East Sacramento Connect

East Sacramento offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and community spirit. If you’re considering a move to this beloved neighborhood or simply curious about what makes it special, East Sacramento (or “East Sac” as locals affectionately call it) has something for everyone. From its tree-lined streets to its lively local culture, there are countless reasons why residents fall in love with this Sacramento neighborhood and proudly call it home.
Historic Charm and Diverse Housing Options

East Sacramento boasts some of the most picturesque streets in the city, where impressive trees create natural canopies over historic homes with character and distinction. The neighborhood is perhaps most famous for its “Fab Forties” area, featuring stunning pre-World War II homes on larger lots that have housed notable residents, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Walking through these streets is like stepping back in time, with a delightful mix of European revivals, bungalows, Craftsman, Spanish, Tudor, and ranch-style homes that showcase the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage. During the holidays, these streets transform into magical scenes with lights strung across the streets and elaborate decorations that draw visitors from throughout the region.

What makes East Sacramento particularly appealing is the diversity of housing options available at relatively affordable prices compared to other California cities. While the neighborhood features grand historic estates, it also offers charming post-war cottages, contemporary townhomes, and new construction that provides entry points for various budgets. Areas like McKinley Village feature modern homes with innovative designs, while other parts of the neighborhood offer starter homes that make East Sacramento accessible to young families and first-time homebuyers. This blend of housing options creates a diverse community where both luxury home seekers and those seeking more modest accommodations can find their perfect match without the high prices found in the Bay Area.

Exceptional Lifestyle Amenities

The highlight of East Sacramento’s outdoor spaces is undoubtedly McKinley Park, a 32-acre facility featuring a duck pond, community pool, expansive playground, tennis courts, and the beautiful McKinley Rose Garden. This park serves as the heart of the community, where runners circle the trails, families gather for picnics, and yoga enthusiasts participate in free Saturday morning classes near the rose garden. The Clunie Community Center and McKinley Library within the park further cement its status as a true community center. Beyond McKinley, the neighborhood is dotted with smaller community parks, ensuring that green space is never far from any resident’s doorstep.

East Sacramento’s food scene rivals any in the city, with acclaimed restaurants like Selland’s Market Cafe, OneSpeed Pizza, Hawks Public House, and Kru offering diverse dining options within walking distance for many residents. The neighborhood also boasts an impressive craft brewery scene, with establishments like Porchlight Brewing Company, SacYard Community Tap House, and Highwater Brewing providing family-friendly (and often dog-friendly) gathering spots. Community events further enhance the neighborhood’s appeal, with the summer concert series Pops in the Park, Taste of East Sac food festival, outdoor movie nights, and the famous Sacred Heart Parish School Holiday Home Tour bringing neighbors together throughout the year.

Ideal Location and Accessibility

East Sacramento strikes a balance between peaceful residential living and convenient access to everything the city has to offer. Located just minutes from downtown Sacramento, residents enjoy quick and easy commutes whether traveling by car, bicycle, or public transportation. This prime positioning has made East Sacramento increasingly attractive to professionals who want to avoid long commutes while still enjoying a true neighborhood feel. The area’s proximity to major employers, including the bustling healthcare sector and state government offices, makes it an ideal home base for career-focused individuals and families.

For outdoor enthusiasts, East Sacramento’s location adjacent to the American River Parkway is nothing short of perfect. This natural area provides endless opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, swimming, and relaxation just steps from the neighborhood. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, a paved multi-use path running along the parkway, is considered one of the finest bike trails in California, offering residents a scenic route for exercise and recreation. East Sacramento itself is extraordinarily walkable and bike-friendly, boasting some of the highest walk and bike scores in the city. Wide sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes make car-free living not just possible but enjoyable, contributing to the active lifestyle that defines the neighborhood.

Community-Focused Culture

What truly sets East Sacramento apart is its strong sense of community, evident in the numerous events and gathering spaces that bring neighbors together. Throughout the year, residents can enjoy farmers’ markets offering fresh local produce, food truck events showcasing diverse cuisines, and seasonal celebrations that mark the calendar with opportunities for connection. The neighborhood’s signature events, like Pops in the Park and the Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour, have become beloved traditions that both longtime residents and newcomers eagerly anticipate. These events aren’t just entertainment—they’re the threads that unify this close-knit community.

East Sacramento’s boutique shopping scene reflects its community-centered ethos, with independent shops offering unique goods and personalized service that big-box retailers simply can’t match. Shops like The Kitchen Table provide quirky home goods and gourmet foods, while The Bee Box offers local honey from bees kept right on the premises. Plant enthusiasts flock to Superbum Plant Company for houseplants and locally-made artisan goods, while those seeking farmhouse décor and vintage treasures can explore Summer Porch. These small businesses don’t just serve as shopping destinations—they function as community gathering spots where shop owners know their customers by name and neighbors run into one another while supporting local entrepreneurs. This combination of family-friendly atmosphere, community events, and personal connections creates a uniquely welcoming environment that makes residents proud to call East Sacramento home.