The Best Neighborhoods in Solano County (2025)
Thinking of moving to Northern California? Nestled between Sacramento and San Francisco, Solano County offers a blend of small-town charm and urban convenience that’s rare to come by. Its landscapes range from waterfront communities to rolling hills and valleys, providing Solano County residents with the luxury of rural peace with easy access to metropolitan jobs, schools, and activities.
Whether you’re drawn to historic downtowns, marina access, or family-friendly suburbs, there’s a community in Solano County for everyone. Check out these eight neighborhoods to see what Solano County has to offer you in 2025.
Vacaville
Key Features
- Population: 102,815 and growing steadily (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Dense suburban
- Median home price: $584,000 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: 33 miles to Sacramento via I-80, 54 miles to San Francisco
- Schools: Highly-rated Vacaville Unified School District
Who It’s Best For
Vacaville is perfect for young families who want quality schools and a safe place to raise kids. It’s also great for professionals who like having the convenience of the city but prefer a more relaxed, small-town vibe over fast-paced urban life.
Job Market and Income
Vacaville’s median household income is $108,580 (Niche), well above the national average of around $78,538, according to Yahoo Finance. The city’s location between two major job markets (Sacramento and Bay Area) is a huge plus, though there are many local high-paying opportunities at companies like Icon Aircraft and multiple biotech firms. If you work in healthcare, retail, government services, or the biotech industry, there is plenty of nearby employment.
Unique Destinations
Downtown Vacaville buzzes with activity around Merchant and Main streets, where you’ll find over two dozen restaurants, cafes, and local shops. Aside from the local shops, community events like the springtime Fiesta Days festival and the Christmas Merriment on Main celebration bring extra life to the downtown area every year.
For outdoor activities, don’t miss the Browns Valley Open Space and Lagoon Valley for an adventurous hike on rock formations. If you’re a shopper, the popular Nut Tree shopping center and Vacaville Premium Outlets bring luxury retail names like Coach, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade at affordable prices, along with other big brands and a mix of local stores.
Green Valley
Key Features
- Population: 1,576 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Rural
- Media home price: $1.18M (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: 15 miles from Napa Valley via CA-29 N, 45 miles from Sacramento via I-80
- Schools: Rated A- for public schools (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Green Valley is ideal for people who want privacy and beautiful scenery while staying close enough to cities for shopping and dining. It’s especially popular with retirees and families who value safety and peace over nightlife.
Job Market and Income
Green Valley residents tend to have higher incomes — around $100K average per household (World Population Review) — since the area attracts professionals who can afford the rural lifestyle while commuting to better-paying jobs in Napa, Sacramento, or the Bay Area. Local work is pretty limited to agriculture, wine production, and service jobs, so many people either work remotely or make the drive to where the bigger paychecks are.
Unique Destinations
This scenic area sits surrounded by mountains and rolling hills that make you feel like you’re in wine country – because you actually are! The area is an official wine region, producing excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that you can taste for yourself at local wineries like GV Cellars and Wooden Valley Winery. Green Valley is also home to the only private country club in Solano County, with a championship golf course. Nature lovers can enjoy time out on the water at Green Valley Lake or explore the expansive San Bernardino National Park.
Allendale
Key Features
- Population: 1,814 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Rural
- Median home price: $429,900 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: Along Interstate 505, 9 miles west of Dixon
- Schools: Home to B-rated Lake Elsinore Unified School District (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Allendale appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle with highly rated schools. The community is ideal for residents who want a small-town atmosphere with easy access to city amenities, particularly families looking for a safe, friendly environment.
Job Market and Income
Similar to Green Valley, Allendale’s rural setting means you’re not going to find much in the way of local employment – if they don’t have a remote position, most working residents commute to nearby cities like Vacaville, Fairfield, or Davis. The local scene is mainly agriculture, small businesses, and service positions. With no shortage of professionals who work remotely or don’t mind the commute for a higher salary elsewhere, the median household income is $110,284.
Unique Destinations
Allendale is the perfect setting for those who enjoy a small town with a rich history. The area features the Allendale Union Chapel, built in the early 1900s and now a registered landmark popular for weddings and special events. Residents have access to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a 390-mile multi-use trail offering biking, hiking, and equestrian activities. For riders who prefer a space designated for horses, Pleasants Valley Riding Arena offers a 130’ x 275’ covered arena and over 2.5 miles of trails on their ranch of over 100 acres, as well as boarding.
Fairfield
Key Features
- Population: 121,391 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Dense suburban
- Median home price: $570,000 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: 43 miles to Sacramento, 47 miles to San Francisco via I-80 W
- Schools: Solano Community College main campus, 6 high schools
Who It’s Best For
Fairfield is ideal for families and middle-class professionals who want balance between small-town living with easy city access. Military families find their home here near the Travis Air Force Base, and it’s great for anyone in healthcare or government work.
Job Market and Income
Job security is a strong suit of Fairfield, thanks to Travis Air Force Base. The median household income of $102,321 (World Population Review) holds its own against Bay Area standards while keeping living costs more reasonable. You’ll find good employment opportunities in government, healthcare, education, and military services. Plus, being right in the middle of Sacramento and the Bay Area makes commuting to a nearby city reasonable if you want higher income potential.
Unique Destinations
Fairfield serves as the county seat of Solano County and is home to Travis Air Force Base, the area’s largest employer. The city features Rockville Hills Regional Park, a 633-acre open space with volcanic rock formations, grassy hills, and hiking trails with amazing views. Solano Community College has its main campus in Fairfield, and the expansive school district includes six high schools and five middle schools.
Dixon
H3: Key Features
- Population: 19,493 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Sparse suburban
- Median home price: $598,000 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: 23 miles to Sacramento via I-80 E
- Schools: Home to Dixon Montessori Charter School with a rating of A- and B-rated Dixon High School (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Dixon is a goldmine for families who love genuine small-town life and seniors looking for a quiet, safe place to enjoy retirement. The community takes genuine pride in being a Purple Heart City since 1994, honoring all the veterans who call this place home, and is becoming increasingly popular with active adults 55+.
Job Market and Income
Dixon residents do well for themselves with a median household income of $98,798 (Neilsburg) – definitely above the national average. Local jobs mostly consist of agriculture, retail, healthcare, and small businesses, so many people commute to Davis, Sacramento, or the Bay Area for work. The good news is that major housing, retail, and infrastructure developments by Harvest at Dixon could bring some exciting new job opportunities to the town in the next few years.
Unique Destinations
Dixon just opened its first luxury senior community – K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Homestead – loaded with resort amenities like pools, pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Families and people of all ages love to attend the annual May Fair, the oldest fair in California, hosted right in Dixon. Staying true to their mission to improve the livelihood of their residents, the City of Dixon Recreation Division of Public Works organizes free, engaging community activities like line dancing, bingo, and drop-in sports.
Rio Vista
Key Features
- Population: 10,236 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Rural
- Median home price: $479,000 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: On the Sacramento River, 44 miles to Sacramento
- Schools: B-rated public schools (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Rio Vista is perfect for retirees and those seeking a rural lifestyle with a close-knit community. The city attracts artists, designers, and media professionals, with more creative professionals than 90% of American communities. Its location on the Sacramento River also makes it a great fit for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Job Market and Income
Rio Vista residents enjoy a median household income of $86,970 (World Population Review), which beats the national average nicely. Local work includes hospitality, agriculture, government services, and creative industries. Many people work remotely or make the roughly 35-minute commute to larger cities for better opportunities.
Unique Destinations
Rio Vista gained national attention in 1985 when “Humphrey,” a humpback whale, took a wrong turn up the Sacramento River and became a media sensation. Known as “the Gateway to the Delta,” you’re surrounded by over 1,000 miles of waterways here in Rio Vista. Fishermen stand to win serious bragging rights at the annual Bass Derby and Festival, one of the West’s longest-running fishing competitions. Meanwhile, nature buffs can check out Brannan Island State Recreation Area for camping, hiking, and some of the best bird watching in Northern California.
Suisun City
Key Features
- Population: 28,253 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Sparse suburban
- Median home price: $536,250 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: Close to Suisun Marsh (largest brackish marsh on the West Coast), 2 miles to Fairfield via Main St
- Schools: Mixed school performance across the district (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Suisun City is an ideal location for families and individuals who appreciate parks and outdoor spaces. The community is perfect for people who value environmental conservation and wildlife observation opportunities while keeping access to suburban communities and amenities.
Job Market and Income
Suisun City’s job market includes opportunities in government, healthcare, retail, and tourism, thanks to all those outdoor attractions. The median household income in the city sits comfortably above the national average at $97,083 (World Population Review), with many residents choosing to commute to nearby Fairfield or other cities for better work.
Unique Destinations
The crown jewel here is the Suisun City Marina, plus you have amazing natural areas like Rush Ranch Open Space and Lawler Falls Park, complete with an actual waterfall. The Western Railway Museum and Suisun Wildlife Center offer educational experiences that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Nature photographers and bird watchers can appreciate the nearby Suisun Marsh, the largest brackish (unique mix of fresh and saltwater) marsh on the entire West Coast and home to over 200 bird species.
Benicia
Key Features
- Population: 25,977 (2025 – World Population Review)
- Setting: Sparse suburban
- Median home price: $720,000 (June 2025 – Redfin)
- Location: Waterfront on Carquinez Strait, 17 miles to Green Valley via I-680 N
- Schools: A-rated public schools (Niche)
Who It’s Best For
Benicia attracts young professionals and families who want excellent schools plus a safe, walkable community. It’s perfect for people who appreciate history, love arts and culture, and want waterfront living without giving up suburban comfort.
Job Market and Income
Benicia’s proximity to the Bay Area is a real advantage – you get access to those higher-paying jobs while keeping more reasonable living costs than San Francisco or Oakland. Many residents commute to the Bay Area for work in tech, finance, and professional services. Local employment includes government, healthcare, retail, and the Valero refinery. The median household income of $125,040 (World Population Review) is well above the national average, which makes sense given how many professionals choose to live here.
Unique Destinations
Benicia has impressive historical significance, having served as California’s state capital from 1853 to 1854. The city features a vibrant arts scene with venues like Arts Benicia and the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group. First Street downtown is packed with local businesses and restaurants that give the area real character and walkability. To add to the lively local culture, the Fourth of July Torchlight Parade lights the streets every year, and the massive Peddler’s Fair — one of Northern California’s largest street fairs — brings in thousands from across the nation.
How to Choose the Right Solano County Neighborhood for You
With so many options across Solano County, selecting the right neighborhood depends on understanding your priorities and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a guide to help you match your needs with the perfect community:
If Your Priority is…
Family-Friendly Living
Best Choices: Vacaville, Dixon, Benicia — When it comes to raising kids, these three places consistently get the highest praise from families. Vacaville offers the best all-around environment for families with great schools, lots of youth sports, and fun community events like Fiesta Days that kids remember forever. Dixon gives you that genuine small-town experience, while Benicia combines top schools with art programs and walkable neighborhoods where kids can safely explore their hobbies.
Affordability
Best Choices: Dixon, Green Valley, Allendale — Dixon is your best bet for affordable California living, with home prices around $424,500 while still having great schools and a real sense of community. Green Valley and Allendale are where your money goes the furthest, and you can actually get some land with your house. You’ll need to drive further for shopping and dining, but many people find the peace and privacy totally worth the extra travel time.
Commuter Access
Best Choices: Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia — Fairfield gives you the best location for commuting, sitting right between Sacramento’s government jobs and Bay Area tech work, with several routes to take besides I-80. Vacaville’s spot right along Interstate 80 gives you career flexibility, and Benicia lets you work in the Bay Area while experiencing a true sense of community that’s getting harder to find in bigger cities.
Outdoor Recreation
Best Choices: Rio Vista, Green Valley, Suisun City — Rio Vista is the top choice for water lovers, with over 1,000 miles of connected waterways perfect for fishing, kayaking, and boating right outside your door. Green Valley puts hiking trails in your backyard and makes wine country trips a regular weekend thing, while Suisun City gives you access to California’s most amazing wetlands for bird watching, nature photos, and learning about the environment.
Arts and Culture
Best Choices: Benicia, Vallejo, Rio Vista — Benicia has built an impressive arts community with galleries, local theaters, and cultural events not unlike bigger cities, all set in a beautiful historic downtown. Vallejo brings urban culture through places like the Empress Theatre and festivals celebrating its diverse community, while Rio Vista boasts more working artists and creative people than almost anywhere else in California.
Wine Country Access
Best Choices: Green Valley, Fairfield, Benicia — Green Valley offers the full wine country experience, featuring grapes grown right in the valley and wineries where you can taste the local flavors. Fairfield and Benicia are an easy 20-30 minute drive to famous Napa and Sonoma for weekend trips with all the stores and services you need for everyday life.
Small-Town Charm
Best Choices: Dixon, Allendale, Green Valley — Dixon is what real small-town living looks like, where community events like the annual May Fair bring together grandparents and parents, kids and friends, local shops are independently and family-owned, and getting involved in local issues actually matters. Allendale and Green Valley offer a quaint, country life where you can have privacy but still be friendly with your neighbors, participate in community activities, and connect with nature.
Investment Potential
Best Choices: Vacaville, Fairfield, Dixon — Vacaville’s steady growth, excellent schools, and great location create steady demand that keeps property values climbing while the city manages development to keep its value. Fairfield is a smart investment because of its government stability and central location, which becomes more valuable as Bay Area prices force people to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, Dixon offers the biggest potential gains with major developments planned that could really boost housing demand and home values.
Making Your Decision
Take time to create a priority list covering what matters most: schools, commute distance, housing costs, outdoor activities, community size, and cultural amenities. Visit your top neighborhood choices at different times of day and on both weekdays and weekends to experience what daily life actually feels like. Talk with current residents about their experiences, and consider how your needs might evolve over the next 5-10 years.
One of Solano County’s greatest advantages is its connectivity – even if you choose a smaller rural community like Allendale or Green Valley, you’re never more than 30-45 minutes from major shopping, excellent restaurants, and entertainment options in the larger surrounding cities.
