Picking which neighborhood to move into can be tricky, especially because each neighborhood tends to be quite different, each one appealing to a particular type of person. So, on top of pricing and safety, you’re looking for the right place to call home. Well, you’re in luck when you’re moving to Sacramento because each neighborhood is unique, diverse, and safe. Not only that, downtown Sacramento is a booming area of California. With one of the most populous urban areas in the country surrounding it, there’s no shortage of things to do around Sacramento. There are a ton of reasons to live here, and a ton of choices in neighborhoods to live in. Here are the top five neighborhoods in Sacramento so you know what you’re looking for when you’re looking to move.
Best Neighborhoods Sacramento Area
5) Elk Grove
Elk Grove is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in all of California. Designed like a true subdivision, the population of the city has grown by over 100,000 people since 2000. Many people are swarming to the city based on its relative affordability and proximity to both Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Most houses range between $370k and $900k, though some are valued in the millions, and it’s in a decent school district as well. This neighborhood is great for older professionals looking to expand their household. For those raising a family, while needing to stay in range of jobs in either Sacramento or Los Angeles, Elk Grove is the perfect place.
4) Wavis
Wavis is an up-and-coming community for young professionals in between Woodland and Davis. It consists of a few blocks right around I-5, so the commute downtown is easy enough. Plus, its proximity to Woodland and Davis give it enough unique culture and nightlife to stand on its own.
Housing prices run from between $550k and $950k, and rent runs about $2,500 a month, depending on where you decide to live. This makes it a bit less affordable than the rest of the Sacramento area, though it has enough quirky charm to be a community unto itself. It’s the perfect place for young professionals without kids, who want to maintain their hobbies and nightlife.
3) Downtown
When talking about where to live in Sacramento, the downtown area must come up. It’s the center of attention, one of the trendiest areas in the city, close to the best nightlife, and the best places to work. Luckily, it’s also cheaper than both previous entries. With parks, beautiful architecture, and tons of local flavor, it’s the perfect place to take a walk in the California Sunshine.
The median house price in the downtown area is around $355k, but the median rent is under $800 a month! The schools in the area are also quite good. The biggest downside is that, being a busy downtown area, it’s not as safe as other neighborhoods on the list. However, it’s still much safer than Los Angeles, and its price makes it the perfect place for starting professionals.
2) Land Park
Land Park is the neighborhood around William Land Park, a 166-acre spanning spread of developed parkland, amphitheater, basketball courts, and a golf course. This beautiful little subdivision is one of the ritzier parts of Sacramento. The architecture has an artistic and historic feel, as most of the houses were built in the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. This makes it the perfect place for older professionals to make a home.
Housing value is a lot higher here, ranging from $800k to $1.4 Million. The schools in the area are fantastic, and it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento. The cost can be a bit high, but the neighborhood justifies it. On top of all the amenities of William Land Park, there are lots of nearby restaurants, retail stores, and karaoke bars. It’s the perfect place to settle down and raise a family.
1) Midtown
Midtown is the hip, young, beat scene of Sacramento — it’s the place where the cool kids live. Young professionals are brought in here by the artistic scene, and the proximity to restaurants, wine bars, cafes, and boutiques that define the area. The result is a rich, multicultural community that’s one of the most diverse in the state. It’s also close to downtown, which gives residents a short commute to work, sometimes even a light walk.
However, all that hip cred makes Midtown a bit more expensive. The Median housing price is over $420K, though the median rent is only around $800 a month. The schools in the area are great as well, and the area is as safe as any other in Sacramento. This is what makes it the number one neighborhood in the Sacramento area.
All of the top five are great neighborhoods for somebody, but only one is the perfect one for you. Downtown is the most affordable, but it’s also the least safe, so Midtown might be a better pick for some people. Or, if you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the big city, places like Land Park and Elk Grove offer you that cozy community feels of a subdivision, albeit at a higher price. The best intersection between those four is Wavis, which has a slightly lower cost of living, with the community feel of suburban life, and quick access to the nightlife of downtown. However, if you can afford it, Midtown is the best neighborhood in Sacramento.
