Moving to Sacramento?
California’s capital blends history, culture, and affordability — and the right neighborhood can shape everything from your daily commute to your home’s future value.
Why it matters: Sacramento is growing fast, and choosing the right neighborhood means better schools, safer streets, and smarter investments.
What’s ahead: A quick breakdown of the 10 best neighborhoods in Sacramento according to Niche, ranked by livability, schools, and lifestyle perks.
1. Marshall School
Historic charm, quiet upscale. Marshall School is a serene, tree-lined neighborhood just east of Midtown Sacramento.
Population: 2,145 | Median Home Value: $973K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Restored early-20th-century homes, Craftsman details, high-end finishes
Safety: Low crime and a watchful, tight-knit community
Education: Strong local schools and proximity to Sacramento Charter High
Perks: Walkable to Midtown shops, cafés, and Sutter’s Fort Park
Vibe: Stylish, serene, and community-centered with a historic edge
Why it’s #1: Marshall School delivers classic Sacramento charm with walkability and prestige.
2. Med Center
Small, lively, and centered. Alhambra Triangle thrives around UC Davis Medical Center — ideal for healthcare pros and academics.
Population: 1,393 | Median Home Value: $543K | School Rating: B+
Housing: A mix of Craftsman homes, bungalows, and modern townhomes
Safety: Generally safe with strong local engagement
Education: Close to UC Davis campuses and good K-12 options
Perks: Access to public transportation, Old Sacramento, and Crocker Art Museum
Vibe: Compact, academic, and practical with a residential feel
The takeaway: Med Center combines convenience, charm, and great proximity to downtown.
3. Boulevard Park
Historic, charming, and central. Boulevard Park is a beloved Sacramento neighborhood full of personality and close to it all.
Population: 3,762 | Median Home Value: $857K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Grand Victorian and Colonial homes with mature trees and wide streets
Safety: Strong neighborhood watch and pride in ownership
Education: Highly rated public and private school options nearby
Perks: Midtown Farmers Market and the State Capitol Park World Peace Garden
Vibe: Elegant, sociable, and deeply rooted in Sacramento’s past
Why it works: Boulevard Park offers timeless architecture and unbeatable location.
4. East Sacramento
Classic, leafy, well-loved. “East Sac” pairs timeless homes with top-rated schools in one of Sacramento’s most coveted enclaves.
Population: 19,058 | Median Home Value: $801K | School Rating: B+
Housing: Spanish-style and Tudor homes with manicured lawns and broad appeal
Safety: One of the safest, most stable areas in the city
Education: Excellent public and private schools, including Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s
Perks: McKinley Park, upscale shopping, and coffee culture
Vibe: Polished, family-friendly, and walkable
Why it’s great: East Sac is the picture of suburban-meets-urban charm in the city core.
5. Elmhurst
Quaint, vintage, well-located. Elmhurst charms with historic homes and easy access to the Med Center and Midtown.
Population: 2,565 | Median Home Value: $621K | School Rating: B+
A quaint, historic neighborhood with vintage vibes and close to Med Center and Midtown.
Housing: Charming 1920s homes and cozy cottages with personality
Safety: Quiet streets and a strong community association
Education: Sacramento City Unified School District and close to Sac City College
Perks: Tree-lined boulevards, easy freeway access, and neighborhood pride
Vibe: Sleepy, neighborly, and well-kept
Why it shines: Elmhurst mixes history, charm, and location in a tight-knit package.
6. Midtown / Winn Park / Capital Avenue
Lively, walkable, culture-packed. This Midtown hub mixes vintage charm with modern buzz — full of cafés, art, and city energy.
Population: 7,688 | Median Home Value: $798K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Classic Victorians, updated condos, and stylish infill developments
Safety: Active community groups help keep it welcoming and safe
Education: Access to top-rated charters and nearby higher-ed institutions
Perks: Farmer’s markets, galleries, music venues, and nightlife
Vibe: Energetic, eclectic, and effortlessly cool
The allure: This area is the heart of creative Sacramento — dynamic living without sacrificing charm.
7. New Era Park
Quiet, central, underrated. Tucked just north of Midtown, New Era Park delivers calm streets and quick access to the city’s best.
Population: 1,640 | Median Home Value: $679K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Craftsman homes and bungalows with well-kept yards
Safety: Low crime rates and strong neighborhood involvement
Education: Highly rated local schools and access to quality charters
Perks: Sutter’s Landing Regional Park, bike trails, and walkable to restaurants
Vibe: Calm, connected, and close to the action
Why it’s a pick: New Era Park is where serene residential streets meet downtown convenience.
8. Alkali Flat
Historic, revived, Capitol-close. Sacramento’s oldest neighborhood blends rich roots with fresh energy just steps from downtown.
Population: 1,442 | Median Home Value: $837K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Spanish Revival homes, restored Victorians, and sleek townhomes
Safety: Improving steadily with new development
Education: Excellent school options including the Met Sacramento, a charter high school
Perks: Cultural institutions, galleries, and the Golden 1 Center nearby
Vibe: Historic, artistic, and quietly transforming
Why it’s popular: Alkali Flat blends historic architecture with urban revival, charm, and city-edge convenience.
9. Land Park
Leafy, classic, family-loved. Centered on its namesake park, this charming neighborhood is a go-to for strolls, schools, and laid-back living.
Population: 8,393 | Median Home Value: $854K | School Rating: A-
Housing: Spacious single-family homes with timeless architecture
Safety: Very low crime, with a reputation for safety and calm
Education: Sacramento City Unified School District, top-ranked schools
Perks: Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, golf, and tons of green space
Vibe: Classic and community-driven — think front porches, tree-lined streets, and weekend strolls
The draw: Land Park is classic Sacramento — lush, safe, and neighborly.
10. Southside Park
Diverse, central, on the rise. Just south of downtown, this green-filled gem blends culture, community, and convenience.
Population: 2,678 | Median Home Value: $591K | School Rating: A-
Housing: A mix of early 20th-century homes, modern infill, and affordable options
Safety: Safer than many downtown-adjacent areas, with ongoing revitalization
Education: High-rated schools, access to youth programs and nearby colleges
Perks: The beloved Southside Park, community events, and farmers markets
Vibe: Urban, neighborly, and on the rise
Why it made the list: Southside Park blends location, culture, and charm — with room to grow.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're drawn to character homes, strong school districts, or walkable culture hubs, these top 10 neighborhoods deliver a standout mix of value, vibe, and long-term livability. Sacramento continues to attract residents looking for both opportunity and quality of life.
Other Resources:
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in California
Your Guide to Closing Costs in California
Top 10 Safest Large Cities in California
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in California
The 10 Best Places to Retire in California
Top Master Planned Communities near Sacramento
Moving To Los Angeles? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.