Moving to Sacramento? California’s capital city has plenty to offer, including low crime rates, affordable housing, and excellent outdoor recreation. To determine the top neighborhoods in Sacramento, we considered factors like budget-friendly housing options, safety, and nearby amenities. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Sacramento!
Is Sacramento a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Though it’s a large, diverse city, Sacramento is still safer than 7% of California cities and 5% of cities in the U.S. While Sacramento’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, the city offers an extensive collection of safety resources to support its residents. Additionally, as with most major metros, crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas—such as Downtown Sacramento. Further away from the city center, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Sacramento to settle down in—including Pocket, Natomas Park, River Park, and more!
College Glen
Photo via @alexis_s_jones
- Home Price: $287,250 median purchase price; $992 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Sacramento neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located in East Sacramento and just south of the American River, College Glen provides quick access to the light rail system and Lincoln Highway, making it easy for commuters to get anywhere from Folsom to Downtown Sacramento. Affordable apartments, updated ranches, and single-family homes make up the housing options in this Sactown neighborhood, and nearby California State University Sacramento offers great job opportunities for residents. With top-rated public and private schools like Hubert H. Bancroft Elementary School and Cristo Rey Sacramento High School, College Glen is a wonderful place for families in Sacramento!
Things to Do in College Glen
Go whitewater rafting on the American River or bike the riverfront on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. Take your pup to play and socialize at Glenbrook Dog Park. Head over to Oki Park to play soccer, have a picnic, or take your kids to the water spraying area. Participate in a Sacramento tradition when you visit the Folsom Boulevard Flea Market, active since 1965 and boasting over 450 vendors every weekend. Listen to live music or a poetry reading while sampling Snow Tofu or Massaman Curry at Twin Lotus Thai. Sink your teeth into one of America’s best big city pizzas like the All Meat Special or Pesto Pizza at Roma II Pizzeria. Enjoy some island-inspired creations such as Hawaiian BBQ Beef, Kaula Pork, or Fresh Vegetarian Salad at Sunny Hawaiian BBQ. Or grab made-to-order Burritos or Loaded Nachos with a Mangonada Fruit Freeze for dessert, from family-owned Paquitas Mexican Grill.
Q: Is Sacramento more affordable than San Jose?
A: When comparing Sacramento vs San Jose in terms of affordability, Sacramento is significantly less expensive. In fact, San Jose’s cost of living is 108% higher than the national average, while the cost of living in Sacramento is just 32% higher than the U.S. average—and housing costs, specifically, are much lower in Sactown.
Natomas Park
Photo via @sandhucando
- Home Price: $438,200 median purchase price; $1,989 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Sacramento neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Natomas Park is a highly walkable neighborhood that offers several parks, which makes it a favorite among local residents, particularly young adults. Housing options in this safe Sacramento neighborhood include budget-friendly apartments, townhomes, and Contemporary two-stories. Though Natomas Park is a quiet, suburban area, it still has plenty of things to do, is within walking distance of shopping centers, and considered one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento! Natomas park has a welcoming, close-knit community, and local schools like Heron School, Natomas Charter School, and Inderkum High School are great options for families with kids.
Things to Do in Natomas Park
Bring your kids to the playground, play volleyball, and see public art pieces at North Natomas Community Park. Walk through the butterfly garden and nature area or play tennis on lighted courts at Burberry Community Park. Swim in the pool, exercise in the fitness center, and get involved in community events at The Club at Natomas Park. Support students of the Performing and Fine Arts Academy program by seeing a show at the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center. Head over to Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse for California Potato Skin Flatbread or Linguine & Shrimp Pasta with Pete’s Blonde Ale. Drop in to buy artisan breads and enjoy a delicious meal of Babyback Ribs or an Impossible Burger at Bella Bru Cafe. Order handcrafted beers like a Panic India Pale Ale or one of many rotating options such as the Fortune Cove Kettle Sour Ale at Track 7 Brewing Company. Or sample favored Indian recipes like Mixed Vegetable Pakora, Chicken Korma, or Lamb Saag at Delhi Oven.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Sacramento?
A: River Park is one of the safest Sacramento neighborhoods. This residential area boasts high-quality schools, quiet streets, and a great neighborhood association. Not to mention, the River Park neighborhood sees low crime rates while still offering residents close proximity to the amenities in Downtown Sacramento!
Photo via @luannshikashoteam
- Home Price: $471,400 median purchase price; $1,601 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Sacramento neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Pocket truly lives up to its name! Tucked between the Sacramento River and I-5 in a little “pocket” of the city, this affordable Sacramento neighborhood features a diverse mix of apartments and single-family housing. Pocket is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento due to its affordability, safety, friendliness, and beautiful green spaces! Pocket is home to several great schools that anchor the community, including the tech-oriented School of Engineering and Sciences, and John F. Kennedy High School—which is renowned for its “Small Learning Communities” that provide students with college prep, internship opportunities, and more.
Things to Do in Pocket
Hike the trails, relax in the gazebo, or take a boat out on the Sacramento River at Garcia Bend Park. Take the kids to play on the Tot Lot, enjoy a walk, or kick a soccer ball around at Parkway Oaks Park. Ride your bike, walk your dog, or do some bird-watching along the Sacramento River Bike Trail. Participate in community-building activities and farmers markets with the Pocket Community Association. Sit in heated patio seating while eating Italian-inspired, always-rotating dishes like Orechiette con Salsiccia and Housemade Meatballs at Cacio. Head over to Pocket neighborhood staple since 1995, Vientos Mexican Cocina—and enjoy Steak Estilo and Homemade Flan for dessert. Try Indian eats like Chicken Naan, Shrimp Tikka Masala, or Malai Kofta at Hop Junction. Or fill up on Kakuni Ramen, Zaru Soba, or Nagasaki SaraUdon at Ramen House Tenjin.
Q: Which neighborhoods offer affordable housing in Sacramento?
A: If budget-friendly housing is your priority, one of the best places to live in Sacramento is College Glen! This area offers affordable apartments and single-family homes surrounded by vast green spaces, great restaurants, top-rated schools, and more.
River Park
Photo via @chrisbalestreri
- Home Price: $551,533 median purchase price; $1,514 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Sacramento neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’d like to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, check out River Park! Quiet streets with Craftsman-style bungalows give this Sactown neighborhood a relaxing, residential feel. Families in particular will love that River Park is one of the safest Sacramento neighborhoods and features great schools like Caleb Greenwood Elementary, Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, and Saint Francis Catholic High School. If you work downtown or like to make regular trips into the city center, this neighborhood is just a quick trip away from exciting Downtown Sacramento!
Things to Do in River Park
Get involved in the community with Food Truck Fridays and other fun events with the River Park Neighborhood Association. Have a barbecue, bring your kids to the adventure play area, and exercise at the fitness stations in Glenn Hall Park. Jump in the American River, get your tan on, or go fishing at Paradise Beach. Expand your knowledge of the medical field and learn about the birth of modern medicine at the Museum of Medical History. Start your day with a Benedict Biscuit or Chicken Crepe with a Peachy Goodness Mimosa at Roosters Breakfast and Mimosas. Enjoy a classic Italian dinner such as Stracciatella, Macaroni Formaggi, or Margherita Pizza at Mamma Susanna’s Ristorante Italiano. Try Hawaiian soul food like Linguica and Eggs, Loco Moco, or Kalua Pork at Kau Kau. Or kick back with local Sacramento beers like a Barebottle Molecular Madness or Porchlight Lazer Blowfish NEIPA at Lefty’s Taproom.
Q: How safe is Sacramento?
A: Despite facing some challenges with crime, Sacramento remains safer than 7% of California cities and 5% of cities in the U.S. As with most major metro areas, crime tends to be higher in certain parts of the city, so it’s important to do your research before making a move. Some of the safest areas in Sacramento include Pocket, River Park, Tahoe Park, and more.
Tahoe Park
Photo via @mike0c
- Home Price: $387,050 median purchase price; $1,552 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Sacramento neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Nestled in Southeastern Sacramento, Tahoe Park is one of the best places to settle down for both safety and affordability in Sactown. This Sacramento neighborhood is friendly, has multiple restaurants, and an array of bungalows and ranch homes. With close proximity to UC Davis Medical Center and good schools like Tahoe Elementary, Capitol Elementary, and Hiram Johnson High School—not to mention, a location just south of U.S. Route 50 for easy commuting—Tahoe Park is a perfect place for young professionals and families!
Things to Do in Tahoe Park
Sign your child up for Little League, catch a game, and visit the concession stand at Tahoe Tallac Park. Jog or play outdoor ping pong and disc golf in Mae Fong Park. Volunteer or simply enjoy participating in events like community cleanups, bingo nights, and more with the Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association. Take self-defense classes and master the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu at the Sacramento Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Wake up with farm-to-table dishes like Citrus Poppy Seed Flapjacks or Grapefruit Brulee with a side of Country Potatoes at Bacon & Butter. Try flavors from all over Mexico with meals such as Huevos Con Carne, Arrachera Steak Salad, or Taco Mexicano at Mezcal Grill. Fill up on barbecue dishes like a Hot Link Sandwich or the Ribs Plate paired with Sweet Potato Pie at MoMo’s Meat Market. Or sit down and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine such as Kakuni or Karaage Ramen in a casual atmosphere at Kansai Ramen & Sushi House.
Q: Is Sacramento expensive?
A: Sacramento is one of the most affordable places to live in California! Not only is the cost of living in Sacramento 8% lower than the state’s average, but Sactown is also much more affordable than other large California cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
