Are you searching for a peaceful community with fantastic weather and easy access to amenities? Then you’ll love living in Mather, CA. Mather is a census-designated place situated west of Sacramento, offering outdoor recreation and an easy commute. Mather is known for being the location of a former Mather Air Force Base that hosted the Strategic Air Command 320th Bombardment Wing from 1958 to 1989.
The base was first activated in 1918 as a pilot training base. Initially known as Mills Field, it was later renamed Mather Field after 2nd Lieutenant Carl Spencer Mather, who was killed in an air collision the same year during one of the first training classes for WWII pilots. During the Cold War, it was the only aerial navigation school for the US Air Force after several companion schools closed in the 1960s. The base officially closed in 1993.
Today, living in Mather, CA, offers a suburban lifestyle with a mix of family-friendly neighborhoods, local parks, and convenient access to Sacramento. Known for its quiet community, Mather provides affordable housing, good schools, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Its proximity to outdoor recreation and urban amenities makes it a great place to live for those seeking a balance between nature and city life. If you’re pondering a relocation to this laidback community, here are all the factors you should know before moving to Mather.
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Where Is Mather, CA?
Mather, CA is located in Sacramento County within the Sierra foothills of Northern California. It’s within the larger Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade MSA. Excelsior Rd bisects the community offering access to California State Route 16, which provides a route into downtown Sacramento. Nearby communities include La Riviera, Rancho Cordova, Rosemont, Vineyard and Sloughhouse.
It’s about 17 miles or a 26-minute drive from Mather to Sacramento.
Mather Population & Demographics
According to census data, the Mather population is 4,712. Over the years, the number of residents living in Mather, CA has continued to increase and rose by 6% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very rural atmosphere with a population density of 470 residents per square mile.
Mather is a relatively young, diverse community that attracts residents from all walks of life. In Mather, 18% of residents are in their 30’s and the median age is 33.4 years old. Only 10% of residents living in Mather, CA over the age of 65.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 56% white (52.2% white, non-Hispanic), 18% Hispanic or Latino, 11% Asian, 3% Black or African American, 1% Pacific Islander and 10% two or more races.
Other Mather demographics
- The median household income is $135,329, which is 47% higher than the statewide median
- 54% of residents living in Mather, CA are female and 46% are male
- 96% of residents have a high school diploma, while 41.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 14.1%
- The average commute time is 24.1 minutes, which is 5 minutes less than the statewide average
Living in Mather, CA is as safe as living in any typical US city. The total crime rate is 2,196 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 5% lower than the national average and 23% lower than the rest of California. The violent crime rate is 4% higher than the rest of the country but 23% lower than the rest of the state. Property crime is also 7% lower than the national average and 23% lower than the rest of California.
The Rancho Cordova Police Department handles crime in the community.
Cost of Living in Mather
Living in Mather, CA is relatively affordable compared to the rest of California. A great way to understand the affordability of a particular area is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the typical cost of regular consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Sacramento area is 119.4, indicating the Mather cost of living is about 19.4% more expensive than the typical US City. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute reveals that the average family of four (consisting of two adults and two children), would need to earn about $120,664 per year to afford the cost of living in Mather, CA and Sacramento County California.
Standard Mather living expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.29
- A gallon of gas: $4.07
- Bunch of bananas: $0.77
- Hamburger: $5.92
- Visit to the doctor: $156.36
- Average Mather monthly energy bill: $219.76
Source: Payscale
Mather real estate is reasonably priced compared to the rest of the state. Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Mather CA is $513,000. That means Mather CA real estate is 38% less expensive than the rest of California. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in Mather CA is $317.
Affordable Mather Air Force Base Housing is also available for veterans within Veterans Village at the Mather Community Campus, which features 50 supportive homes for the formerly homeless and disabled. However, be aware that Mather AFB housing is funded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and is available by referral only.
Most residents living in Mather, CA own a home and only 19% of properties are rented out. However, tenants will find attractive options as well. Rentcafe reveals that home prices start around $1,000 for a studio and go up to $1900 for a two bedroom.
Mather Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Mather
Mather is a relatively small, rural suburb without many distinct neighborhoods. In fact, many incorrectly assume Mather to be a neighborhood of Sacramento, although it’s actually a distinct community.
However, just like Sacramento, Mather offers diversity, affordable homes, and great weather no matter where you choose to settle down. In general, the most sought-after homes for sale in Mather, CA 95655, tend to be in the southeast, while the most affordable are in the north.
Mather Weather & Climate
Weather in Mather is relatively pleasant throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, Mather has a hot-summer, Mediterranean climate, indicating hot dry summers and cool winters. Temperatures typically fluctuate between 39°F and 94°F, although the winter can get as cold as 31°F and summer can get as hot as 102°F. June through September is typically the best time to visit a friend living in Mather, CA.
Snow won’t be much of a concern, but if you plan on moving to Mather, you should prepare for rainfall. The community averages about 20 inches of rain per year.
Things to Do in Mather
Moving to Mather offers a wide variety of fun things to do, from outdoor recreation to entertainment centers. For those looking to do some shopping, the Rancho Cordova Town Center, Gold River Town Center, and Mills Shopping Center offer plenty of on-site retail stores, business services, and dining options. Other than shopping, here are a few other fun things to do in Mather.
Heron Landing Community Park
Heron Landing Community Park is a 20 acre green space offering a wide variety of recreational amenities for outdoor enthusiasts living in Mather, CA such as athletic fields, playgrounds, barbecue pits, splash pads and more.
11750 Justinian Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Mather Golf Course
Located on the glistening Mather Lake, Sacramento’s Mather golf course is an 18-hole course with a pro shop that hosts regular lessons, tournaments, events, and wine tastings.
4103 Eagles Nest Rd, Mather, CA 95655 (916) 364-4354
K1 Speed
One of the best things to do in Mather with kids or corporate teams, K1 Speed is an indoor racing center that offers indoor go-karting and other activities with party packages and food available for users.
3130 Bradshaw Rd, Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 368-7223
Additional Attractions Near Mather
Looking for more fun things to do in Mather? The Cordova Recreation and Park Department has a list of public facilities and events at Mather Field, CA, Mather Lake, CA, and other local attractions.
Mather Restaurants
Although there are limited dining options within the community, food lovers living in Mather, CA will find a range of options within the surrounding areas. Here are a few of the top Mather restaurants.
Petali
Petali is a casual, family-owned Italian restaurant in Rancho Cordova that serves pizza, pasta, salads, garlic bread, and other classic dishes in a laid-back setting.
3101 Zinfandel Dr #128, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 330-1595
Green Grill
Green Grill is one of the best vegan restaurants in Sacramento. It offers a mix of traditional Indian cuisine with environmentally conscious cooking choices using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
3191 Zinfandel Dr #3, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 898-2896
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Oz Korean BBQ
Oz Korean Barbecue is an all-you-can-eat Korean restaurant with tabletop barbecues and a full bar serving delicious options like teriyaki chicken and calamari steak.
3343 Bradshaw Rd, Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 362-9292
Jobs in Mather
For many years, the Sacramento Mather AFB was the economy’s primary driver. When it closed in 1993, it eliminated about 7,600 jobs, accounting for a loss of about $150 million in income for the Sacramento area. However, other facilities have since been opened in its place that offer economic opportunities for residents living in Mather, CA.
The former base hospital has been transformed into a $48 million five-story veterans hospital. Together with an adjacent outpatient clinic and administrative building, the complex is known as the Sacramento Veterans Affairs Medical Center. With more than 800 workers, it’s one of the largest employers in the area.
The former Mather training center has also been transformed into a civilian airport. From sales manager to operations worker, employment seekers will find a range of exciting Mather airport jobs offering benefits and great pay.
The community’s close proximity to Sacramento also offers ample opportunity in fields such as technology, agriculture, and clean energy.
Top private employers in the Sacramento area:
- Kaiser Permanente: 16,000+ employees
- Sutter Health: 16,000+ employees
- Dignity Health: 11,000+ employees
- Raley’s Corp: 5,000+ employees
- Intel: 5,000+ employees
Payscale indicates that the typical salary in the Sacramento area is about $83,000 per year. From attorneys associates to administrative assistants, you’ll find a wide range of Mather jobs available if you’re seeking employment.
Mather Schools
Moving to Mather means students will have access to some of the top schools in the Sacramento area. The community is zoned for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. Mather Heights Elementary School is located within the community and serves students K-5. It enrolls about 425 students and ranks among the top 100 California Elementary Magnet Schools.
Most high school students will attend either Folsom High School or Cordova High School, depending on zoning and specific educational needs. Folsom High School is generally considered the best in the district and ranks within the top 200 high schools in California with a 96% graduation rate and 47% AP participation rate.
Folsom Cordova Community Charter School is also a public charter school that’s available to students in grades K-8 living in Mather, CA. Foundations Academy is also a K-12 special needs school serving students in the community. The Rancho Cordova Branch of the Sacramento Public Library System is also available to anyone looking for books and other media.
Mather Statistics & Information
- Mather County: Sacramento County
- Mather area: 10 square miles
- Mather CA zip code: 95321
- Mather area code(s): 209
- Mather elevation: 108 ft
- Mather time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Mather: The Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 28.6 miles away or a 35-minute drive.
Mather CA Map
Explore more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in the Mather California zip code with this map.
Looking to find out what living in Mather, CA is really like? Trust our reliable Mather, CA movers to make your relocation easy and efficient. Call (916) 631-4285 today for a free quote.
