With more than 2.5 million residents living here and a geographic footprint of 22,600 square miles, the Greater Sacramento region is much larger than people think. It houses a range of diverse communities, dozens of smaller cities and towns and unique neighborhoods that all have one thing in common: Plenty of hometown pride. That leaves many new residents wondering which of the top neighborhoods in Sacramento is the best one to call home. The answer? It depends! There are several factors to consider when putting down roots in Sacramento. Do you want a quiet street with lots of families? A tree-covered lot with privacy? A small town where you can get around on a bike?
The region offers all this and more. Here’s a look at the top neighborhoods in Sacramento.
Davis
Home to the University of California, Davis, this small city has all the trappings of a great college town. With 110 miles of bike lanes and 36 parks, outdoor recreation is the norm and the quality of life is strong. The population is a blend of talented, well-educated families, students and retirees － about 74% of people living in Davis have a college degree, and 63% have jobs in management, business, science or art.
Here you’ll find tons of independent businesses, boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants that create a vibrant yet laid back culture. Homes range from bungalows downtown to more suburban houses as you move out from the university and the city’s center.
Loomis
About 30 minutes east of Sacramento is the town of Loomis, a historic spot that was once known for fruit shipping. Now, with private investment in its downtown on the rise, Loomis is growing up as locals flock to a handful of new restaurants, brew pubs and coffee houses － yet it still maintains the small-town feel that residents love.
Homes in and around Loomis, which has a population close to 7,000, range from cute ranch houses on small lots to larger, more rural houses with acreage. Be prepared, though. With its charming popularity and excellent schools, Loomis is in high demand and limited home inventory means it can be tricky to find real estate.
El Dorado Hills
Natural beauty and outdoor recreation draw many new residents to the community of El Dorado Hills, a highly sought-after area about a half hour from Sacramento. Here you’ll find well-manicured, master-planned neighborhoods as well as high-end homes situated in the rolling hills.
With a population exceeding 190,000, El Dorado Hills is growing quickly. Residents here enjoy upscale shopping, review-worthy restaurants, parks and outdoor space without ever having to leave town. El Dorado Hills also provides easy access to large employers off Highway 50 like Intel and VSP Global.
East Sacramento
The highly desirable neighborhood of East Sacramento boasts tree-lined streets, stately homes brimming with character and all the amenities of the city with a quieter feel. It’s a well-established area with tons of historic charm, and while homes can be pricey, there is usually inventory to meet a variety of budgets.
Living here means an easy commute if you work downtown, and many locals enjoy riding bikes around to enjoy the many shops, restaurants, breweries and entertainment nearby. East Sacramento is also home to McKinley Park, a beloved spot for special events, jogging, walking, or strolling the rose gardens.
Roseville
Looking for the quintessential suburban neighborhood? The city of Roseville just might be the place for you to call home. Home building is booming in this fast-growing Sacramento suburb, offering plenty of homes to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. From the vintage bungalows of Old Roseville to the brand new builds in Fiddyment Farm, Roseville has plenty to choose from.
Roseville is also a major shopping hub for Greater Sacramento, with multiple retail centers and restaurants in and around the Westfield Galleria and The Fountains. In fact, Roseville generates about $700 million in retail sales annually. An extensive trail system and countless city parks make it easy to get outdoors in Roseville, and many families select the area for its excellent schools.
Take our quiz to find your perfect match among the top neighborhoods in Sacramento and learn more about living in the region here. There’s truly something for everyone!