Introduction
Are you looking for a practical guide to Sacramento neighborhoods? We’ve got you covered! Sacramento offers a rich tapestry of communities, each with its unique vibe and attractions.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Downtown/Midtown: Bustling with restaurants, bars, and cultural events.
- Land Park: Known for its parks and family-friendly activities.
- Oak Park: Offers a mix of ethnic cuisines and historic sites.
- Natomas: Perfect for families with its abundance of parks and shopping areas.
- East Sacramento: Tree-lined streets and beautiful bike trails.
- Arden Arcade: Home to major shopping centers and fairgrounds.
- North Sacramento: A growing arts scene and unique accommodations.
- South Sacramento: Diverse cultural offerings and international supermarkets.
- West Sacramento: Scenic river views and modern developments.
Whether you’re considering relocating or just exploring what each neighborhood has to offer, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Best Neighborhoods in Sacramento
Sacramento is a city with a diverse array of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe and amenities. Whether you’re seeking a bustling urban environment or a quiet suburban retreat, Sacramento has something to offer. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento:
Valley Hi/North Laguna
Valley Hi/North Laguna is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability. This neighborhood offers a suburban feel within city limits, making it ideal for families and individuals looking for a quieter lifestyle. With several parks and schools, it’s a great place to raise a family.
College/Glen
Located near California State University, Sacramento, College/Glen is popular among students, faculty, and young professionals. The area features easy access to walking trails and several small lakes, providing a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The neighborhood offers a mix of residential tranquility and urban conveniences.
South Natomas
South Natomas is a rapidly growing area with a diverse population. It’s conveniently close to downtown Sacramento, making it an attractive location for those who work in the city center but desire more spacious living conditions. The neighborhood boasts several parks and community centers, enhancing its appeal to families.
West Sacramento
Just across the Sacramento River, West Sacramento has seen significant redevelopment, transforming into a lively district with modern apartments, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy urban living with scenic riverfront views.
Central Oak Park
Central Oak Park is one of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods and has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. Known for its historic homes and vibrant arts scene, this neighborhood is a hub for hipster culture and artisanal eateries. Its proximity to Midtown adds to its appeal for young professionals.
La Riviera
La Riviera offers a suburban atmosphere with the convenience of being close to downtown Sacramento. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly parks. It’s a great place for those who want a suburban feel while still being close to city amenities.
Golf Course Terrace
Golf Course Terrace is a charming neighborhood known for its well-maintained homes and proximity to parks and golf courses. It’s an excellent choice for families and retirees who enjoy outdoor activities. The neighborhood’s quiet streets and community feel make it a desirable place to live.
Tahoe Park
Tahoe Park is a historic neighborhood with a suburban vibe, attracting many young professionals. It’s known for its charming homes, coffee shops, and parks. The neighborhood’s namesake park is a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and community events.
These neighborhoods each offer something unique, making Sacramento a city with diverse living options to suit various lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, you’re likely to find a neighborhood in Sacramento that fits your needs.
Top Sacramento Suburbs
Looking for the best suburbs around Sacramento? Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect spot.
Elk Grove
Elk Grove is Sacramento’s largest suburb. It’s known for its high-performing schools and diverse community. Families love the new parks and bustling commercial areas. But be prepared for tough commutes, especially along Highway 99.
Folsom
Folsom is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s famous for its bike trails and proximity to the Sierra. The historic district along Sutter Street offers charming shops and restaurants. However, real estate is pricey, and the Highway 50 commute can be a hassle.
Roseville
Roseville offers a blend of suburban comfort with urban amenities. It has excellent schools, a large shopping area at the Galleria, and plenty of parks. Homes here are spacious, making it a great choice for families.
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills is ideal if you want more space and scenic views. This suburb has some of the region’s most sought-after real estate. It’s located just 30 miles from Sacramento, making it a feasible commute for many.
Rocklin
Rocklin is a top pick for young families. The schools here rival those in Davis and Roseville. The city is built around parks and golf courses, offering plenty of recreational activities. Plus, it’s close to Folsom Lake, perfect for weekend outings.
Lincoln
Lincoln transformed from a rural town to a bustling suburb. It maintains a cute downtown area and is surrounded by farms and wineries. The city appeals to seniors, especially those in the Sun City development. But beware of traffic congestion on Highway 65.
Loomis
Loomis is where suburban sprawl meets country living. Homes here are on large lots, often with vineyards or ranchettes. Real estate is expensive and competitive. It’s more tailored for older residents, but Del Oro High School is a standout.
Davis
Davis is a university town known for its bike-friendly streets and excellent schools. It’s a bit more expensive but offers a vibrant community atmosphere. The city is also a hub for cultural and scientific activities, thanks to UC Davis.
Woodland
Woodland offers a small-town vibe with the convenience of being close to Sacramento. It has a charming downtown area and is more affordable than many other suburbs. It’s a good choice for those looking for a quieter lifestyle.
Plumas Lake
Plumas Lake is a newer suburb that’s growing rapidly. It offers affordable housing options and is popular among young families. The community is still developing, so expect more amenities to pop up in the coming years.
These suburbs each have their own unique charm, making it easier for you to find a place that suits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking for excellent schools, outdoor activities, or a quiet place to retire, there’s a Sacramento suburb for you.
Guide to Sacramento Neighborhoods
East Sacramento
Median Home Price: $614,000
East Sacramento is known for its beautiful Victorian homes and a suburban atmosphere. It’s close to Sacramento State University, making it ideal for college students. The neighborhood also boasts private schools, parks, and a small-town vibe, perfect for young families.
Tahoe Park
Median Home Price: $440,000
Tahoe Park offers a true suburban vibe with historic charm. Young professionals are drawn to this up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s dotted with inviting coffee shops and parks, ideal for Sunday strolls.
Curtis Park
Median Home Price: $565,000
Curtis Park is beloved for its historic character and suburban feel. The area offers many rental homes, making it a great place to live while house hunting. With diverse residents and lower home prices than East Sacramento, Curtis Park is a hidden gem.
Oak Park
Median Home Price: $490,000
Oak Park is close to Midtown and known for its historic homes. The neighborhood has been revitalized and now features a strong hipster culture. You’ll find artisanal eateries, art galleries, and coffee shops, giving it an energetic, suburban feel.
Land Park
Median Home Price: $770,000
Land Park is famous for its newer homes and historic charm. The dining scene here is vibrant, highlighted by local shops like Taylor’s Market and Freeport Bakery. It’s also home to the Sacramento Zoo, a golf course, and Fairytale Town, making it family-friendly.
Median Home Price: $485,000
Pocket is a family-friendly neighborhood known for its 1970s and ‘80s homes. It’s slightly farther from downtown but has excellent bus routes. The area offers a quiet suburban atmosphere with easy access to the city.
Downtown
Median Home Price: Varies
Downtown Sacramento is the city core, featuring a vibrant environment with farm-to-table eateries, boutiques, and historic homes. It’s home to the California State Capitol and offers an exciting nightlife.
Midtown
Median Home Price: Varies
Midtown is bustling with restaurants, grocery stores, and nightlife. It’s highly walkable and bike-friendly, attracting Millennials and Gen Xers. The area is known for its diversity and vibrant community.
Mansion Flats
Median Home Price: Varies
Mansion Flats is home to 1880s architecture and modern designs. It’s culturally diverse and boasts high walk and bike scores, making it ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Natomas
Median Home Price: Varies
Natomas is near the airport and features new tract-home communities. It’s popular among first-time homebuyers and young professionals due to its larger houses and suburban feel.
Neighborhoods to Avoid
While Sacramento has many wonderful neighborhoods, some areas might not be the best fit for everyone due to higher crime rates and other concerns. Here are some neighborhoods you might want to avoid:
Parker Homes
Parker Homes is often cited as a neighborhood to steer clear of. The area has faced challenges with crime and safety, making it less desirable for families and young professionals.
Del Paso Park
Del Paso Park has a reputation for being less safe compared to other Sacramento neighborhoods. The area struggles with higher crime rates and fewer amenities, which can affect the overall quality of life.
Midtown
Midtown is a bit controversial. While it offers a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, it also has its share of crime. As one resident mentioned, “Midtown has plenty of crime despite its trendy appeal.” If safety is a top concern, you might want to consider other areas.
Stockton Blvd
Stockton Blvd, especially near Florin and Fruitridge Roads, is another area to avoid. This region has higher crime rates and is not considered safe for newcomers. As one local advised, “Definitely stay away from Stockton Blvd, especially around where Stockton meets Florin and Fruitridge.”
Florin Road
Florin Road, particularly east of Highway 99, is known for its crime issues. The western part is somewhat better, but overall, it’s a neighborhood many residents recommend avoiding.
Fruitridge Road
Similar to Florin Road, Fruitridge Road has its challenges. Higher crime rates make it less appealing for those looking to move to Sacramento.
Howe Ave
Howe Ave is another area with a reputation for being less safe. The crime rates here are higher, making it a neighborhood you’ll likely want to avoid.
Del Paso Heights
Del Paso Heights is often mentioned as a neighborhood to avoid due to its crime rates and overall safety concerns. The median sale price here is lower, which can be a red flag for potential issues.
North Highlands
North Highlands also faces challenges with crime and safety. Residents often advise newcomers to look elsewhere for a more secure living environment.
By steering clear of these neighborhoods, you can focus on finding a safer and more enjoyable place to live in Sacramento.
Next, we’ll explore some of the most frequently asked questions about Sacramento neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento Neighborhoods
What is the nicest area of Sacramento to live in?
Valley Hi/North Laguna: This neighborhood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability. With several parks and schools, it’s a great choice for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle within city limits.
College/Glen: Located near California State University, Sacramento, this area is popular among students, faculty, and young professionals. It offers a peaceful environment with easy access to walking trails and small lakes.
South Natomas: A diverse and rapidly growing area, South Natomas is close to downtown but offers more spacious living conditions. It’s perfect for families, with several parks and community centers.
West Sacramento: Just across the Sacramento River, this area has seen significant redevelopment. Modern apartments, shopping centers, and entertainment venues make it a lively district with scenic riverfront views.
Central Oak Park: Known for its revitalization efforts, Central Oak Park boasts historic homes and a hipster culture. Artisanal eateries and proximity to Midtown make it a trendy place to live.
La Riviera: This neighborhood offers a suburban feel with the convenience of being close to downtown. It’s known for its green spaces and easy access to the American River Parkway.
Golf Course Terrace: A suburban neighborhood with a mix of mid-century and contemporary homes. It’s close to parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for families.
Tahoe Park: A suburban vibe combined with historic charm. Young professionals love the coffee shops and parks that dot the area.
What are the rough areas of Sacramento?
Parker Homes: Known for its higher crime rates and safety concerns, this neighborhood is generally advised against.
Del Paso Park: Similar to Parker Homes, Del Paso Park struggles with crime and safety issues. It’s best to look for housing elsewhere.
Midtown: Though it has a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, Midtown also has its share of crime. It’s a mixed bag, so proceed with caution.
Where do millionaires live in Sacramento?
- Land Park: This neighborhood offers a mix of newer homes and historic charm. It’s known for its dining scene, proximity to the Sacramento Zoo, and recreational spots like Fairytale Town and a golf course. Land Park is a popular area for Sacramento’s affluent residents.
Next, we’ll dive deeper into some of the most popular neighborhoods, highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out.
Conclusion
Exploring Sacramento’s neighborhoods can be an exciting journey, each offering its own unique charm and lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the historic character of East Sacramento, the suburban vibe of Tahoe Park, or the bustling city environment of Downtown, there’s something for everyone.
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Explore the neighborhoods, find your perfect spot, and let us take care of the rest. Welcome to Sacramento!
