Sacramento has seen a recent bump in its population and economy thanks to an influx of transplanted citizens. Several immigrant groups including those from Russia and Asia have started making Sacramento home. In addition, the low cost of living compared with other West Coast cities has enabled it to lure many new citizens into town, and there are plans not only to accommodate but also encourage more growth.

The Railyards Plan
One of the biggest undertakings for Sacramento today is the Railyards Plan. The 238-acre site is located just north of Sacramento's central business district and east of the Sacramento River. The project aims to reinforce the major transportation through that area of the city. The transportation improvement would help accessibility in downtown areas and further improve the circulation system, or so the city hopes. Employment and job creation is an additional component of the plan.

The city also hopes to establish new housing options for "new-in-town" residents as a place to live in the city. The open space and community facilities planned are just some of the perks they hope will draw families and visitors to the area. Specific plans for the area include creating a diverse housing system featuring a mix of housing types and a range of affordability. The plan also calls for space to be assigned for restaurants, performing arts, hotels and a space holder for a downtown sports arena. Additionally, plans are drawn for an urban mix of shops, marketplaces and a museum.

Transportation
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT, http://www.sacrt.com/ ) operates 97 bus routes and more than 36 miles of light rail. The buses and light rail run 365 days. Buses operate daily from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and run every 15 to 75 minutes, depending on the route. The light rail trains begin operation at 4:30 a.m. with service every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. The Blue Line trains run until 1 a.m. and the Gold Line to Folsom runs until 7 p.m.

Ridership has more than doubled since the 14 million passengers transported by bus and light rail in 1987, compared to the more than 30 million passengers in 2005. Additionally, RT's entire bus and light rail system is accessible to the disabled community. The RT even offers a door-to-door transportation service - in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act - for Sacramento area residents who are unable to use fixed-route service. This service's usage has more than doubled since 1993.

Climate
Sacramento winters are mild and the summers are dry and often very hot. Temperatures can easily reach the low 100s in the heat of the summer. However, the average annual maximum temperature is only around 73 degrees. The average annual minimum temperature is only as low as 49 degrees. Unlike San Diego and some other California cities which have Mediterranean-like climates, Sacramento receives a fair amount of precipitation. On average, annual rainfall is almost 20 inches, and it rains about 58 days a year.

Plenty of Things to Do
When it comes to activities, there is something for everyone in Sacramento. Bars, restaurants and clubs abound for those looking for a little nighttime excitement. Known as the "City of Trees," Sacramento boasts 6 million trees and 14 regional park districts. Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy the many lakes and rivers, as well as the activities that go along with them. And if you have brought your family with you to your new school, you will find that Sacramento has a lot to offer.

Old Sacramento, the 28-acre historic district set on the Sacramento River is not to be missed. A celebration of the Gold Rush era, Old Sacramento is a National Historic Landmark and a State Historic Park with several family-friendly attractions. The Discovery Museum History Center features interactive exhibits of Gold Rush and Sacramento history. The California State Railroad Museum is a favorite of children with its changing exhibits and steam train rides. Another great Old Sacramento feature is the Schoolhouse Museum, a replica of a 19th century schoolhouse.

Visit the Sacramento Zoo and see the three Sumatran tiger cubs that were born in November 2006, or enjoy an exciting family overnight safari stay. Pan for gold, and perhaps even find some in the American River at the Marshall Gold Discovery State park in nearby Coloma, or ride the Sacramento River on the 24-passenger River Otter Taxi.

Sources:
( http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ )

( http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,340694,00.html )

( http://www.saccounty.net/ )

( http://www.10best.com )

( http://www.discovergold.org )