Located 26 miles southeast of Sacramento, the city of Galt is slow growing, home to only 26,000 residents. “This isn’t a community that’s going to have 100,000 people in 30 years,” says Economic Development Manager Amie Mendes. “We are focused on slow, sustainable growth and put quality of life at the center of everything we do.” Former Community Development Director Craig Hoffman, who's still involved with the city, says the community is very close-knit. "Our residents aren’t nameless faces in a crowd, which you’re not going to find in many places in the Central Valley.” City officials tout highly ranked school districts, which is Galt’s largest employer, low crime and outsized amenities for a town of its size.
The Consumnes River Preserve is a great location to unplug and be with nature near Galt.
The Galt area is a well known as a stopover for migrating birds.
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Home prices above the national average
Galt’s real estate market is considered competitive and more affordable than nearby communities like Elk Grove, Folsom and Roseville. Throughout 2023, the median price for a single-family home has been around $550,000, more than $100,000 above the national average. Most homes were built between 1990 and 2009. “We haven’t built much in the last couple of years due to economic forces, but we have a high number of properties in the early stages of development,” Hoffman says. “We’re focused on housing diversity, including entry-level housing and move-up properties.”
Emerald Village to the northwest is a 55-plus gated community typically offering three-bedroom, new, traditional Craftsman-style homes with well-manicured yards and two-car garages. Prices range from $450,000 to $550,000. Toward the center and southern ends of town, four-bedroom Craftsman- and midcentury ranch-styles range from $622,000 to $800,000.
After over a decade of delays, the city broke ground on the Eastview/Liberty Ranch residential development in early 2023. The project, which stretches across 150 acres, is expected to include 1,500 single-family homes offering a range of amenities. “City Council has been focused on infill development because they don’t want the sprawl,” Mendes said. “They are focused on smart development.”
Newer homes being built in Galt are on smaller plots of land.
The median price for a home in Galt is $550,000.
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Language programs and technical education at two school districts
Hoffman says the community takes great pride in its schools. The Galt Joint Union Elementary School District and the Galt Joint Union High School District earn a B and an A-minus, respectively, from Niche. Serving over 5,500 students, both districts support nurturing student talents through special programs and hands-on coursework. The elementary schools offer a Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion Program to encourage all students to become bilingual, as well as a music program and an after-school learning program. At the high school level, students can enroll in Career and Technical Education pathways such as agriculture, health and life skills and sports medicine. Also here is the California Future Farmers of America Association, a school-based agricultural education program that prepares students for industry careers.
McCaffrey Middle School has many courses for its students to choose from.
Galt High School is the home of the Warriors.
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Park revitalization, aquatics and additional bikeways
With broad support from the community, Galt officials say parks and recreation are top priorities for the council. “Nobody likes taxes, but our residents voted in favor of a dedicated parks tax,” says Hoffman. Money from the tax will go to improvements, enhancements and revitalization. “Right now, we’re redoing our skatepark and are developing a parks and recreation master plan.” In addition to the sports complex and aquatic center, the city maintains 15 parks, many with playgrounds and covered picnic areas, plus soccer fields and a nature preserve. “Very few cities our size have a full-blown aquatic center,” Mendes says. Walker Community Park has a turf football field and is currently undergoing expansion. “We’re adding three additional ballfields there,” Hoffman says. City officials are also proposing more bikeways.
The kids will always find something interesting at Galt Community Park.
Developing new parks and recreational areas are a top priority for the city of Galt.
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Retailers and a city-run flea market
Galt covers all the basics in terms of shopping and dining in a handful of business districts. “If someone is going on a shopping spree, they’re probably going to leave town, but we do have a lot of commercial retail shops that cater to the needs of residents,” Hoffman says. According to Mendes, the Galt Market is a city-run flea market, which attracts many people from outside the city when it opens mid-week. “It started as a little wholesale market, but now we have over 300 vendors that sell everything from plants to home goods.” There is a mix of chain and locally owned eateries, including a Starbucks and a Dutch Bros Coffee shop on either side of City Hall. “We have Mexican, classic American, Indian, BBQ – a little bit of everything,” Hoffman says.
Galt locals come to Papas and Wings for great food and atmosphere.
Neighbors enjoy an early morning coffee at Cafe Latte Co. in Galt.
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Seasonal events for the community
Every year, Galt hosts the Annual Winter Bird Festival, with a keynote speaker, educational expos with nature-themed art and conservation information and an interactive live animal presentation. During Independence Day, the town sponsors a 5K Run/Walk, a parade, live music and a kids’ zone. Then at night, locals can swim at the Gore Aquatic Center while watching fireworks.
Travel via an interstate or highway
Interstate 5 and the Golden State Highway (State Route 99) lead roughly 30 miles north to Downtown Sacramento. This drive can take about an hour during rush hour. Stockton is about 23 miles south via 99. “Highway 99 and I-5 get busy for people traveling, but we don’t have traffic problems as a city.” Galt has no immediate rail access, but South County Transit offers bus service to the city. “There is also a Dial-a-Ride service for getting around locally,” Hoffman says. Bike lanes and trails run along many of the city’s main arteries and within residential areas. Dameron Hospital sits about 26 miles south, while Sacramento International Airport is roughly 37 miles away.
Below-average property crime, hot summers and wet winters
Over the last five years, Galt’s violent crime rates have risen slightly compared to state and national figures, while property crime rates have typically stayed below state and national figures, according to FBI statistics. “People feel comfortable walking around at night here,” Hoffman says. He also says that families feel secure letting kids ride bikes or go to the park.
Galt experiences a warm and temperate climate with hot summers and wet winters. The city’s risk of wildfire is considered moderate, whereas nearby communities like Folsom and Roseville face a major risk. Triple-digit heatwaves are becoming more common in the summer—in July of 2024, Galt’s police department opened its air-conditioned lobby to the public for a few days. Flooding from the Cosumnes River during winter is the most pressing concern for broader area residents, who are left searching for alternate routes when roadways are underwater.
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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 Galt, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Galt, CA over the last 12 months is $520,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Energy Efficient Single Story Home. This is the favorite floor-plan of many home buyers. Large suite upfront for guests, flex room (can be used as office, den, or another bedroom), open dinning & great room, beautiful owner's suite, and covered patio. Price INCLUDES fully landscaped backyard, granite counters, custom shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring.
This new three-story home offers ample room to live and grow. The first floor is host to an inviting open-concept layout with convenient access to a patio for seamless entertaining and multitasking. A versatile loft on the second floor is easily accessible from two bedrooms and the luxurious owner's suite, complete with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. An additional bedroom shares the third
This new three-story home features a first-floor bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or studio. On the second floor is a spacious and flexible open-concept layout that blends the kitchen, living and dining areas near a convenient office space. Three additional bedrooms make up the third floor, including the luxe owner's suite with a full bathroom and walk-in closet.
DEVELOPER delight! Lots of Potential! Zoned HBD. (Some permitted uses in HBD zoning may include: Retail stores, Restaurants, Hotels and motels, Automobile dealerships and repair shops, Medical offices and clinics). Check with city regarding proposed use.
Sanjeev Verma
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Elite Real Estate
Don't miss this rare single story 5 bedroom, 2 bath home located on a large 0.20 acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Galt. Built in 2001, this home offers 1,414 sq ft of versatile living space ideal for families, multi generational households, or buyers needing extra rooms for home office or guests. The functional single level floor plan provides comfortable living with well sized
Welcome to 229 Sandpiper in beautiful Galt! This spacious single-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and nearly 2,000 sq ft of comfortable living. The open-concept floor plan features a bright living room with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. The updated kitchen includes plenty of cabinet space, modern appliances, and a
Like-new home in Dry Creek Oaks 55+ community! Built in 2024, this Lily floor plan is the largest in the community and has been lavishly updated inside and out. A low-maintenance backyard, huge RV pad with hook-ups, and plantation shutters throughout have been recently added, making this property more move-in ready than a brand new home. The kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring shaker cabinets
This new three-story home features a first-floor bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or studio. On the second floor is a spacious and flexible open-concept layout that blends the kitchen, living and dining areas near a convenient office space. Three additional bedrooms make up the third floor, including the luxe owner’s suite with a full bathroom and walk-in closet.
This new three-story home features a convenient office on the first floor, offering an out-of-the-way space to concentrate on important tasks. The main living area is located on the second floor among an open-concept floorplan, along with a luxurious owner’s suite with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms on the third floor share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
On the first floor of this new three-story home is a versatile flex space, perfectly used as a play area or additional living space. The main living area is located on the second floor among an open-concept layout, with convenient access to an office and second-floor balcony. Two bedrooms and the luxurious owner’s suite make up the third floor.
This new two-story home features a modern design with an inviting open-concept layout on the first floor consisting of the kitchen, living and dining areas, and a formal dining room is conveniently located off the foyer. Three bedrooms can be found on the second floor, including the owner’s suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet.
On the first floor of this new three-story home is a versatile flex space, perfectly used as a play area or additional living space. The main living area is located on the second floor among an open-concept layout, with convenient access to an office and second-floor balcony. Two bedrooms and the luxurious owner’s suite make up the third floor.
Independent Living with Comfort and Convenience in Galt - Valley Oak ApartmentsIndependent Living for 55+ - Simplify Life at Valley Oak ApartmentsDiscover a peaceful retreat designed for adults 55 and better at Valley Oak Apartments. Located in the heart of Galt, our community offers independent living surrounded by beautiful green scenery and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Enjoy
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