Sacramento's backdrop is breathtaking, lined by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the abundance of lush trees that earned it the moniker City of Trees. For residents and visitors alike, the city is still very much a Wild West town despite its modern undertaking. For a taste of history, Old Sacramento Historic District will transport tourists back to the Gold Rush days. This area features 28 acres of historic buildings from the 1800s and nostalgic touches such as horse-drawn carriages, wooden sidewalks and a host of old fashioned shops. A Mississippi-style riverboat is also docked at Old Sacramento, giving tourists river tours of the beautiful area.

Another Sacramento historic landmark is the California State Capitol Park, which houses the state Capitol building, built around 1860. While this historic landmark is a strong draw for visitors, the surrounding park is just as appealing. With 40 acres that span 12 city blocks featuring lush landscaping and rows of roses, camellias and blooming redwoods, this beautiful park is the perfect backdrop for the majestic Capitol.

A mix of modern and Wild West

With such a rich history and a promising future, it is no surprise why Sacramento real estate has become prime territory for new home buyers. The Sacramento median home price is at $360,000.

First-time Sacramento homebuyers searching for affordable housing should look no further than Folsom, a middle-class suburb that was established during the Gold Rush era. Many families settle and buy a home here because of its many parks and a solid school district. The area also pays tribute to its historical past, where the Gold Rush lives on at Sutter Street in downtown Folsom. Sutter Street is lined by antique shops, museums and cafes reminiscent of the period. This mix of modern suburb and old Wild West comes at an affordable cost, with Folsom homes for sale ranging from $300,000 to $800,000.

City slickers and artsy urban dwellers prefer midtown Sacramento for its proximity to downtown and its eclectic neighborhood. The housing here is just as diverse as the residents, ranging from renovated flats, mansions, townhomes and luxury apartments. Victorian manors and bungalows can also be found side by side, shaded by soaring elm trees. With a wealth of specialty shops, cafes, restaurants and kitschy bookstores, midtown Sacramento offers all the amenities of a bustling downtown, minus the hassle. Housing here ranges from $300,000 to $600,000. So if you love the California lifestyle but hate the high cost of living, start your Sacramento real estate search today!

'''Sources and more information:'''
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento%2C_California
http://www.census.gov/population/www/
http://www.discovergold.org/aboutsac/area.cfm
http://www.discovergold.org/aboutsac/area.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Capitol
http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/english/index.html
http://www.sacramento-home.com/real-estate-events/
http://remaxgold.com/community.htm?subject=cp&shell=/community.htm&lcity=1002436&page=cchous
http://www.metrochamber.org/moving/neighborhoods.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folsom%2C_California
http://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/cityhall/departments/redev/ed/residential.cfm