Top 15 Sacramento Suburbs for Families With Children in 2026
This guide is created for families planning a move to Sacramento County and Northern California in 2026 who are looking for safe neighborhoods, strong school districts, and a high quality of life for children.
Choosing the right suburb is one of the most important long‑term decisions parents make. Housing costs, school ratings, commute time, and community environment all directly affect family comfort and future stability. This article helps you compare the best Sacramento suburbs for families, understand realistic housing and rental costs, and choose a city that aligns with your priorities — whether that’s top‑rated schools, outdoor space, affordability, or proximity to downtown Sacramento.
This guide is based on real relocation experience across Sacramento County and is prepared by Service Pro Movers, a local moving company that helps families relocate within California and from out of state every week. Our goal is to eliminate guesswork and help you make a confident, well‑informed decision.
Best Sacramento Suburbs for Families — Cost, Schools & Safety Comparison (2026)
| City | Key Family Benefits | Median Home Price* | Avg. Monthly Rent* |
| Folsom | Top‑rated schools, trails, Folsom Lake access | ~$720,000 | ~$2,800 |
| Rocklin | A‑rated schools, very low crime | ~$725,000 | ~$2,700 |
| Roseville | Parks, shopping, strong school districts | ~$680,000 | ~$2,600 |
| Elk Grove | Large parks, diverse community, space | ~$640,000 | ~$2,400 |
| Granite Bay | Luxury homes, elite schools, large lots | $850K–$1M+ | ~$3,200 |
| El Dorado Hills | Scenic hills, master‑planned communities | ~$750,000 | ~$2,900 |
| Lincoln | New construction, growing family areas | ~$620,000 | ~$2,300 |
| Fair Oaks | Mature trees, river access, charm | ~$650,000 | ~$2,500 |
| Rancho Cordova | Affordable, newer developments | ~$580,000 | ~$2,300 |
| Davis | Education‑focused, bike‑friendly | ~$700,000 | ~$2,600 |
| Loomis | Semi‑rural lifestyle, top public schools | ~$780,000 | ~$2,900 |
| Cameron Park | Larger lots, relaxed pace | ~$600,000 | ~$2,200 |
| Orangevale | No HOA, larger yards | ~$590,000 | ~$2,300 |
| Citrus Heights | Affordable entry point | ~$520,000 | ~$2,100 |
| Antelope | Quiet streets, family‑oriented | ~$550,000 | ~$2,200 |
*Prices are approximate estimates based on Sacramento County housing trends and may change throughout the 2026 market cycle.
Top 15 Sacramento Suburbs for Families
- Folsom
One of the most popular suburbs for families relocating from the Bay Area, Folsom is served by the highly rated Folsom Cordova Unified School District and offers direct access to trails and Folsom Lake. - Rocklin
Rocklin consistently ranks among the safest cities near Sacramento and is known for its excellent schools and family‑focused master‑planned neighborhoods along I‑80. - Roseville
Roseville offers one of the best balances of schools, parks, shopping, and commute convenience, making it ideal for families seeking suburban comfort with city amenities. - Elk Grove
With one of the largest park systems in the region and strong school districts, Elk Grove is a top choice for larger families moving within Sacramento County. - Granite Bay
Granite Bay is known for luxury homes, large lots, and top‑tier public schools, attracting families prioritizing privacy, safety, and long‑term property value. - El Dorado Hills
Located east of Sacramento, El Dorado Hills features scenic views, resort‑style communities like Serrano, and some of the highest‑rated schools in the region. - Lincoln
One of the fastest‑growing suburbs, Lincoln appeals to families looking for newer homes, modern layouts, and more space at a relatively lower price point. - Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks offers a unique blend of small‑town charm, mature neighborhoods, and access to the American River Parkway — ideal for outdoor‑oriented families. - Rancho Cordova
Popular for its affordability and newer developments south of Highway 50, Rancho Cordova is a strong option for first‑time homebuyers with children. - Davis
Home to UC Davis, this city is known for academic excellence, safety, and bike‑friendly planning, making it attractive for education‑focused families. - Loomis
Loomis offers a semi‑rural lifestyle with large properties and some of the strongest public schools in Placer County, ideal for families seeking privacy. - Cameron Park
Located in El Dorado County, Cameron Park provides larger lots, scenic views, and a slower pace of life while remaining commutable to Sacramento. - Orangevale
Orangevale attracts families who want bigger yards, fewer HOA restrictions, and proximity to both Folsom Lake and the American River. - Citrus Heights
An affordable and centrally located suburb with established neighborhoods, Citrus Heights is often chosen by families entering the Sacramento housing market. - Antelope
Antelope is a quiet, family‑oriented community with clean streets and a mix of newer homes, ideal for young families relocating within California.
“We moved from the Bay Area to Folsom for the schools and quality of life. After the relocation, we realized how family‑friendly and safe the community really is.” – Sarah M., Folsom resident
Family Reviews From Local Residents
Michael R., Rocklin
“After moving to Rocklin, we finally felt settled. The schools, parks, and sense of safety make it ideal for raising kids.”Jessica T., Elk Grove
“Elk Grove has endless parks and space. Our move here gave our kids room to grow and a strong sense of community.”Daniel K., Roseville
“Roseville offers everything a family needs — good schools, short commutes, and plenty of activities. It was the right long‑term choice for us.”
More reviews of Service Pro Movers Google at the link
FAQ. Living in Sacramento Suburbs With Kids
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Which Sacramento suburb is best for families moving from the Bay Area?
Folsom, Rocklin, and El Dorado Hills are popular due to schools, safety, and manageable commutes.
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What are the safest suburbs near Sacramento for families?
Rocklin, Folsom, Granite Bay, and Loomis consistently rank high for safety. -
Which Sacramento suburbs have the best schools?
Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, Davis, and Loomis are known for strong school districts.
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What are the most affordable family‑friendly suburbs in 2026?
Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Antelope, and parts of Elk Grove. -
Are Sacramento suburbs good for long‑term family relocation?
Yes. Strong job growth, expanding infrastructure, and stable school systems support long‑term living. -
How long is the commute from suburbs to downtown Sacramento?
Most family‑friendly suburbs are 20–35 minutes from downtown during normal traffic.
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Which suburbs are best for outdoor‑oriented families?
Folsom, Fair Oaks, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills offer trails, lakes, and parks.
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Do these suburbs support interstate and long‑distance moves?
Yes. Many families relocate to Sacramento County from other parts of California and out of state.
How to Choose the Right Sacramento Suburb for Your Family in 2026
The best Sacramento suburb depends on your family’s priorities. Families focused on top schools and safety often choose Folsom, Rocklin, or Granite Bay. Those seeking affordable housing and space prefer Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, or Elk Grove. If lifestyle and outdoor access matter most, Fair Oaks, Lincoln, and El Dorado Hills stand out.
Suburban Sacramento is ideal for families planning long‑term stability, homeownership, and access to education. However, it may not suit those who prioritize nightlife, dense urban living, or walkable downtown environments.
When choosing a city, the most important factors remain school districts, safety, commute time, housing value, and long‑term growth potential.
Move With Confidence — Service Pro Movers
Service Pro Movers provides professional relocation services across all Sacramento suburbs listed above, including:
- Local residential moving within Sacramento County
- Long‑distance and interstate moving from and within California
- Full packing and unpacking services
- Family‑focused relocation planning
- Fully licensed and insured moving crews
We help families move safely, efficiently, and with a clear plan — whether you’re relocating from another California city or moving across state lines.
👉 Request a free moving quote and plan your family move with confidence.
Service Pro Movers — trusted Sacramento movers for families who plan ahead.