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
Jeff Wickum,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Elk Grove, CA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Elk Grove, CA over the last 12 months is $655,100, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Mid-Century Modern vibe, yet built to modern building codes. This special neighborhood was built in 1980 by the Streng Brothers, these homes were designed by Carter Sparks. Sparks drew inspiration from the original Eichler Atrium Homes, this home has a central skylight with planter beds blended seamlessly into the living space. This atrium style home gives you the best in California indoor/
Welcome to 9234 Rushing Creek Way, Elk Grove, CA 95624. Situated on a large corner lot in a quiet established neighborhood, this upgraded home offers 3,871 square feet of living space with up to 6 possible bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, extended driveway, and abundant parking. Inside, you'll find newer paint, newer flooring, a remodeled kitchen, spacious living areas, and a functional
Truly exceptional home on an expansive 1/4 acre lot in one of Elk Grove's most prestigious neighborhoods! This breathtaking 5 bed/4.5 bath home, built by JTS, spans 4,694 sq ft & showcases $215k+ in recent updates, solar, whole house fan, resort inspired backyard w/ pool & spa, beautifully remodeled chef's kitchen, spacious game room, office, 3-car split garage & RV access. Curb appeal w/
Set on a quiet court in Elk Grove, this beautifully remodeled home offers a modern, turnkey living experience with timeless finishes and thoughtful updates completed just two years ago. Featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the open floor plan creates an inviting flow between the living spaces, making the home feel both spacious and functional. The kitchen serves as the centerpiece with
Lake Front with a dock plus an in-ground pool. Fantastic opportunity to get in the community, on the lake for just $999k. Well-maintained community with low HOA fees * Convenient access to parks, shopping, dining, and major commuting routes A rare opportunity to own a true lakefront home offering comfort, flexibility, and a resort-style lifestyle.
This beautiful condo is located in the highly sought-after gated community of Boardwalk at Lakeside. The grounds are peaceful and the resort-like atmosphere makes living here so luxurious. Features fresh interior paint, new carpet, and brand new kitchen appliances. This community has a pool, spa and fitness room. Conveniently located near I5 and shopping and dining. A must see!
Mid-Century Modern vibe, yet built to modern building codes. This special neighborhood was built in 1980 by the Streng Brothers, these homes were designed by Carter Sparks. Sparks drew inspiration from the original Eichler Atrium Homes, this home has a central skylight with planter beds blended seamlessly into the living space. This atrium style home gives you the best in California indoor/
STUNNING REMODELED 0.29 ACRE CORNER LOT HOME WITH PAID SOLAR IN ELK GROVE 9430 Mazatlan Way, a meticulously upgraded 4 bed/ 3bath home that blends modern luxury with everyday functionality. 2288 sqft of beautifully curated living space, this home sits on an expansive, rare corner lot of over 1/4 acre (zoned RD5) Every inch of this turnkey property has been thoughtfully refreshed. The floor plan
Beautifully updated home featuring a new HVAC system (installed in 2024), a lush, spacious backyard with a nice storage shed, and a charming patio perfect for outdoor entertaining. Two spacious downstairs bedrooms with two full bathrooms, ideal for multi-generational living. The open floor plan includes a beautiful light filled East Facing den with French doors, that has been used as a 5th
Welcome to Laguna West, one of Sacramento's most sought-after master-planned communities, beautifully designed around a stunning 73-acre lake. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and over 2,000 square feet of living space on a desirable corner lot, presenting an incredible opportunity for buyers looking to add their personal touch. The expansive primary suite provides a true
Exceptional 4.266 net-acre commercial development opportunity located within Elk Grove's rapidly expanding southern growth corridor. Zoned Business & Professional (BP), this strategically positioned parcel sits adjacent to the new Advanced Healthcare of Elk Grove post-acute transitional care facility currently under construction and anticipated for completion by the end of 2026, creating a strong
Two-Story Home3 Bedrooms, 2.5 BathsApprox. 1,303 sq ft Welcome to Residence 1 at Courtyards at Cotton LaneDiscover the perfect blend of modern style and functional living in this stunning Farmhouse Scheme two-story home. Designed with an eye for contemporary detail, Residence 1 offers a thoughtfully planned layout across approximately 1,303 square feet. Designed for Your
Single-Story Home3 Bedrooms, 2 BathsApprox. 1438 sq ft Welcome to Residence 2 at Courtyards at Cotton Lane Experience comfortable, contemporary living in this beautifully designed single-story home featuring the popular Farmhouse exterior. Offering approximately 1,438 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, this residence balances modern style with everyday functionality. Designed for
Prime commercial development opportunity in Elk Grove's expanding healthcare and business corridor. This 1.00-acre Business & Professional (BP) zoned parcel is strategically positioned adjacent to the new Advanced Healthcare of Elk Grove post-acute transitional care facility currently under construction and anticipated for completion by the end of 2026. Located near Highway 99, Whitelock Parkway,
Two-Story Home3 Bedrooms, 2.5 BathsApprox. 1546 sq ft The Mirabel (Plan 3) is a thoughtfully designed two-story home offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The open-concept layout features a well-equipped kitchen with quartz countertops and a spacious pantry closet, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. A conveniently located powder room is situated
Tricon Elk Grove is a professionally managed, beautiful Spanish-inspired townhome rental community in Elk Grove, California. Every home includes quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, solar, attached garages and front patios. The rental homes at Tricon Elk Grove offer three beautiful two- and three-bedroom floor plans with open-concept designs.
StoneLake Apartments combines resort-style amenities with spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans featuring gorgeous finishes in a pristine Elk Grove neighborhood. Situated just minutes from Interstate 5 and Highway 99, our community offers access to an excellent school district, fantastic dining, and premier shopping centers.Perfectly positioned for effortless commuting and
Just what you want - simple sophistication. Where the location is outstanding, the staff responds fast, and friendliness is part of the charm. Surround yourself with custom luxuries, a round-the-clock state of the art fitness center,billiard room, swimming pool and spa, gated entry, and an inviting clubhouse. Laguna Creek offers distinctive apartment homes which are thoughtfully planned and
Reinvent your idea of apartment living when you choose Artisan 8282 Apartments in Sacramento, CA! Live in a pet-friendly 1, 2, or 3-bedroom home featuring elevated touches like wood-style plank flooring, stainless-stee appliances, walk-in closets, oversized patios or balconies, and in-unit laundry. Expand your living space by visit the many amenities like a resort-style pool with grilling
Live the way you've always wanted without compromising style or quality. At Vasari, our Elk Grove apartments are designed with you in mind. We redefine luxury living with spacious layouts, indulgent amenities, and a perfect location for the ultimate lifestyle experience. Contact us today to begin your journey to having it all.
Our apartments for rent in Elk Grove, CA will supersede all expectations, with designer architecture and abundant amenities. At our prime location in the heart of it all, you are minutes away from a variety of fine shops and restaurants. Discover a place where you can come home and enjoy a swim in our sparkling pool, workout in the 24-hour fitness facility, relax in the spa, or simply retreat to
You'll love all that you experience at Castellino at Laguna West Apartments. Enjoy spacious floor plans, luxury amenities, a pet-friendly community, and so much more. We offer upscale one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Elk Grove, CA. Each apartment home comes with fantastic amenities like granite countertops, tile floors, a gorgeous view, and stainless steel appliances. If the apartment is
Siena Villas Apartments is a luxury community located in the desirable Elk Grove, we combine beautiful Tuscany-style architecture, lushly landscaped grounds, and first-class amenities all providing you with a resort-style community to call home. Siena Villas offers exceptional community amenities including, a unique lap pool, plus a second large refreshing pool, a fitness center, canoe rentals,
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Kent Place Apartments is a great place to live! Located in the heart of beautiful Old Town Elk Grove, it is within walking distance in either direction to shopping centers, Starbucks, It's A Grind Coffee, Cold Stone just to name a few and plenty of spas and hair Salons. Located minutes away from Highway 99 freeway, simply put, it's a great location to call home!
Welcome to a great community to call home! Emerald Vista Apartments is located in the prime neighborhood of Elk Grove, minutes away from shopping, dining, parks, schools, and entertainment! Feel right at home with our friendly, responsive staff and wonderful residents. Our community is known for its comfortable, spacious floor plans and quiet atmosphere. There are barbecue grills and picnic
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