On July 1, 2003, after more than 20 years of advocacy, the City of Rancho Cordova officially incorporated, becoming the 478th city in the State of California. Located in the eastern part of Sacramento County,Rancho Cordova is a community with a rich history including the first 12 miles of railroad in California, a thriving military base in its time, and the home of a successful aerospace company.

The community chose to incorporate in order to retain and improve its identity and quality of life, to increase representation and accessibility of local government, to provide greater control over local land use, planning, and regulatory matters, and to provide an increased level of service to Rancho Cordova residents.

It was the pioneering farmers of the mid-1800s who sowed the seeds of commerce that are reflected in the thriving economy of Woodland today. These were men of the earth who recognized Yolo County`s rich soil, temperate climate and effective transportation systems. In the winter of 1853 Henry Wycoff settled in a dense grove of oak trees and opened a small store; soon other businesses followed suit, including a store owned by Major F. S. Freeman. He offered free lots to those who would clear the land and build homes, and before long the settlement of Yolo County was renamed Woodland; in 1862, the Yolo County seat transferred to Woodland from present-day West Sacramento.

Woodland has a strong historic heritage still evident today in the impressive stock of restored buildings and homes, both downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods, Woodland`s agricultural setting is largely responsible for the community`s distinct identity and economic vitality. Various transportation routes, as important today as the railroads of the 1800s, create a wealth of opportunities for industry and commerce. Easily termed in the “Heart of California,” Woodland`s proximity to the state capital of Sacramento places it near the political pulse of the state. Outside the San Francisco seismic area, Yolo County covers an area of 1,034 square miles – bounded by the Sacramento River on the east; Putah Creek on the south; Colusa County on the north; and the Coast Ranges (Little Blue Ridge and Vaca Mountain Range) on the west.

Home prices in Woodland are attractive relative to California real estate standards, and available housing ranges from Victorian treasures in the downtown core area to newly built homes. The City of Woodland and Yolo County are working together to meet increasing demand for residential growth and affordable housing with the population of Woodland expected to reach 71,250 by the year 2025.

Elverta was the first community to appear here in 1908, and in 1913, a development group, Suburban Fruitlands Company, promoted Rio Linda as ideal land for growing fruit. Unfortunate orchardists who believed the advertising saw their seedlings wither in hardpan, but those who stuck it out turned to lucrative poultry ranching. Until the 1960s, the area was a major California egg producer.

Land Park is a desirable, historic neighborhood located adjacent to downtown Sacramento.  Its wide streets, large shade trees, historic acorn streetlights, and local businesses, such as the Tower Theatre, Freeport Bakery, and Vic’s Ice Cream make Land Park a desirable neighborhood in which to live. People who live here take pride in being Land Park residents and are involved in keeping Land Park a vibrant and beautiful neighborhood.

Land Park consists of mainly single family dwellings in the area between Interstate 5 to the west, Broadway to the north, Sutterville Road to the south and Freeport Blvd to the east. William Land Park is its namesake, a major city park south of Highway 50 and east of Interstate 5 in South Sacramento. It also contains the Sacramento Zoo along with the popular children’s theme parks Funderland and Fairy Tale Town.

Elk Grove was established in 1850 as a hotel and stage stop, located about 15 miles south of historic Sutter’s Fort. The area became a crossroads for business, entertainment, mail service and agricultural ventures as well as supplying much of the needs of the early miners in the gold fields of nearby Sheldon, Sloughhouse and Coloma.

After playing its part in the early gold rush and statehood history of California, a close-knit community evolved with a distinctly rural and western lifestyle. Elk Grove remained quietly independent of Sacramento’s growth until the 1980′s.

On July 1, 2000, Elk Grove incorporated as a city.  However, its ability to retain the feel of that small town that began back in 1850 makes Elk Grove special to its residents. The annual “Western Festival” and “Salute to Red, White and Blue” are just two of the many family-oriented events that El;k Grove residents participate in and enjoy.  “Old Town” Elk Grove is located about a mile east of State Route 99 (formerly U.S. Route 99, the north-south artery of the California Central Valley).

Bordered by the Sacramento River and bountiful farm lands, West Sacramento offers a wide variety of home choices and life styles. Within 10 minutes of downtown’s business offices and state buildings, you can choose from ranchettes on 2 or 5-acre parcels, new or near new single family homes, or townhomes close to public transportation. Enjoy the benefits of small town living next door to the capitol.

Bordered to the north by Antelope, to the west by Rio Linda, to the east by Citrus Heights, and to the south by Foothill Farms.  North Highlands offers some of the best home choices for the first time homebuyer or investor.  Many of the homes were built around the 1970’s  and some before.

Now incorporated as a city, Antelope is in the Northern part of Sacramento County.  Antelope covers only 3 miles by 1.5 miles.  Consisting of homes built around 1990, with maturing trees and many small businesses in the area.  It’s all about convenience and a feeling of community warmth.  Antelope has two golf courses in the town.  With affordable home prices, Antelope has been experiencing a surge in the real estate market.

Arden-Arcade represents early 1950’s construction, larger lots, early suburbia, lots of parks and some clearly defined communities such as Arden Park, Garden of the Gods, Sierra Oaks, Country Club, Del Paso Manor.  Schools are at the top in scores so very popular with parents.  Demographics are varied by age group with a good blend of young, middle, and older diversity.  Many homes are being either completely refurbished or replaced because residents love the neighborhood.

The community of Gold River is located about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. Gold River is nestled between the towns of Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks and Orangevale and is accessed via highway 50. It is bounded by Sunrise Blvd. On the west, Hazel Ave on the east and the American River to the north. The founding of this neighborhood community began in the late 70’s with developer John Powell at its helm. Today, the approximately 950 acres is composed of the Gold River Racquet & Health Club, the Gold River Discovery Center, where children are schooled between kindergarten and sixth grade. Its school district is the San Juan Unified School District.

There are about 3,000 homes in the 25 single-family home villages that strictly enforce its local CC&R’s. This is where the maintenance of front lawns, trees and security do not have to be compromised. Outdoor activities beckon with 5 miles of nature trails for either biking, hiking or both, that are linked throughout. Its just a stone’s throw from the “launching pad” of a summer favorite – rafting on the American River. Parks, greenbelts and vast common grounds abound. Retail stores, restaurants, bakeries and local businesses such as banks and other service specialties outline the commercial areas of its main thoroughfares.

Development has been on going.  Homes were built in as early as the late 70’s and some are still to be completed.  Their sizes range from 1500 to 5000 square feet.  There is a home for everyone here – strike gold at Gold River.