Growing urban hub with agricultural and aerospace roots
In the heart of sun-soaked Gold Country shielded by the Sierra Nevada the city of Rancho Cordova combines a thriving urban sector with laid-back California vibes. Located east of Sacramento along the American River, the city has played a vital role in everything from the Gold Rush to the Pony Express and the Space Race. Now it is swelling with people hunting for affordable housing and quality education. “This area is desirable for families with children because of the school district, and the price points are more affordable than places like Elk Grove,” says Kristina Young, Client Care Manager with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “The American River is a huge draw here, too. In fact, athletes attending Sacramento State University – Sacramento train in the water.”
Rancho Cordova was named for the nearby Cordova Vineyards, which was established in the late 1800s and was one of the largest in the region. The city held its wine-producing identity until the 1950s when rocket engine manufacturer Aerojet and Mather Air Force Base became dominant employers. Aerojet provided missiles for NASA and the Department of Defense, and in 1969, its jet propulsion technology aided the moon landing. Both industries have since left, but the city remains a booming and diverse area, growing nearly 50% over the last 20 years and home to over 82,000 residents.
Many here commute to Sacramento 15 miles to the west for work but the city has a growing employment base and new businesses and projects are on the horizon.
Rancho Cordova is a city 20 minutes east of Sacramento with a rich history.
Rancho Cordova residents can enjoy a brisk morning stroll through Hagan Community Park.
Aerojet and Mather Air Force Base became dominant employers in Rancho Cordova in 1960s.
Showoff your tricks at the Mather Skatepark in Rancho Cordova.
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Homes sell faster than the national average
The average home price here is $591,657, which is higher than the national average, and most sell after 39 days, compared to the national average of 44. Homes with three-bedrooms west of the El Dorado Freeway range from $327,000 to $500,000, while four-bedroom homes in the city’s southeastern neighborhoods are priced between $515,000 and $700,000. Early 2020s homes with up to six bedrooms can sell for over $1 million.
Mid-century ranch-style homes here are typically L-shaped with shaded front walkways, wide driveways leading to two-car garages and either xeriscape or grassy lawns. New traditional Craftsman-style homes, some split-level, feature Mediterranean-style elements like tile roofs and arched entryways. The Cordova Meadows neighborhood has some of the lowest-priced homes. “It’s a fast-developing area,” says Nicole Zeng, real estate agent with eXp Realty of California, who has sold in the area for over four years. “A lot of people come here for the school district.” Master planned neighborhoods like Anatolia Village to the southeast sit near outlets and community parks. Most neighborhoods here have mandatory homeowners associations with pools, clubhouses and golf courses.
Single story and two-story homes are available in Rancho Cordova.
The average home listing price in Rancho Cordova is $562,081.
Duplexes can be found throughout Rancho Cordova.
Colorful townhomes in Capital Village is a popular community in Rancho Cordova.
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Performing arts at Folsom-Cordova Unified district schools
Niche gives the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District an A and ranks it as the number one district in the county. Its schools serve over 20,000 students and offer visual and performing arts programs, career and college readiness programs and Career Technical Educational pathways in agriculture and natural resources. Higher education options include American River College, one of the largest community colleges in the state with an enrollment of over 30,000 and California State University – Sacramento, which is about 9 miles southwest of the city.
Sunrise Elementary serves students in the Rancho Cordova community.
W.E. Mitchell Middle School in Rancho Cordova is rated a B grade on Niche.
Mills Middle School in Rancho Cordova is located next to Cordova High School.
Cordova High School offers amazing sports, music and art programs to students in Rancho Cordova.
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Recreation on the American River
Rancho Cordova is home to a 6-mile stretch of the American River along its western boundary, part of which connects to the 32-mile American River Parkway. Several parks with boat launch points and trails sit inside, including River Bend Park where rafters can enjoy the water and horseback riders share the trails with cyclists and hikers. The roughly 7-mile Stone Creek Community Bike Trail snakes through southern neighborhoods . The Cordovas Recreation and Park District manages 47 parks, including Village Green, a popular spot for concerts and performances with its outdoor amphitheater, and the annual International Festival and Wines of the World is held here.
Bike through Rancho Cordova by going down the American River Bike Trail.
Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova is fun for the entire family.
Dogs can go for a swim at Barktoberfest.
Play basketball, soccer, or baseball at Stone Creek Community Park in Rancho Cordova.
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Central shopping centers and a mix of eateries
Rancho Cordova’s culinary landscape is as vast as its surrounding lakes and hills. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of shops at Rancho Cordova Town Center, a 285,000-square-foot retail hub that include big-box stores like Target are found here. Family-owned Famous Burgers and Brew is the spot for specialty burgers, such as the beach boy with thousand island dressing and avocado, sandwiches and craft beer. The city’s Barrel District along Sunrise Boulevard is a unique mix of five breweries, two distilleries, a winery and a meadery.
Movement Brewing is part of the Barrel District in Rancho Cordova.
Sactomofo Food Truck Tuesday is hosted at the Anatolia Clubhouse in Rancho Cordova.
KP International Market in Rancho Cordova has a wide range of flavors from around the world.
Early risers catch the best fruits at the farmers market in Rancho Cordova.
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Annual art and air shows
The city’s art scene is just as eclectic and diverse as its cuisine. At the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center off Fulsom Boulevard, art shows and cultural demonstrations rotate throughout the year. It also hosts monthly candlelight concerts. The Cordova High School Performing Arts Center hosts public bands and theater performances, while the city holds over 100 free events each year. One of the most popular events is the annual California Capital Air Show at the Sacramento Mather Airport. Held to honor the region’s aviation heritage, the United States Navy Blue Angels perform for over 120,000 annual attendees.
The California Air Show is held in Rancho Cordova annually.
The annual California Air Show is fun for the entire family.
California Air Show is both entertaining and informative for attendees.
The California Air Show brings the community together once a year.
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Easy freeway access and city improvements
The El Dorado Freeway (U.S. Route 50) is one of the main drags through town, along with Sunrise Boulevard. Interstate 80 sits about 10 miles west, which leads 13 miles further west to Downtown Sacramento. Commuting times can exceed 40 minutes during rush-hour. Sacramento Regional Transit buses travel the city, and bus stops sit southeast of 50; the Gold Line light rail is also offered here. Designated bike lanes are peppered throughout the city, and residential sidewalks make the area pretty walkable. The Sacramento Mather Airport sits outside of the city's southern border. It's a former Air Force Base and is now mostly used by cargo planes. Sacramento International Airport is roughly 25 miles northwest.
The city is working on becoming more pedestrian friendly. That includes a planned 10-acre urban hub across from the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center that will offer multi-family housing, retailers and gathering spaces. Construction has begun on the Zinfandel Pedestrian Overcrossing, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will span the El Dorado Freeway and unite the two halves of the city; one of its goals is to provide a safer passage for non-vehicle commuters.
Lower than average crime rates and climate action
The city’s violent and property crime rates are well below the national averages. On top of that the Rancho Cordova Police Department’s states the overall crime rate has decreased year over year.
Rancho Cordova experiences a warm and temperate climate, with average temperatures in the mid-70s during the summer and winter temperatures hovering around 50 degrees. The rainy season takes place during the winter, with skies dropping around 27 inches of precipitation.
Written By
Tess Evans
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deb Brittan,
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.
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On average, homes in Rancho Cordova, CA sell after 489 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Cordova, CA over the last 12 months is $565,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Rare east-facing 4-bed, 3-bath semi-ranch home in Sunridge Park, located in the top-rated Elk Grove Unified School District. This spacious floor plan features a downstairs primary suite with dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large closet, plus soaring 20' ceilings and an upstairs loft. Enjoy an upgraded kitchen with marble counters and designer backsplash, waterproof LVP flooring downstairs,
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Zinfandel Ranch Apartments offers a living experience unlike many others in the Rancho Cordova/Sacramento area. From its convenient location to community amenities that inspire connection, youll instantly feel right at home.Our community center provides a contemporary space that overlooks the swimming pool and spa, has tables for playing cards, offers free WiFi, and has a fireplace that
Welcome to Paseo at the Ranch! This brand-new K. Hovnanian home features the highly desired Aruba floor plan with a modern-farmhouse style exterior. Never-lived in and ready for move-in with a premium end-lot location. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a large upstairs loft awaits. An unmatched location with beautiful parks and easy commutes. Private parking with 2-car attached garage and driveway.
Discover comfortable styling and exceptional community amenities at Stone Creek Village’s Rancho Cordova, CA, luxury apartments located near Sacramento State University. Choose from one, two, and three bedroom floor plans and settle into laid-back suburban living at its best. With upgrades like wood-style plank flooring and modern kitchens, you’re sure to love your new home in Sacramento County.
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