Editor’s note: This story was produced as part of a collaboration between Sacramento State’s journalism program and Messenger Publishing Group. Journalism majors used U.S. Census Bureau figures and other large datasets to report on trends occurring throughout the region.

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Elk Grove’s home values have risen sharply since the start of the pandemic, outstripping the rest of Sacramento County.

The typical Elk Grove home was worth $637,000 in August, up 42% from August 2019 according to Zillow, one of the biggest online real estate marketplaces. Home prices in Elk Grove rose at a rate faster than any other city in Sacramento County during that period.

Elk Grove’s many family-oriented events and community makes it a desirable real estate market for families purchasing their own home. Kat Bordeaux, a young Elk Grove mother, chose to remain in Elk Grove as she and her boyfriend look for a house for their growing family.

“I am committed to keeping my family here in Elk Grove,” Bordeaux said. “The schools, the parks, and the community is something I want my family to remain rooted in. I grew up here and I can’t wait to see my family blossom here as well.”

Elk Grove’s Community Development Director Christopher Jordan believes people are attracted to the city because of its central location, with its proximity to the South Bay and Sacramento. He also believes that Elk Grove has a high standard of living.

“I think it’s just such a warm and welcoming place with activities and opportunities,” Jordan said. “The sports, culture for kids, this is just a great community (with a) high quality of life, and folks are attracted to that.”

Jordan also credits the rising home values and the city’s economic upswing to the region’s school district.

“Elk Grove Unified, one of the best districts in the states, (is) the 4th largest school student population,” Jordan said. “They’re a fantastic partner and a great asset to the community.”

Elk Grove residents look to remain in the area when deciding to move, according to a study done by Redfin. Approximately 64% of homebuyers looked to remain in Elk Grove when purchasing a new home.

Jason Kimberling, a recent Sacramento State graduate, is looking for housing after graduation.

“Looking for a place to rent is very competitive. You go to look at a place and if you don’t answer quickly, chances are it is off the market or awaiting an offer,” Kimberling said.

Kimberling, however, doesn’t want to move away from Elk Grove.

“If I could have it my way, I wouldn’t ever leave. Elk Grove has been home to me all my life,” Kimberling said. “This city has everything I want. Family, events, diversity and more. This place is forever home to me.”

In 2024, the homeownership rate in Elk Grove was about 75%, surpassing Sacramento county’s homeownership rate of 59% according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s due in part to Elk Grove’s Homebuyer Assistance Program, where first time homeowners can get low-interest, deferred-payment loans of up to $59,650 for downpayment and closing costs.

“(The program) gives folks an opportunity to get into home ownership,” Jordan said. “But you also have to have the underlying product that’s able to, even with that assistance, still be something that’s at a mortgage value they’re going to be able to afford.”

According to Jordan, the recent housing construction cropping up around Elk Grove helps ensure residents can afford their own home.

“The KB product up on Elk Grove Florin will be a higher-density, single-family neighborhood. They’re able to spread a lot of the infrastructure costs around,” Jordan said. “They’re able to bring those costs down and bring it into something that’s got a better opportunity for affordability.”

There are some signs that the trend of rising home values may be slowing. While values in Elk Grove remain far above pre-pandemic levels, Zillow data shows they have fallen slightly in the last year.

Bordeaux and her boyfriend are saving up to get their own place amid the rising housing costs.

“It’s difficult,” she said. “Everything is more expensive and with our child, it makes saving money tough. It is going to take a few years for us with the cost of housing, but there is no other place we would rather be.”