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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.
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Home > Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023 > Elk Grove, CA
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
How We Calculate Our Data
Elk Grove, CA Top Categories
Environment
Economy
Transportation
Elk Grove ranks highest for environment, economy and transportation.
Amenities65
Amenities: things to do for every interest, plus access to parks and healthy food. Sample metrics: Dining Variety, Museums, Sporting Events & Stadiums, Political Engagement
Economy74
Economy: diverse, thriving local economies with strong employment opportunities and income growth. Sample metrics: Industrial Diversity, Unemployment, Income Relative Change
Education61
Education: feature an educated population and high-quality schools at all levels of education. Sample metrics: School Quality, Years of School, College Access
Environment92
Environment: minimize natural disaster risk, have good air quality and reasonable population density. Sample metrics: Earthquake Risk, Climate Suitability Subscore
Health72
Health: positive health outcomes and easy access to excellent healthcare. Sample metrics: Life Expectancy, Doctor & Hospital Access
Housing & Cost of Living38
Housing & Cost of Living: relatively affordable housing for renters and owners, reasonable taxes and an overall modest cost of living. Sample metrics: Tax Rates, Percent Below Poverty Level, Rental & Home Affordability Ratios
Safety72
Safety: relatively low crime rates. Sample metrics: Murder, Larceny
Transportation74
Transportation: drivable, walkable, bikeable and more with short commutes. Samplemetrics: Multimodal Intersection Density, Vehicles Per Household
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 20 inches per year.
How many sunny days does Elk Grove get?
Elk Grove averages 273 sunny days a year.
What are some things to do outside in Elk Grove?
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
What are some free things to do in Elk Grove?
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.
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.
Where should you have dinner with friends in Elk Grove?
Bring your friends and your appetite to Hidden Dumpling House, which has delectable dumplings and indoor/outdoor dining.
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 bevvies 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 2023, 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 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.
What colleges and universities are in Elk Grove?
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.
Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023
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