Rich farmlands, orchards, the Feather River, and the Sutter Buttes surround Live Oak, California. about City of Live Oak. Live Oak - A City known for its small town charm, great recreation programs and excellent quality of life. Named for a beautiful grove of live oak trees, the City was first settled in 1866 and incorporated in 1947. The town grew with the advent of the California-Oregon Railroad in the 1870's and was the second city to be established in Sutter County along State Route 99 East. Today, Live Oak is a growing community with approximately 8, 514 residents located approximately 50 miles north of Sacramento. Live Oak offers affordable housing with a small town atmosphere, perfect for raising young families as well as a great opportunity for new business.