Why Live in North Highlands
North Highlands, California, sits just north of Sacramento and draws residents looking for comparatively lower home prices and straightforward commutes to downtown, about 12 miles away via the Capital City Freeway. Built around the former McClellan Air Force Base, now a large business park, the area is made up mostly of mid-century ranch-style homes, many remodeled, with some newer traditional properties that incorporate Mediterranean elements. Larger custom ranch homes sit on bigger lots in areas like Arcade Park and Del Paso Vale, while Larchmont Village includes smaller three-bedroom fixer-uppers, and townhomes can be found with a wide range of bedroom counts. Families are served by the San Juan Unified School District, which has a strong reputation, and American River Community College in the southeastern corner supports over 30,000 students as a feeder to nearby universities. For things to do, residents use local parks with sports fields, rocket-themed playgrounds and seasonal water features, and visit the Aerospace Museum of California with its fighter jets and flight simulator. Freedom Park and the Kay F. Dahill Community Center host free or subsidized seasonal festivals, youth sports, senior activities and unique programs like Arts & Aircrafts. Daily needs are met at nearby shopping centers such as Elkhorn Plaza and M and M Shopping Center, plus a Walmart Supercenter and numerous smaller multicultural markets. Sacramento Regional Transit buses, bike lanes, Interstate 80 and proximity to Sacramento International Airport about 14 miles away support regional connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a home in North Highlands, CA?
The median rent for a home in North Highlands, CA is $1,700 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in North Highlands, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in North Highlands, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $68,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,700 per month in North Highlands, CA, renters typically need to show $5,100 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in North Highlands, CA?
In North Highlands, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 19.4, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
Rental Home Trends in North Highlands, CA
The median rent is $1,700 per month, with single-family homes renting at $2,195, townhouses at $1,700 and condos at $1,095.
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,195
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,700
