📍 About NorCal TRACON & Mather
NorCal TRACON (NCT) is located in Mather, CA, just east of Sacramento. The facility provides approach services for Northern California airports including SFO, SMF, SJC, OAK, and more. Sacramento offers a lower cost of living than the Bay Area while still providing proximity to major cities, outdoor recreation, and great communities.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Midtown Sacramento – Walkable, vibrant, full of nightlife and dining
- East Sacramento – Leafy streets, cozy charm, close to downtown
- Carmichael – Suburban with urban access, popular among young professionals
Best for Families
- Folsom – Excellent schools, trails, and family amenities
- El Dorado Hills – Scenic suburbs, good schools, larger homes
- Roseville – Affordable, growing, good for kids
🚗 Commute Times to NCT (Mather)
- 0–15 min: Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Mather
- 15–30 min: Folsom, Elk Grove, East Sacramento
- 30–45 min: Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Midtown
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Outdoors: American River Parkway, Folsom Lake, Sierra Nevada hikes
- Day Trips: Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, San Francisco
- Culture: Old Sacramento, Golden 1 Center events, Crocker Art Museum
- Wineries: Amador County and El Dorado wine regions nearby
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Sacramento International (SMF): ~30 minutes
- Mather Airport (MHR): ~5 minutes – general aviation and charter ops
- San Francisco (SFO): ~2 hours (non-commute)
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price (Mather/Sacramento): ~$500,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,600–$2,100/month
- State income tax: Up to 13.3% (California)
- Utilities & groceries: Slightly above national average
🏥 Healthcare
- Kaiser Permanente – Multiple locations near Mather
- UC Davis Medical Center – Large academic hospital
- Sutter Health – Widespread coverage in the region
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- High volume: SCT-level traffic with wide coverage
- Live nearby: Commutes can stretch quickly with traffic or weather
- Facility culture: Mix of Bay and Central Valley controllers, good NATCA rep
📦 Moving Tips
- Summer heat: Prepare for triple-digit temps inland
- Explore before leasing: Consider school zones, commute, and amenities
- Temporary housing: Rancho Cordova and Folsom have short-term options