Sacramento County · Relocation Guide
Moving to Citrus Heights, California
An honest local's guide to relocating in the northeastern Sacramento Valley of Sacramento County, around 160 feet — commute, lifestyle, neighborhoods, schools, what homes cost, and what to know before you go.
As of June 2026, the median list price around Citrus Heights is about $485,257 (+4.1% YoY), per Realtor.com data via FRED. Moving to Citrus Heights, Sacramento County means relocating in the northeastern Sacramento Valley of Sacramento County, around 160 feet. This local guide from REALTOR® Farris Galyon covers commute times, neighborhoods, schools, climate, and what homes actually cost before you go.
Why do people move to Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights is an established suburban city in northeastern Sacramento County — built out largely in the mid-to-late 20th century, with mature trees, settled neighborhoods, and a more accessible price point than the newer master-planned areas to the east. For buyers who want a central, convenient location and value over new construction, it's one of the more affordable entry points in the metro's north side.
People relocate here for the combination of price, mature established neighborhoods, and an easy commute — about 25 minutes to downtown Sacramento via I-80 and quick access toward Roseville. The things to understand going in are older housing stock, fewer HOAs and Mello-Roos than newer areas, and valley summer heat.
What it's like to live in Citrus Heights
Established neighborhoods
Settled, tree-lined streets and mature landscaping rather than new-build subdivisions.
Value & accessibility
A more affordable price point than the newer master-planned areas to the east, with many move-in-ready options.
Central north-side location
Easy I-80 access puts downtown Sacramento about 25 minutes away and Roseville right next door.
Everyday convenience
Long-established shopping, services, and parks throughout the city.
Getting around & commute times
Approximate drive times from Citrus Heights in normal conditions — handy when you're weighing where to land.
Where to live in Citrus Heights
A few of the areas Farris helps relocating buyers consider around Citrus Heights.
Sunrise area
Neighborhoods around the Sunrise Mall retail district and Sunrise Boulevard.
Birdcage
Established homes near the Birdcage shopping area on the western side.
Arcade Creek
Homes along the Arcade Creek corridor and Rusch Park.
Old Auburn corridor
Mature neighborhoods along Old Auburn Road on the eastern edge.
Schools
Citrus Heights is served primarily by the San Juan Unified School District, with some areas in neighboring districts. Boundaries are address-specific, so confirm them for any home you're considering.
What do homes cost in Citrus Heights?
As of June 2026, the median list price around Citrus Heights is about $485,257 (+4.1% YoY). Citrus Heights generally prices below the newer master-planned areas nearby, with mostly established homes — so value tracks with lot, condition, and updates rather than new-construction premiums, and fewer properties carry Mello-Roos or HOA costs. For current inventory, days on market, and the full breakdown, see the Citrus Heights market report — and for an address-level figure, request a free home value report.
Median list price, inventory, days on market, and a plain-English buyer/seller read — updated monthly on the companion market report.
Relocating is one of the biggest financial moves a family makes, and most people underwrite the house but forget to underwrite the move itself. I help you run the real numbers — commute, cost of living, and resale — before you fall for a floor plan.
What to know before you move
The honest fine print most relocation pages skip.
- Most homes were built decades ago; factor inspections for roofs, electrical, plumbing, and any updates.
- Fewer newer-area costs — many homes have no HOA or Mello-Roos — but confirm for any specific property.
- Valley summers are hot and dry; confirm cooling efficiency and budget for summer utilities.
- Inventory and condition vary block to block in established neighborhoods — touring in person helps.
Is Citrus Heights the right fit?
Citrus Heights tends to suit you if:
- You want value and an established, tree-lined neighborhood over new construction.
- You'd like a central north-side location with an easy commute to Sacramento and Roseville.
- You prefer fewer HOA and Mello-Roos costs typical of older neighborhoods.
Mosey is our free guide to Northern California events, concerts, festivals, farmers markets and things to do — updated all the time.
Free tools for your move
Free Home Value Report
Not an automated guesstimate — Farris personally prepares a real comparative market analysis for your address.
Get your home value →VA Buyer Analyzer
See your true VA buying power, BAH offset, and entitlement in minutes. Built for service members and veterans.
Open the VA tool →Market Pulse
A plain-English read on where rates and the local market are heading, updated regularly.
See the latest →Thinking about a move in Citrus Heights?
Get an honest, no-pressure second opinion from a local agent who treats every purchase like the financial decision it is. First conversation is free.
Moving to Citrus Heights — FAQ
- Is Citrus Heights more affordable than nearby cities?
- Generally yes — as an established, built-out city it often prices below the newer master-planned areas in Roseville, Rocklin, or Folsom, and fewer homes carry Mello-Roos or HOA costs. It's one of the more accessible entry points on the north side.
- How long is the commute to Sacramento?
- About 25 minutes to downtown via I-80 in normal traffic, with Roseville only about 15 minutes away and the airport roughly 30 minutes out — a central, convenient north-side location.
- Are the homes older in Citrus Heights?
- Mostly, yes — the city was largely built out in the mid-to-late 20th century, so you'll find established homes with mature landscaping. Older homes mean more to inspect, but often more value and fewer newer-area fees; Farris can help you weigh any specific property.
- Do you help buyers relocating to Citrus Heights from out of the area?
- Yes — relocation buyers are a core part of Farris's practice, including out-of-area and military moves. Farris is a Navy veteran and NAR Military Relocation Professional (MRP). Book a free call and he'll help you map Citrus Heights to your timeline, budget, and must-haves.