Roseville has been ranked the #1 city in California to move to, with Elk Grove landing at #4, according to a 2025 Consumer Affairs report evaluating affordability, safety, job growth, climate risk, and overall quality of life.

Roseville earned top marks for its strong economy, low unemployment (4.8%), and relatively affordable housing. The median home price is around $620,000, compared to more than $1.3 million in parts of the Bay Area. Elk Grove, with a median home price near $580,000, also stands out for its low crime rate, strong public schools, and wide range of family-oriented amenities.

Local residents say the move is often about more than just real estate.

“When my husband and I decided to leave Southern California, we originally thought the only option was to move our family out of state,” said Henny Abraham, who relocated to Roseville in July 2024. “Little did we know there was an amazing town in Northern California that was perfectly aligned with what we wanted… Safe neighborhoods, great school districts, sense of community, and affordable. Roseville is a home we always wanted—and we love the conservative values of the city that allows us to live our American Dream.”

Both cities are home to large, active church communities. Bayside Church in Roseville draws thousands each weekend, and Elk Grove’s Real Life Church and Impact Community Church serve as major hubs for local families.

The rest of the top 10 includes Clovis, Murrieta, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Modesto, Visalia, and Moreno Valley. While spread across different regions, these cities share some common ground. Most are located in areas that lean more conservative than the state overall, particularly in local elections. That trend often reflects local priorities—public safety, housing access, school quality, and community structure.