Many residents and businesses already know that the Sacramento area is a great place to live and work, but how do we compare to other regions? According to a variety of rankings and reviews, Sacramento earns top scores for everything from clean technology to exceptional bike lanes.
Clean Edge ranked the Sacramento region number six in the nation for clean technology. Using the Metro Index, they track clean technology activities in the top 50 largest United States Metropolitan regions by analyzing roughly two dozen indicators such as how much clean electricity is generated, (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.), the number of Hybrid, electric and gas vehicles, and the number of smart meters installed.
Along with a cleaner environment, Sacramento offers many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The greater Sacramento Area, including Arden-Arcade and Roseville, was ranked number seven in the 2013 American Fitness Index in June. The index, based on the health and fitness status of the top 50 major metropolitan areas in America, was created by the American College of Sports Medicine. The American River bike trail, the high number of parks, play grounds and golf courses per capita, in addition to the large number of farmers markets, were all key factors to the area’s high ranking. The high percentage of residents who eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables and the higher level of state requirements for physical education were also factors.
Additionally, the Sacramento region, including Arden-Arcade and Roseville, was ranked the sixth best large metropolitan area for teleworking (telecommuting). According to Sperling’s Best Places to live website, approximately 13.7 million gallons of gas are saved annually from teleworking in Sacramento. Furthermore, this saves about 7.32 million hours annually, equaling $324.6 million in savings each year. This national ranking means that Sacramento is saving money, using less gas and creating less pollution, benefitting all who live and work in the region.
Sacramento County’s Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has also received recognition. According to Airports Council International, SMF was ranked number four for best customer service in 2012. The website PCWorld ranked SMF number 5 for most tech-friendly airports in the nation in 2011. The free Wi-Fi and more than 640 outlets throughout Terminal B are major advantages compared to other airports, which often have fee-based kiosks or sporadic rapid-charging stations.
Moreover, in July 2013, USA Today ranked the American River Bike Trail number 11 for urban bike paths across the country. The 32-mile bike path was commended for its scenic bends through wildlife areas and parks. The trail crosses over the Guy West Bridge, referred to as “a small-scale replica of the Golden Gate Bridge” and is valued by residents and commuters for recreation, leisure and exercise.
Lastly, the Sacramento region is also family friendly. According to Kidscore.com, a website that ranks restaurants, hotels and attractions based on how child-friendly they are, the Sacramento area ranked number three in the nation. Some of the noted family attractions were the Sacramento Zoo, the American River Bike Trail (Jedediah Smith bike trail), Sutter’s Fort and the Railroad Museum.
Each of these rankings highlights a different aspect of what makes the Sacramento area a unique and innovative place to work and live.
For more information on living, working and playing in the Sacramento area, visit the Economic Development and Marketing website and the Visit Sacramento website.
