For a long time, Lincoln had a reputation that was hard to shake: it was seen primarily as a retirement destination. If you mentioned you were moving here, people immediately assumed you were heading to Sun City Lincoln Hills to work on your golf swing. But as of early 2026, the vibe on the street has shifted dramatically. For those considering a move, understanding the nuances of living in Lincoln, CA is crucial.

While the active adult community is still a massive part of the town's identity, Lincoln has quietly transformed into a "Zoom Town" hotspot. Young professionals and households priced out of the Bay Area or nearby Roseville are flooding in, looking for newer homes and a bit more breathing room.

The appeal is pretty straightforward. You get a safer, quieter entry point into Placer County without the steeper price tags found in Rocklin or Granite Bay. However, it’s not all perfect scenic views and craft beer. If you’re considering making this your home base, you need to be realistic about the trade-offs—specifically the commute down Highway 65 and the monthly sting of utility bills.

The Commute & Job Market: The Highway 65 Factor

If you are planning to live here and work elsewhere, we need to have an honest talk about Highway 65. It is the main artery connecting Lincoln to the rest of civilization, and during rush hour, it can feel more like a parking lot than a freeway. For more details on navigating the area, see our guide on getting around Lincoln.

The "bottleneck" is a real issue for daily commuters. Traffic frequently backs up as you head south toward the Galleria and the I-80 interchange. If your office is in Downtown Sacramento, you should budget about 35 to 45 minutes each way, though bad traffic can push that to an hour. If you work at major regional hubs like Kaiser, Sutter, or the tech parks in Roseville, your drive is much more manageable—usually around 20 minutes.

However, if you are one of the many remote workers moving to Placer County, the drive might not matter as much. For those who only need to head into the office once or twice a week, the lower mortgage payments often outweigh the frustration of the drive.

Locally, the job market in Lincoln is smaller but specific. Major employers like Thunder Valley Casino Resort and Gladding McBean provide steady work, along with the Western Placer Unified School District. But for most young professionals, Lincoln serves as a bedroom community where you sleep and play, while your paycheck comes from Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Cost of Living: Home Prices vs. Utility Bills

When you look at the sticker price of homes here, it’s easy to get excited. Generally speaking, you can get a newer, larger home in Lincoln for about 5–10% less than you would pay for an equivalent property in neighboring Roseville or Rocklin. That difference often means an extra bedroom or a bigger yard for the same monthly mortgage payment.

But before you sign on the dotted line, you need to look at the "hidden" monthly costs. The biggest shock for newcomers is the electricity bill. Unlike its neighbor to the south, which has its own municipal utility (Roseville Electric), Lincoln relies on PG&E. The rates can be significantly higher—sometimes double what your friends in Roseville are paying.

You also need to keep an eye on tax rates. Many of the modern, master-planned communities that attract young buyers, such as Twelve Bridges, come with Mello-Roos taxes. These are special assessments used to fund infrastructure like schools in Lincoln and roads. When you add up the higher electric bill and the Mello-Roos, the monthly savings on your mortgage might be a wash.

If you aren't ready to buy, the rental market is growing, but it looks different than the city. You won't find as many high-density luxury apartment complexes here. Instead, the rental inventory is heavy on single-family homes, which is often exactly what young residents looking for more space are after.

Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

So, if you decide the financials make sense, where should you actually look? You want to avoid age-restricted areas like Sun City Lincoln Hills unless you are moving your parents in with you. Instead, focus on the neighborhoods where the demographic is shifting younger.

Twelve Bridges This is arguably the most popular spot for young buyers right now. It is scenic, filled with rolling hills, and features a lot of new construction homes. It’s a master-planned area, meaning it looks cohesive and well-kept, with plenty of trails for running or walking the dog.

Lincoln Crossing This is another strong contender, especially for remote workers. The HOA fee in Lincoln Crossing typically includes high-speed internet, which is a massive perk if you work from home. The community is established, diverse, and has a very active feeling with its own clubhouses and pools.

Downtown Lincoln If you prefer character over cookie-cutter stucco, check out the downtown area. It offers walkability to local taprooms and restaurants that you just don't get in the suburbs. The entry price points here can be lower, and you get the charm of older architecture.

Lifestyle: Nightlife, Breweries, and Golf Carts

One of the most unique things about living in Lincoln CA is the NEV lifestyle. NEV stands for Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. Basically, the town is built to be golf-cart friendly.

You will see wide lanes specifically designed for these electric carts, and they aren't just for retirees. Young residents use them for school drop-offs, grocery runs, and brewery hopping on the weekends. It turns mundane errands into something a bit more fun and adds to the relaxed, resort-style atmosphere of the town.

When it comes to nightlife, let’s be real: it’s quiet. If you are looking for a club scene or late-night lounges, you’ll likely be heading to Roseville or hitting up a concert at Thunder Valley Casino. Lincoln is sleepy by design.

That said, the local social scene is vibrant in its own way. It revolves heavily around outdoor venues and day-drinking spots. Places like McBean Park are central hubs for community events, and GoatHouse Brewing offer a farm-to-tap experience that is incredibly popular. You also have easy access to Hidden Falls for hiking, and you are about 90 minutes from the snow in Tahoe, making it a solid base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons for Young Adults

If you are trying to make a final decision, here is how the trade-offs usually shake out for people in their 20s and 30s.

The Pros: You get access to newer housing stock that is often cleaner and more spacious than what you find closer to the city. The streets feel safe, the community vibe is strong, and the unique NEV lanes make local travel fun. It’s a place that feels established but still growing.

The Cons: It can be boring if you crave high-energy city life; you will be driving to Roseville for most "big" nights out. The PG&E bills can be painful, and the Highway 65 traffic is a daily headache if you commute. Also, depending on the wind direction and where you live, you might catch the occasional scent from the landfill—it’s a local quirk that residents usually just learn to live with.

The Verdict: Lincoln is ideal if you are ready to settle down and prioritize square footage and safety over walkability and nightlife. It is a fantastic place to build a home base, provided you go in with your eyes open about the utilities and the commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincoln CA cheaper than Roseville?

It depends on how you measure cost. The purchase price of homes in Lincoln is typically lower than in Roseville, allowing you to buy more house for your money. However, monthly carrying costs can be higher due to PG&E electric rates and potential Mello-Roos taxes in newer neighborhoods.

Does Lincoln CA have good internet for remote work?

Yes, internet infrastructure is generally strong, which supports the growing population of remote workers. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Crossing are particularly well-suited for this, as high-speed internet is often bundled directly into the HOA fees.

Is Lincoln CA safe for young families?

Lincoln consistently ranks as one of the safer cities in the region, with crime rates often lower than nearby metro areas. The community is focused on outdoor activities and neighborhood events, creating a secure environment for households with children.

How far is Lincoln CA from Lake Tahoe?

Lincoln is in a great spot for mountain lovers, sitting about 1.5 hours away from Lake Tahoe depending on traffic. It is slightly closer to the mountains than Roseville or Sacramento, shaving a bit of time off your weekend ski or hike trips.