Tucked between rolling foothills and old‑growth orchards, Loomis, California, feels like the kind of great small town where folks still wave as they drive past the feed store.
If you’ve been day‑dreaming about small town living that’s close enough to grab dinner in downtown Sacramento yet far enough to see stars at night, read on.
This guide breaks down everything from weather and schools to the real‑world cost of housing and the weekend rituals locals swear by.
A Snapshot of Loomis, California
Where Is Loomis Located?
The town sits in western Placer County, about 30 minutes northeast of Sacramento along Interstate 80. It’s a leafy suburb surrounded by neighboring cities like Rocklin, Roseville, Auburn, and the lake‑front playground of Granite Bay.
A quick glance at any online map of Loomis shows how close the interstate runs—handy for the daily commuter or anyone planning a powder day up at Tahoe.
A Brief History of the Town
Back in the 1870s, a rail agent named James Loomis helped turn the depot into the largest fruit‑shipping station west of the Mississippi. Farmers liked the freight income enough that they fought hard against being annexed by adjacent towns.
In 1984, local voters sealed that independence when residents voted to incorporate, granting Loomis full local control as an incorporated town while keeping its rural zoning intact.
The Character and Vibe
Ask ten longtime residents and you’ll hear the same refrain: the place feels “like a big family.”
It’s laid‑back, occasionally a little weird place in the best way—think goat‑yoga pop‑ups next to heritage orchards—but always welcoming.
People ride horses on backroads, wave at the mail truck, and brag about “little crime” to anyone who’ll listen.
Loomis, CA Demographics
Roughly 6,500 people call Loomis home. According to Data USA, median household income tops $103,000.
Roughly three‑quarters of dwellings are owner‑occupied, a stat that reinforces the town’s rooted feel. Families with kids, retirees chasing land, and equestrian enthusiasts all find space to live comfortably here.
Cost of Living in Loomis, CA
You’ll hear locals joke that the cost of living in Loomis, CA is “small‑town life with big‑city pricing,” and the data backs that up.
PayScale’s index pegs day‑to‑day expenses roughly 33 percent higher than the national average, with housing, utilities, and transportation taking the biggest bites. Typical monthly energy bills come in at $353, and the overall utility prices run 71 percent above national benchmarks.
Factor in transportation—gas, insurance, and commuter costs are roughly 44 percent higher than average—and it’s clear why some residents plan budgets carefully before they can live comfortably.
Median household income hovers near $103,000, roughly 30 percent above the U.S. figure, which lets many families absorb those heftier bills while still saving for Tahoe weekends or downtown Sacramento nights out.
For anyone weighing a move, remember that Loomis trades bigger numbers on the spreadsheet for roomy backyards, little crime, and the chance to know your barista by name, values that plenty of people decide are worth every penny.
Outdoor Living at Its Best
Hiking in Loomis, CA
Locals hit the shaded loops of Traylor Ranch Bird Sanctuary, a 90‑acre preserve laced with easy trails, seasonal wildflowers, and a convenient picnic area for lunch breaks.
A longer Saturday might mean tackling Hidden Falls in neighboring Auburn State Recreation Area, but the mellow terrain inside the Loomis Basin keeps weekend warriors happy.
Horseback Riding
Because parcels on the town’s fringe often come with pastures, you’ll spot riders trotting dirt shoulders at dawn. Several boarding barns cater to the scene, and many trails welcome horses, another perk of outdoor activities that define daily life.
Parks to Visit
Horseshoe Bar Park delivers that classic playground and picnic combo, while the ranch’s oak groves turn golden each fall. Winter brings emerald grass after steady rainfall, though true snowfall is essentially zero.
Expect hot summers in the high 90s and wet winters closer to 50°F, prime weather for citrus trees and backyard chickens.
Real Estate and Neighborhoods
Local Housing Market Trends
Here’s the headline number: the current median home value in Loomis sits around $937,000. That’s decidedly higher than the national average, a reminder that the cost of housing in this postcard town is undeniably steep.
Average median rent hovers near $3,000 a month, also “more expensive than the average” U.S. lease.
Still, buyers hunting homes for sale in Loomis, CA, appreciate acreage, privacy, and the chance to keep goats without an HOA letter.
Types of Homes Available
Choices run from vintage ranchers near the depot to gated estates with solar arrays and backyard arenas.
Recent transplants moving to Loomis often compare square footage with nearby Penryn, Newcastle, or Granite Bay, discovering they can snag more land for the same price tag in Loomis.
Popular Neighborhoods in Loomis
Downtown streets feel old‑school—think clapboard storefronts, a single stoplight, and that beloved amenity of free parking.
Just west lies Sterling Pointe with canyon views; east, the tree‑lined lanes of Sierra de Montserrat blend vineyards and olive groves. All sit minutes from retail corridors in Rocklin and Roseville.
Schools and Education
Families cite the Loomis Union School District as a marquee draw, especially Franklin Elementary School and Placer Elementary School, each scoring 8/10 on GreatSchools.
At the secondary level, Del Oro High School ranks among the top 8 percent of California campuses.
Homeschool networks and charter options round out the roster, but parents love that the local high school still packs the stadium every Friday.
Local Businesses and Dining
Best Restaurants in Loomis
Farm‑to‑fork plates headline at High‑Hand Café, set inside a century‑old fruit shed.
Down the block, Taylor’s drive‑in pumps out milkshakes so thick that spoons stand straight.
And no weekend is complete without a pizza run to Old Town Pizza, just one more reason folks insist Loomis is a great place to eat.
Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Loomis
Sanctuary Coffee pours single‑origin roasts inside a repurposed chapel, while Flower Farm’s café pairs scones with pond views.
Each spot doubles as a coworking nook for remote pros living in California tech hubs but choosing country life.
Shopping in Loomis
Downtown shopping in Loomis is cozy but packed with personality.
Start at High‑Hand Nursery’s Mercantile, a restored fruit shed where you can pick up handmade ceramics, foothill olive oil, and succulents all under one soaring roof.
Two blocks away, Blue Goose Produce still sells farm‑fresh eggs and seasonal fruit inside the old packing shed, sending your dollars straight back to Loomis Basin growers.
For gifts, the Flower Farm Gift Shop mixes local candles with you‑pick bouquet fields, while Deer Creek Farm blends shabby‑chic décor with a mission that supports at‑risk youth.
Skipping the mall and shopping here keeps downtown vibrant and reminds you why living in Loomis feels a little like stepping back to a friendlier time.
Events and Community Spirit
September means the quirky, purple‑themed Eggplant Festival, drawing thousands to Main Street for live music and cooking demos Visit Placer.
Come fall, Friday night football at Del Oro turns bleachers into one roaring block party.
Pros and Cons of Living in Loomis
What Residents Love
Locals rave about family‑friendly culture, award‑winning elementary schools, and back‑road sunsets over golden oaks.
Add in berry‑picking Saturdays and endless trail rides, and it’s easy to see why Loomis reviews paint it as a great place to call home.
Things to Consider
Reality check: the cost of living in Loomis runs about 33 percent higher than the national average, and utilities aren’t exactly cheap. Nightlife ends by 9 p.m., and you’ll drive to Rocklin for a major movie theater.
Still, plenty say no amount of Uber rides can replace waking up to the orchard fragrance.
Is Living in California Right for You?
If you’re after elbow room, starry skies, and the sort of town that still plants a Christmas tree downtown, Loomis may be your place to live. Spend a Saturday at the farmers market, chat with parents on the soccer sidelines, and tour a few open houses to see if you vibe with life like Loomis residents do.
When you’re ready, explore active listings and learn more about moving to Loomis, there’s always another farmhouse hitting the market tomorrow.
FAQ’s About Living in Loomis, CA
How far is Loomis from major job centers?
Traffic cooperating, the drive to Midtown Sacramento clocks around 30 minutes, while Placer County Transit provides weekday buses—including the Placer Commuter Express—for car‑free commutes placercountytransit.com.
Does Loomis really get no snow?
Official climate data notes trace snowfall—about 0 inches annually—though the town averages roughly 21 inches of rainfall per year BestPlaces.
What’s the median household income?
Recent figures place median household income near $103 k, letting many households live comfortably despite higher costs Data USA.
Is housing all large acreage?
No. While ranchettes abound, downtown offers modest cottages, and new tracts on Taylor Road cater to buyers wanting lower maintenance without leaving the incorporated town vibe.
Are there parks for kids?
Yes. Besides Traylor Ranch, tiny Sunrise Loomis Park features a shady turf playground and picnic tables, plus ball fields that host countless activities year‑round.
