Nestled in the heart of wine country Elk Grove is one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. Since 2000, it has added more than 100,000 new residents, nearly tripling its population. Many of these new residents were drawn by its highly rated schools, its many parks and its proximity to California’s capital. Founded in the 1850s as a stage stop between Sacramento and San Francisco, the city’s historic Old Town is its central hub where western heritage meets boutique shops, nightlife and a lively restaurant scene. Elk Grove has been named one of the 100 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. by several media outlets. It was also named the 18th-Most Luxurious City in the country by Architectural Digest.
“It’s a really diverse city. You’ll see all different nationalities here,” says Realtor Brian Zamora of Gold Group Real Estate, a longtime resident of Elk Grove. “It’s a very community-oriented place to live. Like, in my neighborhood, during the 4th of July, we shut down a whole block and everyone comes out for fireworks and a potluck. It’s a great place to raise kids.”
Laguna is a green and lush neighborhood.
Take a morning stroll through Laguna Stonelake.
Play a round of tennis or pickleball at Bartholomew Sports Park.
Bartholomew Park offers a great view of the water in the Laguna West neighborhood.
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Shopping and dining on Elk Grove's historic Main Street
In a nod to its Wild West origins, Elk Grove’s Main Street is replete with boutique shops selling Stetson hats and restaurants with 1800s saloon vibes. But it’s not all western wares — the district is also home to cozy coffee shops and restaurants ranging from authentic Mexican to Texas barbeque and Asian fusion. The brewery and vineyard scene is buzzing in Elk Grove, no doubt influenced by its proximity to the nation’s best-known wine regions in Napa, Amador and Lodi. Places like Adkins Family Vinyard and Flatland Brewing Company are known to draw a crowd on weekends. For fresh produce, artisan wares and food vendors, locals flock to the Elk Grove Farmer’s Market every Saturday in the spring and summer.
Nightlife is sparse, but those looking for evening entertainment can try their luck at the Sky River Casino’s slot machines and table games or catch live music at the casino’s auditorium. Elk Grove has a strong art scene. The city streets are dotted with more than 50 public art pieces, murals and sculptures. Each April, the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center puts on the Festival of the Arts to promote local artists. For museums, live theater and contemporary galleries, it’s just a short trek to the state capital’s thriving downtown district.
Have a wonderful breakfast at Bert's Diner in Elk Grove.
Get something from the hot deli bar at Nugget Market in Machado Farms.
Rescate Coffee in Laguna Stonelake is a great place to study.
Savoring flavor at Wasabi Restaurant in Elk Grove’s Lakeside is a culinary gem.
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Highly rated schools appeal to new residents
Elk Grove Unified School District is a major draw for prospective homebuyers. It gets an A grade from Niche, which also ranks it the second most diverse district in the state. It’s the fifth largest school district in California, serving 61,000 students spread out over 69 schools, including more than 25 that were awarded an A-minus rating or higher. Elk Grove is also home to the California Northstate University College of Medicine, a private medical school that enrolls around 450 students.
Elliott Ranch Elementary in Elk Grove features a program called Project Lead The Way.
Educational opportunities abound at Florence Markofer Elementary School in Elk Grove.
Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School in Elk Grove is home of the Wolves.
Elk Grove High School offers a variety of classes across several buildings on campus.
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More than 100 local parks
With over 100 parks, residents are never far from local greenery and outdoor recreation. The city’s abundant parkland ranges from streetside pocket parks to mid-sized community parks and sprawling regional amenities. Of these, the largest is Elk Grove Regional Park, home to baseball and soccer fields, volleyball courts and an aquatic center, and city-sponsored events like concerts and movie nights in the summer. Golf is a big deal in Elk Grove, and the city features two courses: Emerald Lakes Golf Course and Valley Hi Country Club.. The city council recently approved plans for a new, $300 million zoo that would serve the entire Sacramento region. Lake Tahoe, one of the state’s premier vacation destinations, is about a 2-hour drive away.
A couple ladies enjoy a walk along the Laguna Creek Trail.
Home runs and happy times, baseball Fun at Johnson Park in Elk Grove’s Lakeside.
Elk Grove Regional Park offers a beautiful lake scenery.
Expansive grass fields at Bartholomew Sports Park are perfect for a soccer match.
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Rising housing prices signal high demand
Housing prices are on the rise in Elk Grove, driven in part by the influx of new residents. The median price for a single-family home has steadily risen from around $420,000 in 2019 to $675,000 in August 2024. That said, it’s still much cheaper than housing in the Bay Area. “You can get a home here that’s three times bigger than a Bay Area home for half the price,” Zamora says. While the most popular area to live is near downtown, much of the residential areas are to the west of Highway 99. These neighborhoods are less walkable but typically feature newer construction and larger lots. The Laguna neighborhood just west of downtown has been one of the more affordable in the area, while the Lakeside neighborhood in known for its pricey waterfront property.
Laguna West is known for its beautiful lakeside homes.
Common architectural styles found in Laguna West includes ranch-styles and Spanish Colonials.
This style of home is very popular in Laguna Stonelake.
Find your dream home in Laguna of Elk Grove, CA.
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Crime on decline
Elk Grove has seen a decline in crime over the past 10 years and is safer than the average California city, according to FBI stats. Overall, Elk Grove has seen a 29% decrease in violent crime cases since 2012, and today its violent crime rate is 27% lower than the California average and slightly lower than the national average. Elk Grove has also experienced a 29% decrease in property crime over the past 10 years. Despite this drop, Elk Grove ranks just behind the national average in reported property crimes.
Hop on the E-tran
Elk Grove is well-placed for commuting. The city is bordered by Interstate 5, a major north-south route that connects to Sacramento and Stockton, and is just a short drive from Interstate 80, which offers a route to the San Francisco Bay, about 100 miles away. Elk Grove’s central location makes it convenient for commuting to Sacramento as well as quick day trips and weekend getaways in wine country, where rows of grapevines blend into the California countryside. Locally, residents can take the E-tran, a bus system with stops along the city’s main thoroughfares. Apple has a 78-acre campus it expanded within the past decade, employing about 5,000 people there.
Even more to come
Elk Grove continues to grow at a rapid clip, adding new housing developments, businesses and city amenities. A recent proposal known as Project Elevate could add a new retail, dining and entertainment district on 20 acres of land in the heart of the city with urban apartment buildings, a hotel and offices space also included in the plan. In 2024, Elk Grove City Council approved plan for hundreds of new homes and apartments in the community, a sign of continued housing demand in the area.
Sky River Casino has 80 table games and a 1,000 slot machines to test your luck at.
The front entrance of Nugget Markets features greek statues and a sun mural.
Play basketball with some friends at Bartholomew Park in West Laguna.
Patrons enjoy drinks and great conversation at Chevy's Fresh Mex in Laguna West.
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Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kenny Dugdale,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Elk Grove, CA sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Elk Grove, CA over the last 12 months is $645,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to 7548 Chappelle Way, a stunning 6-bedroom, 3-bath home located in one of Elk Grove's most desirable neighborhoods. This beautifully designed residence offers a spacious and versatile floor plan perfect for modern living. The kitchen is a true highlight, featuring granite countertops, a full backsplash, and a warm Tuscan-style design that combines elegance and functionality. Large
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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