These Northern California cities rank in this ‘best places to live’ list. Is it your town?

Brianna Taylor
·3 min read

Roseville and Woodland rank as two of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America” in a new study, beating out mogul cities like Orlando, Florida, Iowa City, Iowa, and Providence, Rhode Island.

More than 1,000 small to mid-sized cities were analyzed by Livability based on safety, affordability, economic stability, outdoor recreation, accessibility and community engagement — Roseville ranked No. 8 and Woodland ranked No. 55.

The Sacramento area has become more popular over the last few years as people flock to the state capital for housing and jobs.

For the first time, Sacramento hit more than 500,000 residents, ironically making California’s once overlooked middle child the sixth-largest city in the state. In response, the housing market has become crowded and affordable housing is scarce.

More than anything, this top 100 list highlighted the shift in people’s priorities since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many factors that used to be a no-brainer have all of a sudden become what if’s — especially the newfound freedom, for some people, of not being required to go into the office.

So for what seems like the first time, people don’t always have to live in the same city they work. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 42% of the U.S population has either moved or considered moving, according to Livability, a leading online resource for community research.

Oxnard and Riverside, California, also made the list, ranking lower at 68 and 82.

Here’s a closer look at Woodland and Roseville, which beat out every other similar size city in the state. And if you already reside in one of these places, here’s a refresh on why, according to Livability, you deserve bragging rights:

Life in Roseville

Live score: 744 | Population 147,773

Roseville is the biggest city in Placer County, with a population of more than 147,000. Located along Interstate 80, Roseville is also a convenient commute to the state capital. Roughly 20 minutes from Sacramento, residents enjoy all Sacramento has to offer: hot summers, moderate winters and little rain.

Roseville is one of the fastest-growing cities in California, adding about 30,000 people in the past decade, according to the 2020 Census. It’s also a destination for Bay Area and Sacramento residents, driving home value and rent costs up.

And soon, part of the city will get a makeover to match its budding status.

The city is gearing up to spend $1.3 million on plans to beautify the Douglas corridor in hopes of attracting housing and business. The project, known as the commercial corridors project, is still in its planning phases.

Life in Woodland

Live score : 688 | Population 50,717

Woodland is about 20 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento at the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 113. And because it’s only minutes away from Sacramento International Airport, residents have easy access to the rest of the world.

The city is noted as the county seat of Yolo County, located in California’s Central Valley, and for its agriculture and healthcare.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.

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