Top 8 Best neighborhoods in Sacramento with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
United States
California
Sacramento

Moving to California, particularly in Sacramento is an ideal option if you seek a great place to raise your family while always having an activity to do.

Sacramento, California, is well-known for its big downtown streets, celebrities, beautiful mountains, and welcoming residents, making it a great place to live. However, like any other large city, it has recommended neighborhoods that offer both security and quality of life.

Looking for the best parts of the city where you can feel comfortable and secure? MovingWaldo will assist you in finding the ideal place to live as we identified the top 8 best neighborhoods to live in Sacramento, CA that offer the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Due to “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Sacramento, CA, we based our ranking on three criteria: safety, affordability, and quality of life.

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Sacramento Police Department Neighborhoods & Beats for the period of January 1, 2023, to July 15, 2023. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people. The crime is categorized under violent and property crimes. 

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for July 2023, Redfin median pricing for June 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for August 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods in Sacramento

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1. Valley Hi/North Laguna

  • Crime rate: 8.47 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,750
  • Median property buying cost: $450,000

Valley Hi/North Laguna is our top pick of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA. Aside from having a safe neighborhood, locals mentioned that this place is a nice, family-friendly, and working-class neighborhood.

Not only did it make the locals feel secure, but some of those who moved felt the hospitality of the neighborhood. Locals will definitely enjoy roaming around North Laguna Creek Park and Wood Park.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost was approximately $450,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment was around $1,750 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 8.47 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Redfin (June 2023), Zillow (August 2023), Point2Homes (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

Valley Hi, Sacramento, CA

2. College/Glen

  • Crime rate: 17.20 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,720
  • Median property buying cost: $780,000

College Glen has access to green spaces which attract nature lover enthusiasts. Locals love the place because it gives a peaceful vibe, and it’s affordable in terms of rent. 

The area makes it simple to go by light rail and the Lincoln Highway to downtown Sacramento or Folsom. Locals may enjoy wonderful outdoor amenities, including Oki Park, Glenbrook Park, and the nearby Granite Regional Park with dog parks, sports fields, and hiking trails, while residing in College/Glen.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $780,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,720 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 17.20 crimes per 1,000 people, making the residents feel safe.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023),Point2Homes (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

College, Sacramento, CA

3. South Natomas

  • Crime rate: 23.29 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,492
  • Median property buying cost: $494,000

South Natomas is a suburban neighborhood with easy access to downtown Sacramento. It provides a mix of residential and commercial spaces, along with parks and recreational areas, for locals to stay active.

It features Discovery Park, which contains boat launches, fishing locations, and an archery range, as well as being the beginning point for hiking and biking paths along the American River. Another biking trail is available at adjacent Bannon Creek Park, which also features a covered picnic area and a nature-themed playground.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $494,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,492. For safety, it has a total of 23.29 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Redfin (August 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

South Natomas, Sacramento, CA

4. West Sacramento

  • Crime rate: 33.82 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,222.50
  • Median property buying cost: $650,000

West Sacramento boasts a diverse range of outdoor activities, unique restaurants and shops, community events, and family-friendly parks, catering to various interests and lifestyles.

This neighborhood offers walkable sidewalks, trails, and major shopping chains, making it convenient for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and boating on the nearby Sacramento River, as well as biking, jogging, and picnics in River Walk Park.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $650,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,222.50. For safety, it has a total of 33.82 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rocket Homes (August 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

West Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

5. Central Oak Park

  • Crime rate: 53.11 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,500
  • Median property buying cost: $1,022,500

Central Oak Park’s efforts for revitalization have made it more attractive to residents. While amenities may vary, it offers a diverse and culturally rich atmosphere. McClatchy Park and the Martin Luther King Jr. community garden are two of the places where residents visit during their spare time.

Locals mention that this neighborhood is great, and it has a good community of people. The area is generally quiet and offers guaranteed off-street parking. Some locals added that they enjoy gardening in their front yard and are overall happy with their decision to live in Central Oak Park.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,022,500 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,500 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 53.11 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

Central Oak Park, Sacramento, CA

6. La Riviera

  • Crime rate: 62.38 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,477.50
  • Median property buying cost: $357,000

La Riviera is a residential neighborhood along the American River, providing some recreational options for its residents. It is part of the Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Locals said that this place has a very green neighborhood, nice parks, and plenty of trees and gardens all around. A quiet neighborhood right next to the river makes it a relaxing place to check out.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $357,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,477.50 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 62.38 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023),US Census (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

La Riviera, Sacramento, CA

7. Golf Course Terrace

  • Crime rate: 145.65 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,300
  • Median property buying cost: $408,500

Golf Course Terrace is a charming community with a wide variety of houses. Being surrounded by so many trees makes the area a lovely and scenic location to live, according to locals. 

They also love this place because it has an easy commute to downtown Sacramento and is conveniently close to coffee shops and shopping centers. Not to mention the nearby William Chorley Park and Bing Maloney Golf Course, which offer green spaces to its Golf Course Terrace neighborhood.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $408,500 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,300 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 145.65 crimes per 1,000 people.

Redfin (June 2023), Redfin (August 2023), City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

Golf Course Terrace, Sacramento, CA

8. Tahoe Park

  • Crime rate: 146 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,650
  • Median property buying cost: $419,950

Tahoe Park is a neighborhood in Sacramento, California, encompassing several official and unofficial neighborhoods such as Tahoe Park East, Tahoe Park South, Tahoe Terrace, and West Tahoe Park.

Locals love this neighborhood for its peace and quiet, charming homes, and convenient access to the park and freeway entrance. They have the Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association, which is a group dedicated to creating a safe, inviting, and engaging community for all residents. There are various opportunities to get involved, such as fundraising for scholarships and organizing fun events.

As of August 2023, the median home price is approximately $419,950 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,650. For safety, it has a total of 146 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rocket Homes (August 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

Tahoe Park, Sacramento, CA

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Conclusion

While other areas may be more popular in California, moving to Sacramento is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy the state’s capital.

Living a California dream is on everyone’s bucket list, and choosing where to settle is a tough decision. Our selection of the top 8 best neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA, with the best quality of life in 2024 might help you decide where you’ll live.

Are you planning on moving soon? Learn about the Best Moving Companies in Sacramento, CA!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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