CITY OF SACRAMENTO
City Hall
915 “I” Street
Sacramento 916-808-5704
www.cityofsacramento.org
Chamber of Commerce
917 Seventh Street
Sacramento 916-552-6800
www.metrochamber.org
The heart of Sacramento County is the city of Sacramento, the cultural, educational, business, and governmental center of a multi-county metropolitan region. California’s Capital City is the center stage of governmental policy for a state with an economy that is larger and more powerful than that of many of the world’s nations. Sacramento boasts a dynamic business section, an expanding public transportation system that includes light rail, affordable and attractive housing, and outstanding services.
Founded in 1849, Sacramento boasts a rich, colorful, and unique history. California’s first charter city was also the site of landmark beginnings like the Gold Rush, the Pony Express, and the first continental railroad. Even the cityscape claims unusual and distinctive features. The confluence of two of the largest rivers in California is just a short walk from the steps of the Sacramento City Hall. The famous vacation destinations of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Yosemite Valley are all easily accessible from the Sacramento Valley.
Little wonder that Sacramento was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the ten best cities in the nation. Well-preserved historical heritage, an obvious commitment to quality of life, and an abundance of trees and lush parkland create an idyllic home. With first-rate attractions and amenities, the city has emerged as one of California’s most popular centers of tourism.
In keeping with its role as the largest city in Central California, Sacramento serves as a hub for communications, distribution, transportation, and building supplies. Strong retail, hospitality, and service sectors include health organizations, hospitals, shopping centers, law and engineering firms, restaurants, cultural venues, financial institutions, tourist districts, colleges, and a major university. The city recently tripled the size of its convention center, achieving a rare blend of technological advancements with comfort and ease.
Services
Sacramento has successfully transitioned from heavy dependence on major military installations like Mather and McClelland Air Force Bases and the Army Depot into a diversified economy and a popular relocation destination for leading private firms. Efficient transportation facilities have contributed to the city’s growth and development, from federal and state highways to an international airport, a major port, mass transit, and extensive cargo shipping options.
Quality public schools are complemented by options for private education in independent or parochial schools. Students of all ages can take advantage of the city’s many institutions of higher education, catering to all ages and educational levels. Specialty and vocational schools, technical institutions, two-year colleges, and a major state university combine to offer a full spectrum of certification and degree programs on every level. The Sacramento campus for California State University provides a real advantage for internships and research with its close proximity to the California State Government offices including the legislative branch. Several colleges and universities maintain extension programs in the city, which is also home to three law schools.
Many of the state-of-the-art healthcare services that serve residents of the Sacramento Valley are located in Sacramento, from regional medical centers to after-hours emergency or walk-in centers, family practice clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, skilled nursing, home care, community education, and screening programs. Nearby in Davis, the University of California Davis Medical Center serves as the leading tertiary care referral center for 33 counties. This exceptional institution is the primary clinical education site for the UC Davis School of Medicine, maintaining the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and comprehensive adult and pediatric emergency department.
Lifestyle
Springing to life in the Gold Rush era of the 1850s, the city of Sacramento has matured into a thriving metropolitan center that features a cosmopolitan downtown district, a charming midtown, and sophisticated suburbs. Residents and planners have worked together to preserve the area’s strong historic ties and the city’s natural beauty. Boasting more trees lining its streets than any other California metropolis, Sacramento earned the designation of “Tree City USA.
Miles of rivers and river parkways, beautiful city parks, recreational programs for all ages, fascinating museums, professional sports, and one of the best small zoos in the nation are just a few of the advantages of Sacramento living. Those who appreciate the arts will find a thriving cultural scene that includes professional ballet, opera, theatre, film, and comedy. Colorful annual events keep the annual calendar filled with exciting dates to remember. Some of these traditions are widely anticipated, from ethnic celebrations to seasonal festivities and holiday spectaculars. Each year the city rolls out the red carpet and welcomes throngs of visitors to the world’s largest Dixieland Jazz Jubilee, an extravaganza of live entertainment.
Named one of America’s most diverse cities by Time magazine, Sacramento showcases a remarkably restored California State Capitol and more than 25 museums including North America’s largest railroad museum. Fine art galleries, historic Old Sacramento, a unique river water taxi, first-rate shopping, fine and casual dining, picturesque marinas, and the regional water-sports paradise of the Sacramento River Delta add to the long list of unique treasures.
Newcomers to the city will discover a number of neighborhoods and areas, each with its own flavor and advantages. The housing options are equally diverse and surprisingly affordable, particularly when compared to the nearby San Francisco Bay Area and California’s other large metropolitan regions. Take your time exploring the many picturesque residential districts of Sacramento, from magnificent historic properties and exclusive long-established enclaves to vibrant new construction in rapidly growing suburbs. Wherever you decide to settle in this tree-clad city, you are sure to encounter the warmth and friendliness of genuine Western hospitality in the smiles of your new neighbors.
SACRAMENTO NEIGHBORHOODS
Arden
Bordered by the American River on the south and Interstate 80 to the north, the Arden area is a lovely neighborhood that features well-kept older homes and luxurious estates for the executive. The entire area is a shopper’s paradise. The largest of the malls is Arden Fair, from which the neighborhood takes its name. Upscale stores and shops are clustered in the Pavilions shopping center, while the Town and Country Village clings to its reputation as the grand dame of retail centers. Add to the list of amenities County Club Plaza, golf courses, athletic clubs, and the respected San Juan School District. This is a good location for intellectual stimulation, convenient to university extension programs, the American River Community College, and Sacramento State University. The primary attractions to Arden include the convenience of a close-in location just 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento and the eclectic housing mix that ranges from the grand to the ordinary—often within a block of each other. Some residents have preferred to raze 50-year-old homes and build sprawling new custom homes that enjoy large yards shaded by a canopy of mature trees.
Curtis Park, Land Park, South Land Park
The Curtis Park area just south of Broadway boasts beautiful older homes that were built in the 1920s. Desirable features like hardwood flooring, grand fireplaces, Art Deco touches, and the exquisite architectural detailing of the home are reflected in the price. Curtis Park also boasts strong civic associations and a lovely community park. An intimate neighborhood, Curtis Park claims residents that are politically and intellectually active. The homes of Land Park with wood floors, inlaid mahogany, formal dining rooms, and leaded glass windows play a leading role in elevating this neighborhood to its status as one of the city’s most desirable addresses. Built from the 1920s through the 1940s, the quality housing selection ranges from million-dollar mansions to the more prolific selection of two- and three-bedroom homes. While the prestige of this neighborhood reached its peak prior to the 1960s, the area has retained its elegance and allure. Land Park serves as a focal point, with 240 acres of fairways, children’s attractions, athletic fields, hiking and jogging trails, and large old shade trees. The park also serves as the site for many city-sponsored events and activities, from outdoor concerts to plays and festivals. The Sacramento City College campus borders the park.
East Sacramento, River Park
Both the East Sacramento and River Park neighborhoods are characterized as quaint, old-fashioned, friendly, and desirable. With downtown just five minutes from home, the location is ideal for certain employment situations. East Sac began in the 1920s with a mix of modest bungalows for workers and mansions for the wealthy as well as a thriving Italian community. The unique blending of homes is considered to be one of the charms of the neighborhood. McKinley Park is another attraction, with its duck pond, tennis courts, swimming pool, and other athletic facilities. The “Fabulous Forties” from 40th to 47th Streets is an area dominated by beautiful mansions interspersed with small shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and parks. The close proximity of two hospitals draws a number of medical professionals to this area. River Park just north of East Sacramento borders the American River and offers single homes built in the late ‘40s and ‘50s. Lovely old trees shade the streets, and active groups maintain a firm voice in local government where community interests are at stake.
Florin, Vintage Park, Mack, Churchill Downs
South of downtown Sacramento are several neighborhoods that offer affordable living and the convenience of mini-malls and shopping centers. Single-family homes and apartment complexes constructed in the late 1970s dominate Florin, creating an atmosphere conducive to established and family-oriented neighborhoods. The annual strawberry picnic in Florin is the only evidence that it was once the strawberry-growing capital of the world. Off the east side of Highway 99, Florin Mall offers expansive retail opportunities close to home. Mack Road also leads to a pleasing blend of older and more recently developed neighborhoods. Residents here enjoy living along quiet, tree-lined streets. Area youth have the advantage of good public schools within the Southgate Park District and Elk Grove Unified School District—both highly regarded for their commitment to the needs of parents and children. Supermarkets and other shops and services are just a short drive away. The two subdivisions of Vintage Park and Churchill Downs feature a pleasing mix of new homes, most of which were constructed within the last ten years. These communities also enjoy newer schools and convenient freeway access.
Midtown, Downtown
Living in the heart of the City of Sacramento harmonizes the urban amenities of restaurants, boutiques, coffeehouses, galleries, theaters, and hotels with the intimate feeling of tree-canopied streets graced by elegant Victorians. Single-family homes and small apartment complexes all but eclipsed by the towering old shade trees add to the cozy atmosphere. Midtown is a Sacramento treasure, an artful blend of refurbished mansions, historic flats, and contemporary townhouses. The former horse track of Boulevard Park features some of the area’s most charming California bungalows and Victorians. The residential area of Midtown runs from 16th Street to Alhambra and includes the midtown business and dining district along J and K Streets. In addition to a number of lush parks, these neighborhoods enjoy regional highlights like the Old Sacramento historic district on the river, the striking State Capitol complex, and the internationally renowned Crocker Art Museum. Beautiful wide boulevards, towering government buildings, a new central library, hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants are just a few of the many attractions to “living in the center.” Of all the towns and neighborhoods scattered throughout the Sacramento Valley, this is the only one that can be described as truly cosmopolitan. The arts thrive, business interests are global, and those frequenting the streets are often dressed in stylish or business attire.
North Sacramento, Natomas, Del Paso Heights, Elverta, Rio Linda
The neighborhoods north of the downtown district are home to some of the most reasonable real estate prices in the area, serving as focal points for recent and planned renovation and development. Highly successful, award-winning programs are revitalizing the North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights areas, lining Del Paso Boulevard with a host of fine galleries, art studios, and trendy cafes. Older two and three-bedroom single-story homes, many of which are a renovator’s delight, offer an easy commute to downtown government and business centers. Close-knit communities support new developments of mid-rise office complexes, apartments and single-family homes. Rio Linda and Elverta can be described as “sister” country villages northwest of McClellan Air Force Base. Rio Linda is the larger of the two communities, offering a good selection of homes in starter price ranges. Elverta generally features larger lots and slightly higher real estate prices. While some neighborhood streets are strictly suburban, others may have horses grazing or chickens strutting within view. The neighborhoods of Natomas and Northgate are located directly north of the State Capitol building across the American River. Newcomers will find a variety of home prices, a shopping center, bike trails, parks, a community center, and a quick commute to downtown.
Oak Park, Tahoe Park, Fruitridge
Just south of the Midtown and East Sacramento areas are neighborhoods that offer a selection of older, more affordable housing. Oak Park is home to the UC Davis Medical Center and McGeorge School of Law as well as the Shriners Hospital for Children. Just east of these neighborhoods, Packard Bell moved into the complex that served as the Army Depot, bringing an abundance of new employment opportunities. These communities are all close to Highway 99 and also the amenities of downtown Sacramento. Tahoe Park is bounded on the north by Broadway and on the west by Stockton Boulevard. A variety of home styles and prices can be found here, with many of the older houses showing signs of care and attention. The commute is a good one, enhanced by the close proximity of a light rail station, freeways and bus service. South of Oak Park lies Fruitridge, an area characterized by affordable housing and easy access to Highway 99.
Pocket, Greenhaven
Nestled in a niche at the southwestern edge of the City of Sacramento, the areas known as Pocket and Greenhaven are true suburban neighborhoods. Originally the home of Portuguese farmers, this “pocket” of land between the Sacramento River and Interstate 5 has evolved into a community that blends upscale homes with modest single-family homes, duplexes, condominiums, apartments and retirement homes. The housing options are so diverse, these areas seem more like autonomous small towns than neighborhoods of a large metropolis. Community distinctions include two lovely artificial lakes, riverside jogging trails, a boat access point, convenient shopping centers, clean parks, and a two-mile greenbelt with underpasses and overpasses that serve the children walking to school. Pocket is the more modern of the two areas. Greenhaven is an equally affluent but older neighborhood centered around Lake Greenhaven. Both communities feature neatly landscaped properties, wooded sections, and a few homes with backyards that nudge the river levee.
Rosemont, College Greens, Campus Commons
Nestled between Folsom Boulevard and Highway 50 and Jackson Highway, Rosemont claims a Sacramento address and is served by the Sacramento City Unified School District. Residents have used this to their advantage, sculpting their own identity and creating the atmosphere of a “city within a city.” Rosemont is a family community that offers a pleasing selection of moderately priced homes and apartments. College Greens is located on the south bank of the American River and close to Highway 50, which allows a quick trip to California State University- Sacramento as well as the employment and cultural centers of the downtown district. College Greens has developed an image of a quiet, residential community dominated by young families who take pride in keeping neat homes and well-manicured yards. Near Folsom Boulevard, some of the townhouses and apartments look more like luxury homes. Campus Commons is a neighborhood built primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, located north of the American River. Professionals and retirees seem to appreciate the handsome townhouses and condominiums, many of which offer swimming pools, golf courses, and tennis courts. All three neighborhoods enjoy access to the American River recreational opportunities and the regional cultural center of “Sac State.”
Valley Hi
This fast-growing neighborhood covers the south quadrant of Sacramento City, focused around Valley Hi Park. During the 1980s, this area nearly tripled its population, mixing apartments and homes with new neighborhood shopping plazas. While the home prices are slightly higher than those available in some of the older areas of the city, they are still considered affordable. The presence of Cosumnes Community College is a real advantage, bringing to the community a combination of cultural and educational opportunities. Also nearby is the Kaiser medical complex. Downtown Sacramento’s neon lights are just ten miles away from this convenient residential community via Highway 99. Area youth receive a quality education in the Elk Grove School District, which operates a number of year-round schools.
