611

Map of Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove, CA: Where to Live Now

An aerial view of the Sacramento River in Redding, California.

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