Vacaville, a city of just over 100,000 residents, sits along Interstate 80 at the base of the Vaca Mountains about 35 miles southwest of Sacramento. The rich soil and temperate climate once made Vacaville the perfect spot for agriculture. “There used to be a lot of onions; it’s known for tomatoes and onions.” says Tom Sokol, a Vacaville resident.
Though some people assume that the city’s name, which in Spanish translates to “cow town,” relates to a history of cattle farming, its origin comes from Juan Manuel Vaca, who settled the area in 1842. Today, top employers are Kaiser Permanente, Amazon and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Many workers commute to Sacramento or the Bay Area, and more than 15% of the population is over 65 years of age; some of these citizens live in the Leisure Town community, reserved for those 55 and up.
Highway 80 is the border of Leisure Town and provides quick access to neighboring cities.
Nicely designed subdivisions with large track homes are common in Leisure Town.
Leisure Town's location is perfect for people who want to live close to shopping and recreation.
A view from the bell tower shows beautiful downtown Vacaville.
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Dining and unwinding in downtown Vacaville
The intersection of Merchant and Main streets marks the heart of downtown and the center of local dining and entertainment. The downtown district’s boutiques and antique shops have been staples for generations; downtown is also home to coffee shops, upscale dining options and wine bars stocked with bottles from nearby vineyards. Bordering downtown, Andrews Park hosts the CreekWalk Concert Series, a free live concert every Friday during the summer. Downtown also hosts the farmers market, which is open Saturdays, May through October. More shopping and dining can be found a few miles up I-80. Nut Tree Plaza has national restaurant and retail chains and family-friendly entertainment, like a life-sized chessboard. It is located across I-80 from Vacaville Premium Outlets, home to a variety of clothing, sportswear and furniture stores.
The brisket grilled cheese is a local favorite at The Brass Tap in Leisure Town.
Brass taps line the bar in Leisure Town at The Brass Tap.
The Brass Tap offers a tequila tasting event for Dia De Los Muertos in Leisure Town.
Creekwalk in Downtown Vacaville is the entrance to the Vacaville Farmers Market.
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Lower median prices than the California average
The median single-family home price is $615,000. Comparatively, as of September 2024, the median home price across the state is about $870,000. Vacaville’s residential real estate market is steady, attracting people getting outpriced in the Bay Area. Location is the big draw: “It’s a good central location between Sacramento and the San Francisco metro areas,” says Joe Reichert, real estate agent at Keller Williams with 18 years of experience. “Even though there’s a commute either way, we have more affordability than living in the Bay Area; people are moving here for that reason.” Twentieth-century ranch-style homes are common across Vacaville. Custom homes can sell for up to $2 million, while manufactured homes bordering Leisure Town typically start in the low $100,000s. Vacaville also has pockets of townhouse subdivisions and a robust inventory of condos.
Your perfect home is waiting in Leisure Town.
Leisure Town is a great place to enjoy life and neighbors.
The Leisure Town neighborhood is full of homes to meet any family need.
A single-story home waits for it's residents to return.
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Commuting to Sacramento and San Francisco
Locals can quickly get around the city by using the Vacaville City Coach, or VCC, a system of buses with five fixed routes hitting the most popular places in town. At the Vacaville Transportation Center, commuters can access VCC buses and a park-and-ride. SolTrans buses transport passengers to neighboring cities like Fairfield and Benicia. Drivers can hop on Interstate 80 and head 35 miles to Sacramento or go west 57 miles to San Francisco.
Domestic and international travel is available at the Sacramento International Airport, 38 miles away. Emergency care is available within Vacaville at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center.
Hiking, biking and staying aware of wildfires
Vacaville’s recreation opportunities range from cycling on the Alamo Creek Bike Trail to playing at one of Centennial Park’s athletic fields and courts. Kids and adults can join recreation leagues, while seniors can take advantage of McBride Senior Center’s Active Aging programs and events, ranging from group day trips to nutrition classes.
Lagoon Valley Park surrounds a 100-acre reservoir and has a dog park, disc golf course and hiking trails. Along the park’s 7.5-mile trail, hikers and bikers may come across a wooden swing overlooking the rolling hills below, a hard-to-find but beloved spot for taking sunset photos. The land south of this park was once up for development, but conservation groups and citizens worked to preserve it.
Vacaville’s winter temperatures are relatively mild, and summers tend to be hot and dry. The city faces a wildfire risk, particularly in the eastern half. In addition to fire damage, wildfires can cause days of poor air quality.
Lagoon Valley Park is huge with hiking opportunities through the hills.
Vacaville Fire Protection is always ready to respond in Hartley.
Vacaville has several clubs where you can get fit.
Vacaville is filled with different biking paths.
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Vacaville’s A-rated public school district
The Vacaville Unified School District, rated A-minus on Niche, serves the student population. Many teenagers in the city attend Vacaville High School, also rated B-plus. The high school is also known for its robust athletics department, which has produced professional baseball and football players. The Academy of 21st Century Learning is a private K-8 school rated A-plus.
An aerial view of Vacaville shows it's great topography and homes near schools.
The entrance to Will C Wood High School is colorful and inviting.
Educational opportunities abound at Cooper Elementary School.
The entrance to the Vaca Pena Middle School is safe with a police presence.
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Crime in context
Vacaville is home to two state prisons, one of which specializes in medical treatment for inmates. From 2023 to 2024, property crime rates in Vacaville have stayed slightly below state rates, but slightly above national rates. The city’s violent crime rates have been below both state and national rates for that same period. The crime rates are highest around Browns Valley Parkway.
Investing in infrastructure
The city has several initiatives to improve infrastructure. A detour is currently in effect as improvements are made to Leisure Town Road. Vacaville plans to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians around Vaca Valley Parkway. In 2025, the city will replace water and sewer pipes downtown. Vacaville’s Sustainable Energy Project aims to partner with Solano Community College to bolster green technology education.
I am a dual licensed agent in California and Texas, I began my real estate career in 2002. I am a military wife and a grandmother of three. I am currently going to school to obtain my degree as a registered nurse. I have seen the real estate market change and rebound over the years. If you are a first time homebuyer, buyer, seller, military, short sale, or investor. I have the skills,knowledge, and experience to accomadate your real estate needs. I have community of lenders, contractors, estate planning, 1031 exchange , title company, and probate & trust attorney available to assist with my clients real estate needs. I look forward to working with you!
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