Why Sacramento Made the 2026 “Best Places to Go” List and Why It Might Be the Best Place To Call Home

When a city makes a national “Best Places to Go” list, people usually expect the winners to be the big names. Places with fancy skylines or beaches with water the color of blue Gatorade. But this year, something amazing happened. Sacramento made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Places to Go in the US in 2026. And honestly, it feels about time.

I live here. I work here. And when I saw Sacramento on that list, I did a small fist pump like I just found five dollars in an old pair of jeans.

But why did Sacramento land such a big spotlight? And more importantly, what makes it such a great place not only to visit but to actually live every day?

Let’s break it down.

1. Sacramento Made the List Because It Is Built on Real Flavor

According to the article, Sacramento earned national attention for one thing above all else. Food. Not just normal food either. Real farm to fork magic made from the 1.5 million acres of surrounding farms and ranches. Restaurants here do not just say they are farm to table. They actually mean it. You can taste the difference in every bite.

The Midtown Farmers Market was even ranked the top market in California. It is big. It stretches for blocks and feels a little like Disneyland for people who really like fresh produce.

In 2025, Sacramento hosted the Michelin Guide Awards for California. Yes, Michelin came here. And local spots like Localis and The Kitchen kept their stars shining. Newer places like Pho Momma, Kin Thai, and Majka Pizzeria also made the guide. That means people are finally discovering what locals already know. The Sacramento food scene is the real deal.

2. 2026 Is a Big Year for Festivals and Celebration

Sacramento did not just make the list because of its food. It made the list because it knows how to bring the community together.

The Tower Bridge Dinner is one of the most unique food events in the country. Imagine long tables set across the golden bridge over the river with more than 800 guests. All enjoying a multi course dinner made by some of the best chefs in the region. It is the fancy kind of event where you smile a lot and pretend you totally know which fork to use first.

In spring 2026, the Our Street Night Market returns to the R Street corridor with street food, music, and crowds that do not want to go home yet. It has grown into one of the biggest night markets in the United States. It is loud. It is fun. It smells amazing. And it shows what Sacramento culture is all about.

3. Travel Is Getting Easier and Better

Sacramento International Airport is getting a major glow up. A $1.3 billion renovation is underway that will bring new gates, a new parking structure, and local food options like Magpie, Temple Coffee, and Nixtaco right into the airport. So even if you are just flying out, you still get a taste of home.

Later in 2026 comes Hotel Eleanor, Sacramento’s first true five star hotel. It blends 1940s glamour with Art Deco style. It used to be a 1910 bank building. Now it is a spot where you can sleep like someone who owns a yacht even if you do not.

4. Sacramento’s Lifestyle Makes It a Great Place To Live

Being a great place to visit is one thing. Being a great place to live is something different. Sacramento checks both boxes.

Here is why:

You get big city perks without big city stress.

We have amazing restaurants, culture, sports, and events, but with shorter lines, friendlier people, and the ability to actually find parking without needing to pray to the parking gods.

You are surrounded by nature.

You can bike along the American River, go boating at Folsom Lake, or hike in Auburn within minutes. Then still be home before the DoorDash driver arrives (with your nixtaco's).

The community feels real.

People here wave. They talk to their neighbors. They show up to markets, sports games, and street fairs. There is something special about a city that roots for itself.

5. And Now for the Shameless Plug… Roseville

Look, if we are going to talk about living in Sacramento, we have to talk about Roseville. Roseville is like Sacramento’s friendly, well organized cousin that always has snacks.

Here is what makes Roseville stand out:

Schools that families brag about.

The schools in Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay are known across the region for high test scores, strong programs, and great teachers.

Parks and trails that go on forever.

Roseville has more trails, parks, and community spaces than many cities twice its size. It is perfect for walking, biking, or letting the kids burn off enough energy to actually fall asleep at night.

Shopping and entertainment you do not have to drive an hour for.

Whether it is the Galleria, the Fountains, local breweries, Topgolf, events at Mahany Park, or the brand new Placer Valley Soccer Complex you never run out of things to do.

Homes with space to breathe.

You can get a house with a yard, a garage, and maybe even a real dining room. You know, space for actual life.

Roseville gives you the suburban comfort people want, with easy access to Sacramento’s excitement. It is the best of both worlds.

6. Sacramento Is Not Just Rising. It Has Arrived.

What Condé Nast recognized is what locals have been saying for years. Sacramento is not just the capital. It is a growing cultural hub filled with creativity, food, festivals, and a lifestyle that people fall in love with.

From the farms to the riverfront to the neighborhoods that feel like home, Sacramento earned its place on the list. And with places like Roseville right next door, the region is not just a great place to visit. It is one of the best places to live in California.

If you want to explore your move, find the right neighborhood, or just talk about where the best tacos are, feel free to reach out.

Because once you experience this place, you might just decide to stay.

Stay Founded.