Located along the banks of the Sacramento River, Walnut Grove, CA, is a charming community with history and small-town appeal. The census-designated place (CDP) was founded in 1850 by John W. Sharp, a settler from Ohio who chose the site of Walnut Grove due to the abundant walnut and oak forests in the area. The town quickly became an important agricultural center and riverboat stop. The town’s historic district reflects this unique past, with well-preserved buildings that offer a glimpse into California’s early farming and shipping days.
Today, living in Walnut Grove CA means enjoying a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to the greater Sacramento area. As one of the most picturesque cities and towns near Sacramento, Walnut Grove is surrounded by lush farmland, riverfront views, and several gorgeous parks. As such, Walnut Grove CA is a good place to live. No matter why you are considering moving to Walnut Grove, you’re sure to be very happy with your decision. Here’s everything you should know about living in Walnut Grove CA!
Table of Contents
Is Walnut Grove CA a Good Place to Live?
Walnut Grove CA is a good place to live. Residents living in Walnut Grove CA can enjoy easy access to Sacramento while being surrounded by gorgeous nature.
Where Is Walnut Grove CA?
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Walnut Grove is in the southwestern portion of Sacramento County, California. When living in Walnut Grove CA, you’ll be just 28.4 miles from Downtown Sacramento, allowing you to drive there in about 31 minutes. After moving to Walnut Grove, you’ll be surrounded by water on nearly every side of the CDP. The Sacramento River and the Snodgrass Slough border most of the community.
If you’d like to take a day or weekend trip while living in Walnut Grove, CA, then San Francisco is just 74.9 miles away, while Modesto is only about 59 miles away. Walnut Grove does not have any efficient public transportation systems, so owning a car is necessary.
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Walnut Grove Population & Demographics
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When living in Walnut Grove CA, you’ll be a part of a very small community. The Walnut Grove population is only 970, giving it a small-town, tight-knit feel. However, Walnut Grove is also a part of the Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville Statistical Area, which has a population of 2.42 million. When it comes to households in Walnut Grove, 45% are occupied by married couples, 31% are occupied by female householders, 16% by male householders, and 7% by non-family members. The average age of residents living in Walnut Grove CA is 33.9.
Additional Walnut Grove Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51% female, 49% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 94% White (46% non-Hispanic), 6% Asian
- Foreign-born population: 17.3%
- Median household income: $88,269 (compared to California average of $96,334)
- Educational attainment: 93.4% high school degree (or higher), 51.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Notable people from Walnut Grove: NFL player Tony Eason, politician Mike Honda, actor and playwright Bo Eason.
Is living in Walnut Grove CA safe? Here’s an overview of the crime rate in the area:
- Overall crime rate: 1,725 crimes per 100,000 people (39.3% lower than state average and 25.8% lower than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 128 crimes per 100,000 people (74.4% lower than state average and 65.4% lower than national average)
- Property crime rate: 1,596 crimes per 100,000 people (31.9% lower than state average and 18.3% lower than national average)
As you can see, living in Walnut Grove CA is very safe, with crime rates well below the state and national averages. After moving to Walnut Grove, you’ll be protected by the Central Division of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Walnut Grove Cost of Living
Are you wondering whether or not living in Walnut Grove CA is affordable for you and your family? Of course, California has a reputation for being the most expensive state in the United States, according to CNBC. As such, you can expect to pay above-average prices when living in Walnut Grove CA. The Cost of Living Index in Walnut Grove CA is 127.2, making the CDP 27.2% more expensive than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Walnut Grove CA would need to earn $120,664 per year to live comfortably in the community. This comes out to $10,055 per month.
Typical Walnut Grove Living Expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.29
- Gallon of milk: $5.05
- Carton of eggs: $3.75
- Bunch of bananas: $0.78
- Hamburger: $5.98
- Doctor’s visit: $152.68
- Average Walnut Grove utilities per month: $285.70
Source: Payscale
Do you want to buy or rent Walnut Grove real estate? According to Redfin, the average home price in Walnut Grove CA is $725,000. This is higher than the national average of $430,000. This is also more expensive than buying a home in Sacramento, where the median home price is $480,000. Homes in Walnut Grove CA are mostly single family homes and condos.
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There are no apartments in Walnut Grove, so if you’re looking to rent, you may want to choose a different community near Sacramento.
Neighborhoods in Walnut Grove California | Where to Live in Walnut Grove
It is important to find the best place to settle down when living in Walnut Grove CA. Because the CDP is only 10 square miles, there are not many distinct neighborhoods to choose from. If you want to be in the heart of the action when living in Walnut Grove CA, then you may want to settle down in the southern portion of the community. Here, you’ll find a mix of residential homes, office buildings, and restaurants all situated along the Sacramento River. The homes in this area are typically a bit smaller, as they are closely packed into this bustling area.
If you want a bit more room, then head to the northern portion of the community. The homes in this area are large and spacious, with plenty of yard space for kids to play. This area is popular among families and retirees looking to enjoy California’s nature.
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Walnut Grove CA Weather & Climate
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What kind of weather can you expect after moving to Walnut Grove? Residents living in Walnut Grove CA enjoy a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Here are a few climate statistics you should know.
- Average Walnut Grove temperature in the summer: 84ºF
- Average Walnut Grove temperature in the winter: 41ºF
- Average annual rainfall in Walnut Grove: 19 inches
- Hottest month of the year in Walnut Grove: July
- Coldest month of the year in Walnut Grove: December
Things to Do in Walnut Grove CA
When living in Walnut Grove CA, you can do your grocery shopping at places like Central Market and Big Store. If you’re interested in retail shopping, then Elk Grove Commons and Delta Shores are both nearby. Here are a few more things to do in Walnut Grove CA.
Cosumnes River Preserve
When living in Walnut Grove CA, make sure you check out Cosumnes River Preserve. This area features wetland walking trails, a boardwalk with a deck, and a visitor’s center that offers tours.
13501 Franklin Blvd, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 684-2816
Locke Memorial Park
Locke Memorial Park honors the former Chinese residents of Walnut Grove. It features sculptures, plaques, and beautiful greenery.
Dai Loy Museum
The Dai Loy Museum is housed in a former gambling hall that was in continuous use until 1950. Today, you can walk around the hall, which has several displays of the games and tables used for gambling.
13951 Main St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-1661
Additional Walnut Grove Attractions
Walnut Grove Restaurants
Curious about the best places to eat when living in Walnut Grove CA? From casual steakhouses to traditional Mexican fare, Walnut Grove has it all. These are the best restaurants in Walnut Grove.
Tony’s Place
Tony’s Place is a favorite among long-time residents living in Walnut Grove CA. This casual steakhouse and cocktail bar features live music, karaoke, and other fun events throughout the week.
14157 Market St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-1317
Fat Lou’s Cafe
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food when living in Walnut Grove CA, then head over to Fat Lou’s. Fat Lou’s offers a wide variety of Mexican comfort food, as well as breakfast and BBQ.
14147 River Rd, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-4222
Pizza Factory
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Stop by Pizza Factory to enjoy delicious handmade pies! They even have vegetarian and vegan options.
14127 River Rd, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-2626
Walnut Grove Jobs
Walnut Grove is primarily a residential area. While local businesses and agriculture contribute to the town’s charm, most residents living in Walnut Grove CA commute to nearby urban centers, particularly Downtown Sacramento, for work.
Sacramento’s economy is diverse and thriving, with top employers spanning government, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Major employers in the area include the State of California, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and the University of California, Davis Health. So, when living in Walnut Grove CA, you can enjoy small-town living while still gaining access to Sacramento’s thriving job market.
According to Payscale, the average salary for residents living in the Sacramento/Walnut Grove area is $83,000.
If you’re looking for Walnut Grove jobs, then try out a quick search on Indeed.
Schools in Walnut Grove
When living in Walnut Grove CA, you’ll be served by the River Delta Unified School District, which is often considered one of the best school districts in Sacramento. As far as school buildings located within the boundaries of the CDP, there’s only one: Walnut Grove Elementary. The district also has four other elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools.
If you’re looking for private schools when living in Walnut Grove CA, then you’ll have to head closer to Sacramento. A few options in the Sacramento area include Golden Valley Academy, St. Peter’s Lutheran School, and Merryhill Preschool.
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After moving to Walnut Grove, make sure you check out the Walnut Grove Library.
Walnut Grove CA Statistics & Information
Here are a few statistics you should know when living in Walnut Grove CA.
- County: Sacramento
- Walnut Grove area: 10.924 square miles
- Walnut Grove zip code: 95690
- Walnut Grove area code: 916, 279
- Walnut Grove elevation: 10 feet
- Walnut Grove time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -8 and -7)
- Closest airport to Walnut Grove: Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 37.7 miles away
Walnut Grove Map
Check out this Walnut Grove California map.
Is Living in Walnut Grove CA Right for You?
If living in Walnut Grove CA sounds great to you, then the experts at Mother Lode Moving are here to help! We will make moving to Walnut Grove a breeze from start to finish. To get started with a free quote, give our Walnut Grove CA movers a call at (916) 631-4285.
