California's growth is undeniable, but some cities are truly pushing boundaries. If you're looking for places with serious momentum, put these five on your shortlist. They're attracting businesses, residents, and investment – and they've got exciting CA stories to tell!
How We Spot a Rising Star
We look for cities that resemble a city star like Murrieta, which has everything we could ask for from a community. Our video below from 2023 positioned them well to receive several new developments and shopping experiences into the 2024 year.
Like Murrieta, which everyone knows is on top right now, these are traits that we looked for when compiling this list:
- Ambitious leadership: Proactive economic development plans and a pro-business mindset.
- Big projects underway: Think new housing, revitalized downtowns, and infrastructure investments.
- That "it" factor: A sense of community pride and healthy competition with their neighbors.
Let’s Dive Into 5 CA Cities Primed for Success
1. Elk Grove: Sacramento's Rising Star
Just south of California's capital, Elk Grove is making bold moves towards economic independence. This city is attracting major corporations like Apple and Amazon, thanks to its strategic location, skilled workforce (boosted by nearby colleges), and a slightly more affordable cost structure compared to Sacramento proper. Elk Grove isn't resting on its laurels; it's actively supporting small businesses and investing in projects like Project Elevate, a downtown transformation that promises elevated shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Video Ideas:
- The Elk Grove Advantage: Deepen the theme of independence – why businesses choose this city over Sacramento, and how locals benefit.
- Community voices: Interviews with long-time residents and new business owners on Elk Grove's unique appeal and transformation.
- Project Elevate time-lapse: Document the revitalization process visually, showcasing the city's ambition.
2. Roseville: Where Progress Meets Livability
Roseville strikes the perfect balance between industrial growth and a high quality of life. Strong civic leadership underpins the city's commitment to attracting families and a skilled workforce. Major investments in downtown revitalization, including over 400 new housing units and infrastructure enhancements, make Roseville a desirable place to live and work. Their strategic approach makes it a magnet for businesses seeking a sustainable growth environment.
Video Ideas:
- "A Day in the Life" of a Roseville resident: Work-life balance focus – commute, amenities, after-work life.
- Downtown walking tour: Highlight revitalization alongside interviews with established and new shop owners.
- Partnerships in action: City, colleges, and businesses collaborating on workforce development and internships.
3. Folsom: Smart Planning with a Historical Twist
Folsom seamlessly blends a rich historical heritage with a future-focused approach to urban development. The city is expanding its economic base through tech and retail while staying true to its roots. Their comprehensive Folsom Plan Area is a model for smart growth – it carefully integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, fostering a walkable, connected community that offers a high quality of life alongside new economic opportunities.
Video Ideas:
- Folsom's past and future: Juxtapose historical sites with modern developments, highlighting progress.
- The Plan in motion: Show how the Folsom Plan Area is taking shape–construction, businesses opening, residents enjoying the new spaces.
- Voices of Folsom: Interviews with business leaders, long-time residents, and newcomers on why they chose Folsom.
4. Menifee: Sun and Growth in SoCal
In the heart of SoCal, Menifee is a powerhouse of growth. Focused on attracting a young demographic, massive housing projects (over 10,500 units!), major retail expansions, and a pro-business city government position Menifee for rapid economic expansion. The city's ample undeveloped land and strategic infrastructure investments make it a prime location for businesses seeking a dynamic, affordable base with easy access to the greater Southern California region.
Video Ideas:
- Menifee on the move: Time-lapses of new development, bustling retail centers, and community events.
- New homeowner's story: Highlight affordability and why young families choose Menifee as their first home.
- Partnership spotlight: City-college collaborations for workforce and the region's future economic success.
5. Rancho Cordova: Sacramento Region's Growth Engine
Rancho Cordova is on a mission to transform itself from a Sacramento suburb into a vibrant, self-sustaining economic hub within the region. Ambitious development projects like Rio Del Oro, with thousands of planned new homes, promise to reshape the cityscape, attracting new businesses and residents alike. Rancho Cordova's commitment to diversification and sustainability is evident in initiatives like the Sunridge Specific Plan, which aims to enhance infrastructure and provide much-needed housing. This forward-thinking approach is essential for a city positioning itself as a major player in the ever-growing Sacramento region.
Video Ideas:
- Rancho Cordova's roadmap to the future: Interviews with city leaders, urban planners, and economic development experts on the vision for sustained growth.
- Community-focused stories: Highlight how major projects benefit residents – increased amenities, parks, and local jobs stemming from new development.
- Behind the scenes of Rio Del Oro: Document the progress of this landmark project, showcasing the transformation and its impact on the wider Rancho Cordova community.
Goodsides: Your Partner for Growth Stories
These cities are just the start. If your city is on the rise, Goodsides is here to help you tell that story to the world.
Get in touch today to speak with California video production experts. Learn how video can attract investment, residents, and the kind of buzz that fuels continued success!