Some might think the only reason to move to Sacramento is if you work in government. But the reality is that, while around 30 percent of residents work state, local or federal government jobs, there are still 70 percent who choose to live in Sac for other reasons.
One reason is the beauty of the city. It’s one of the greenest cities in the country, with an abundance of trees scattered throughout. It’s definitely not your average steel-and-concrete city.
Another reason people choose to live in Sacramento is that the cost of living is actually more affordable than many cities in California — or the rest of the country for that matter.
If you’re looking to make this city your new home, you’ll love checking out the best neighborhoods in Sacramento. With so many picturesque neighborhoods to choose from, you might be hard-pressed to find your favorite one!
1. East Sacramento
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,925
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,245
- Walk Score: 71/100
If you’ve gone through a transformation and are ready to take your glow-up to the next level, you might want to consider moving to the posh neighborhood of East Sacramento. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento because you have easy access to the State Capitol corridor, as well as Midtown and the central freeway.
Within a short walking distance, you’re in the epicenter of Sac’s fun daytime opportunities and entertaining nightlife. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful, too, with tree-lined streets and lush green spaces in abundance.
2. Land Park
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,595
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 60/100
Another nice neighborhood that’s close to the downtown area is Land Park. It’s a charming area with a decidedly storybook feel to it. The reason for this is not just the tree-lined streets but also the vintage architecture. Many of the homes here are from the 1920s to the 1940s. Plus, nearby old-fashioned, iconic spots like the Tower Theater (a 1930s art deco building where you can watch indie films) or Vic’s Ice Cream (in business since 1947) are also a big draw.
Shops, restaurants, parks (including Fairytale Town’s play park), amusement parks (like Funderland) and sports courts are just a 10 to 20-minute drive away, as Land Park is just west of the 5 freeway. You’ll also be in proximity to sprawling green spaces where you can go on picnics, enjoy relaxing by the lake or go on your daily jog.
3. Curtis Park
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 78/100
Another charming residential neighborhood in Sac is the Curtis Park community, which is full of vintage-style homes, including 1920s Revival, Bungalow and Victorian styles.
Curtis Park is one of the more upscale communities and many well-known Sacramento citizens live there, including NBA stars, politicians (mayors, assemblymen, senators, etc.) and musicians.
Curtis Park itself is a lush, beautiful park, where you’ll likely find yourself often. It features lush greenery, including grass on which to picnic and old-growth trees.
The neighborhood is very family-oriented and the neighbors are friendly. In it, you’ll find several taphouses, craft breweries and bistros. The 24th Street Theater is host to live plays and comedy performances, as well as concerts — even more reason why this is one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento.
4. Midtown
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,435
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,257
- Walk Score: 95/100
Midtown is a historical district just east of downtown. It’s also a culturally, racially and financially diverse neighborhood, with rising rental rates.
Like many residential communities in Sac, Midtown is home to old Victorians on tree-lined streets.
This neighborhood is the art, music and cultural center of Sacramento. It’s home to the only winery in urban Sacramento, as well as nightclubs, bars, casual restaurants, upscale eateries and boutiques. And on the second Saturday of each month, Midtown hosts an art walk that attracts thousands of visitors and residents alike.
5. Mansion Flats
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,550
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,100
- Walk Score: 94/100
If you’re looking for a renter-friendly neighborhood, Mansion Flats is for you. Nearly 90 percent of its 4,300 residents rent their homes. It’s a great neighborhood for young professionals just starting out who have an active social life (plenty of bars and clubs). It’s also great for families, with public schools in the area earning higher than average approval ratings.
When you find your dream apartment in Mansion Flats, you’ll never feel at a loss for things to do. Nearby, you’ll find Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento Zoo. You’ll also have access to some of the best restaurants in the city, including Vegan Deadly Sins, Capital Hop Shop (garage-style brewpub), Aura (Japanese and Korean cuisine), Shine Kava (a rustic coffeehouse decked out with local art and hosting live music, serving coffee, beer, wine, sandwiches and salads) and much more!
6. New Era Park
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,850
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 60/100
This neighborhood of 3,400 is one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento. New Era Park residents say it has a young feel to it, with plenty of coffee shops, concert venues and shopping. Job opportunities are good and it’s considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Sacramento.
Most of Sutter’s Landing Park is within the New Era Park neighborhood, which means you’ll have access to plenty of trails, sports fields and even a skateboard park.
Actor Timothy Busfield (“The West Wing”) started a theater with his brother Buck in this neighborhood called the B Street Theater. The theater has an acting studio for young actors, as well as multiple acting educational opportunities.
The New Era Community Garden is flourishing and they often have plots available, so if you love getting your hands dirty, you need to check it out!
7. Downtown
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,596
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,064
- Walk Score: 94/100
How would you like to wake up in the morning and know you’re in the midst of a large city but still being able to look out your window and enjoy a glorious sunrise over the Sierra Mountain range? That’s one of the things that makes Downtown one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento.
Plus, it’s in the middle of everything, so you can enjoy shorter commutes to and from work, as well as enjoy easy access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and your favorite coffee shop. Downtown is a trendy neighborhood, too, earning spots on the lists of coolest neighborhoods.
8. Natomas Park
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,906
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,287
- Walk Score: 30/100
The Natomas Park neighborhood has a strong sense of community. It has a Master Association that helps ensure a friendly, safe atmosphere for the benefit of all residents in the area. They do this by enforcing certain rules (to help maintain or even increase property values) and offering a variety of quality amenities and programs.
As a member of the community, you’re invited to attend and participate in various events, like the Holiday Craft Bazaar and Bingo night. The Association has events for the whole family, from toddlers to seniors. And they even just started a Technology Community.
Such oversight might be overkill for some renters, but others may enjoy the added security and close-knit community.
9. Elmhurst
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 58/100
The Elmhurst neighborhood is a historical community (established in 1908) in the eastern part of the city. The mature trees in the neighborhood (oak, elm and ash trees) provide a stunning canopy.
One of the reasons why Elmhurst is one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento is its proximity to UC Davis Medical Center, one of the best academic health centers in the state. Many of the medical staff are residents of Elmhurst. It’s also just a five-minute drive to Sacramento State University.
10. Boulevard Park
Source: Rent./Eleanor-Apartments
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,304
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,223
- Walk Score: 95/100
Another beautiful, historical neighborhood (established in 1905) in Sacramento is Boulevard Park. Residents appreciate that it’s a quiet neighborhood that’s within walking distance of some of the best entertainment in the city.
The goal of the neighborhood’s association (founded over 30 years ago) is to create a community that’s friendly, beautiful and not reliant on vehicles. Nearly everything you need is within walking distance, making this one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento for people who love to walk, want to get some extra exercise or want to avoid paying the high price of gas.
11. Richmond Grove
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,595
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 60/100
Richmond Grove is only five minutes from downtown Sacramento, so you get the urban amenities like restaurants and clubs. But it’s also a mellow, quiet neighborhood where you’ll want to get to know your friendly neighbors.
One of the things that makes Richmond Grove one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento is that it has a good bike score and has close access to public transportation. Getting around the neighborhood, as well as to and from Downtown, in the easiest way possible are always traits of a great neighborhood.
12. Campus Commons
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 46/100
Five minutes from California State University – Sacramento, across the American River, is the neighborhood of Campus Commons. This is one of the first neighborhoods students tend to check out when they’re looking for a home close to school (because not everyone wants the dorm life experience). But it’s also home to many non-students.
Campus Commons has a shopping center with a grocery store, as well as a major retail shopping center where you’ll find restaurants, a medical center, banks and a theater.
Local establishments cater to the college crowd, so as a resident of Campus Commons, you’ll have cocktail lounges, bars and taprooms in your backyard!
13. Pocket
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,535
- Median 2-BR rent: $5,245
- Walk Score: 47/100
Pocket is a suburban community that’s just five miles south of the downtown area. It’s named for the bend or pocket of the Sacramento River.
When you enter the community from south Interstate 5, you’ll pass the southern Sacramento boundary landmark: a water tower with the words “Welcome to Sacramento, American’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.” If you didn’t know already, Sac residents are incredibly proud of their reputation as the leading farm-to-table restaurant community.
Residents here love that the community is well-kept, clean and safe. It’s a great place for kids and pets. The neighbors are friendly, with many taking part in community volunteer projects.
14. Tahoe Park
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 59/100
Why is Tahoe Park considered one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento? It’s because it’s centrally located. California State University – Sacramento is less than a mile away, while the UC Davis Medical Center is approximately four miles away.
Another perk is affordability. The cost of living in this neighborhood is less than other more upscale neighborhoods nearby. However, that doesn’t mean you’re not living in a nice neighborhood. Since the early 2000s, community associations have done a lot to solve community issues that plagued the neighborhood in the 1980s, namely absentee landlords and crime. Now, the community is safe, well-kept and a beautiful place for young professionals and families alike.
15. Meadowview
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 46/100
Established in the 1960s, Meadowview has been and will be a popular neighborhood for young, white families. It’s now a culturally and racially diverse neighborhood, as well.
The neighborhood is home to the Samuel C. Pannell Community Center, which offers events such as Teen Unity. The Community Center has a gym for kids to work off their excess energy and get/stay fit, as well as a computer lab to help with homework.
Famous residents in the area include LeVar Burton, Cornel West, C-Bo, Kevin Galloway and Mahisha Dellinger.
Find your dream apartment in one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento
If you’re ready to make the move to Sacramento, we’re here to help! Not only can we provide insights into the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, but we can also help you find amazing apartments, too. Check out our apartment guide to find condos, townhouses and apartments for rent in Sacramento that fit your unique needs, as well as your budget.
