When you think of moving to California, the most famous cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco usually take the spotlight — and Sacramento stays out of the frame. But that’s exactly what makes it so livable.
Despite being a capital city, it manages to have its own character. You won’t find wall-to-wall high-rises or rows of identical suburbs. Instead, the neighborhoods have their own feel, their own pace, and their own reasons to call them home.
The city’s population is just over 526,000 people and slowly growing. The median home value sits around $486,000, and average rent hovers near $1,900. You can rent a high-rise in Downtown or buy a quiet fixer-upper on a shaded block. You can live close to the river, walk to your office, or stretch out in a family-sized Craftsman. What matters most is figuring out where you fit.
That’s what this guide is for. Below, you’ll find seven of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, each chosen for what it does best, whether that’s safety, schools, affordability, or vibe. Let’s get to it!
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Sacramento
We started with a basic question: if you were moving long-distance to Sacramento today, where would you actually want to live? Then we went looking for answers, considering factors like housing prices, safety, commute time, and character.
Living in Sacramento can mean many different things, depending on what you want and need. We researched where families are buying, where young professionals are renting, and where locals say they feel safe and settled. Each pick on this list earned its spot for doing something better than the rest, whether that’s walkability, school quality, quiet streets, or local flavor.
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8 Best Sacramento Neighborhoods
Sacramento’s housing market is relatively steady, especially compared to the rollercoaster prices in other parts of California. As of mid-2025, the median home value sits at $486,652. Rent prices vary by area, but average $1,921 depending on location and amenities.
1. Best neighborhood in Sacramento: East Sacramento
- Median home sale price: $752,000
- Average rent: $2,832
- Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes by car
- Don’t miss: McKinley Park, Canon East Sac, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
What is the nicest part of Sacramento to live in? East Sacramento is often the first neighborhood locals mention when you ask where to live. It’s walkable, tree-lined, and filled with early 20th-century homes that give the area its polished, old-Sac charm.
Craftsman bungalows and Tudor-style houses dominate the landscape, many of which have been lovingly restored. You’ll also find a growing number of modern infill homes tucked between historic properties, especially near Folsom Boulevard.
Located just east of downtown, East Sacramento puts you within a 10- to 15-minute drive of the Capitol and central business district. But it’s the neighborhood’s own amenities — great parks, restaurants, etc. — that make it feel self-contained. Plus, there’s access to great schools.
2. Best neighborhood for families: Land Park
- Median home sale price: $849,000
- Average rent: $1,441
- Commute to Downtown: ~10 minutes by car
- Don’t miss: William Land Park, Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town
Land Park earns its spot as the best neighborhood in Sacramento for families thanks to its quiet streets, large lots, and deep roots. William Land Park is the centerpiece, home to the zoo, Fairytale Town, and a wide-open green space that makes weekend plans easy.
The homes here range from 1930s Craftsman to updated ranch styles, and many families stay for generations. There’s room to grow, good public schools nearby, and a strong sense of community.
The vibe is settled, neighborly, and connected. Parents walk kids to school and meet other families at parks or local ice cream shops. Downtown is a quick 10-minute drive, but you’d never know it from the calm pace of the neighborhood.
3. Safest neighborhood in Sacramento: River Park
Median home sale price: $710,000
Average rent: $3,526
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Glenn Hall Park, Paradise Beach on the American River
River Park consistently ranks as one of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento. It’s a quiet, residential pocket bordered by the American River and tucked just east of East Sacramento. Most streets are lined with ranch-style homes and mature trees, and the neighborhood’s cul-de-sac layout limits through traffic, adding to the sense of calm. Families and retirees make up a good share of the residents, drawn by the low crime rates and strong community ties.
Living here feels tucked away without being out of the loop. The pace is slower, the streets stay quiet, and neighbors tend to stick around. It’s the kind of place where families walk their kids to school and people know each other’s dogs by name. Nice, eh?
4. Richest neighborhood in Sacramento: Sierra Oaks
Median home sale price: $1.1 million
Average rent: $1,789
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes by car
Don’t miss: American River Parkway access, Sierra‑2 Center
Sierra Oaks is the richest neighborhood in Sacramento, with home prices pushing past $1.1 million and steady year-over-year growth. The area is known for its wide lots, mature trees, and stately homes in styles like Tudor and mid-century ranch. Developed in the 1920s with architectural standards that still hold today, Sierra Oaks feels curated and quiet, embracing long-term comfort over quick trends.
Living in Sierra Oaks means space, privacy, and a slower pace. The streets are wide and quiet, lined with well-kept homes that rarely hit the market. Neighbors tend to stay put, and the community has a grounded, established feel. You won’t find trendy nightlife or high-rise apartments here. It’s all about comfort, long-term value, and a daily rhythm that feels calm and steady.
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5. Best neighborhood for young professionals: Midtown
Median home sale price: $655,000
Average rent: $1,563
Commute to Downtown: 5–10 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Monthly Second Saturday Art Walk, Sutter’s Fort, local wine bar scene
Midtown is Sacramento’s go-to neighborhood for young professionals. It’s dense, walkable, and full of energy. Restored Victorians sit next to sleek apartment buildings, and everything — from bars and coffee shops to grocery stores — is within reach. The light rail and bike-friendly streets make getting around easy, and Downtown is just minutes away.
This is where Sacramento’s creative and social scenes come together. Monthly art walks, farmers markets, and live shows keep the calendar full. The crowd here skews young, and the lifestyle leans flexible. It’s perfect for renters, remote workers, or anyone building their career and social life at the same time.
6. Best neighborhood for apartments: Downtown
Median home sale price: $595,000
Average rent: $2,269
Commute to Downtown: You’re already there!
Don’t miss: DOCO retail and dining, Golden 1 Center, Railyards, River District nightlife
Downtown is Sacramento’s apartment hub. It’s dense, transit-connected, and packed with mid- and high-rise buildings. Rents run higher than most neighborhoods, but you’re paying for access. Walk to work, grab dinner at DOCO, and catch a Kings game all without getting in a car. New development in the Railyards and River District continues to expand the options.
This is city living in full. The streets stay active, light rail is steps away, and every errand or night out is within reach. Downtown is for renters and professionals who want life first, lease second.
7. Best Neighborhood for Historic Homes: Curtis Park
Median home sale price: $725,000
Average rent: $1,030
Commute to Downtown: 10–15 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Curtis Park (the green space), Tower Café
Curtis Park is Sacramento’s historic sweet spot. The streets are lined with early 1900s homes — Craftsman, Tudor, and Spanish Revival styles — all well cared for and full of character. This was one of the city’s first streetcar suburbs, and it still feels close-knit and intentional. Sidewalks are shaded by mature trees, and many homes have original details that have been lovingly preserved.
The neighborhood centers around its namesake park, with playgrounds, open space, and a walkable connection to Broadway shops and restaurants. Places like the Tower Cafe host everything from brunch lines to community events. In Curtis Park, you’ll be charmed before you even set down your moving boxes.
Moving to the Right Sacramento Neighborhood Starts Here
Sacramento has range. You’ll find neighborhoods with quiet streets and good schools. Others offer nightlife, walkability, or more space for the price. The city offers classic neighborhoods with big front porches. It offers modern apartments with skyline views. You can live near trails, tucked in quiet suburbs, or right in the middle of the action.
Wherever you land, if you’re ready to move, Colonial Van Lines can help you get there. As a leading interstate moving company, we’ve handled long-distance moves for over 50 years. Our team knows how to pack, load, and deliver your belongings with care. Start planning today with a free quote!