Where Do You Get More for Your Money?
- Scott Sweeney
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Resale Value & Long-Term Growth in Northern California
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Where do I actually get more for my money in NorCal?” — you’re not alone. With prices shifting and some markets cooling while others are heating back up, buyers and investors are getting strategic about where their dollars will go the furthest.
Let’s talk about the sweet spots for value, appreciation, and long-term payoff in today’s market.
🏡 Sacramento: The Steady Climber
Sacramento continues to be one of Northern California’s strongest long-term markets. Why? It offers a perfect balance — affordability compared to the Bay Area, a strong job market, and consistent population growth.
Real-life example: A buyer who picked up a 3-bedroom in Elk Grove for $480,000 in 2019 has seen comparable homes now selling near $650,000. That’s solid appreciation and an area still attracting Bay Area transplants.
Quick tip: Look for homes near new developments, parks, or schools. These micro-neighborhoods often see faster appreciation than the city average.
🌉 Bay Area: The Long Game
Yes, Bay Area prices are higher — but resale potential here is unmatched when you hold long-term. Even during dips, this market rebounds faster and stronger than most.
Investor insight: A single-family home in San Leandro or Concord may not be as flashy as San Francisco, but these commuter-friendly cities often outperform on percentage growth because they’re still within reach for Bay Area buyers.
Takeaway: Think “value per square foot” and commuter access. Those two factors drive long-term growth in competitive regions.
🌲 Up-and-Coming Gems: Rocklin, Roseville & Woodland
If you’re eyeing the future, look just outside major job hubs. Suburban cities like Rocklin, Roseville, and Woodland are seeing impressive growth with more new construction, great schools, and expanding retail.
Fun fact: Rocklin consistently ranks among the top family-friendly cities in California, and home values there have grown more than 35% in the last five years.
Quick tip: Keep an eye out for master-planned communities — these tend to hold and grow value exceptionally well due to neighborhood appeal and amenities.
🌇 For the Long-Term Investor
Looking to hold property as an investment? Consider areas with:
Strong rental demand (college towns like Davis or Chico)
Infrastructure growth (think Highway 65 corridor)
Balanced price-to-rent ratios (you want solid cash flow and appreciation potential)
Pro move: Buying in a growing commuter corridor often yields the best of both worlds — rental income now, appreciation later.
🧭 The Takeaway
Getting “more for your money” isn’t just about today’s price tag — it’s about tomorrow’s value. In Northern California, strategic location, local amenities, and long-term growth patterns matter more than ever.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, focus on the three “A’s”: Affordability, Accessibility, and Appreciation.
That’s how you win the NorCal real estate game.
Scott Sweeney
Elk Grove Realtor
Serving Sacramento and beyond from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe
707 330 2324
CalBRE 01938720
About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
Over 100 Families Served
Top 5% Producing Agent
Buying & Listing Specialist
Contract & Negotiation Ninja
CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006
With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!
📞707-330-2324
Top Producer 2016-2023
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Schedule a call or zoom with us here! 👇
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