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Sacramento, California has become an increasingly popular destination for young professionals, particularly those who are looking for an affordable place to buy a home.
This migratory trend has been going on for years, but it got a big push during the COVID pandemic. The rise of remote work that started in 2000 prompted many people to relocate to Sacramento from pricier California cities like San Francisco.
Today, Sacramento is a thriving city with a strong economy, many attractive amenities, and favorable home prices (especially by California standards).
In this guide, we will explore some of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA for young professionals in particular.
Choosing the right neighborhood is highly subjective. The ideal choice can vary depending on a person’s priorities, budget, and lifestyle. Even so, the following list is a good place to start.
In alphabetical order, here are some of the best Sacramento neighborhoods for young professionals.
Curtis Park is known for its beautiful park, local shops, and restaurants, with housing options that range from charming bungalows to newer developments. The park itself features a number of athletic fields, a walking/jogging trail, and more.
The downtown area offers a mix of high-rise condos, lofts, and apartments. It’s a great choice for young professionals who want to live in the middle of things. Many state government offices are located there, plus a variety of cultural and entertainment venues.
This established neighborhood offers a more residential feel with tree-lined streets and a mix of single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings. “East Sac” is popular with young professionals who want a quieter environment without being too far away from amenities.
Located just south of downtown, Land Park is home to the expansive William Land Park. This neighborhood offers a mix of housing options, including many quaint homes on quiet streets. It’s a good choice for young professionals who enjoy outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a bit more action, you’ll want to put Midtown on your short list. It boasts a mix of trendy restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s a hub for young professionals who enjoy walkability, a lively nightlife, and proximity to downtown.
North and South Natomas offer newer housing developments, parks, and easy access to Sacramento International Airport. While it’s more suburban, it’s still just a short drive from Downtown Sacramento. Natomas might be well suited for young professionals seeking affordability, modern homes, and convenient freeway access.
A smaller and separate neighborhood bordering Oak Park (below), this area has a similar vibe but with more modern housing options. It’s becoming increasingly popular with young professionals.
This Sacramento neighborhood has seen significant revitalization in recent years. It tends to attract young professionals with its affordable housing options and up-and-coming business district. It’s also home to several schools and university campuses.
Pocket-Greenhaven is a large neighborhood located about five miles south of Downtown Sacramento. While not as lively as Midtown or Downtown, it’s a good option for young professionals seeking a suburban vibe with an easy commute. It’s named for a semi-circular pocket-shaped bend in the Sacramento River, which wraps around the neighborhood.
Tahoe Park is a smaller neighborhood that’s centrally located and close to California State University, Sacramento and the UC David Medical Center. In terms of housing, it offers everything from mid-century modern to ranch-style homes. Like many Sacramento neighborhoods, Tahoe Park is named for an actual park that’s located at its center.
Let’s zoom out from the individual neighborhoods and talk about the city of Sacramento as a whole. Here are some of the biggest benefits of living in Sacramento.
Affordability is one of the things that attracts young professionals to the Sacramento area. Home prices in Sacramento are significantly lower than both the statewide average and coastal markets like San Diego and LA.
The Sacramento real estate market usually has more inventory as well, when compared to places like SoCal and the Bay Area.
This is another reason why young professionals often consider moving to Sacramento. They do it to increase their chances of finding a suitable home within their budgets.
If you’re looking at buying your first home in Sacramento, consider these tips to help you navigate the process and make a smart purchase:
Determine how much house you can afford by factoring in your income, debt, credit score, and monthly expenses. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your potential payments, including property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Sacramento offers several assistance programs to help first-time buyers:
A mortgage pre-approval helps you understand your buying power and makes you more competitive in Sacramento’s housing market. Compare FHA, VA, and conventional loans to find the best option for your financial situation.
Consider factors like home prices, walkability, proximity to work, amenities, and future development.
A knowledgeable Sacramento real estate agent can help you find listings, negotiate pricing, and navigate the home-buying process. Look for agents familiar with first-time homebuyer incentives and local market trends.
Beyond the down payment, remember to budget for closing costs (typically 2-5% of the home’s price), moving expenses, and home maintenance.
Sacramento’s real estate market can be competitive, especially in affordable price ranges.
Have your pre-approval ready and be prepared to make an offer when you find the right home.
Generally speaking, the Sacramento housing market in 2025 is not nearly as challenging for home buyers as places like San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. This is just one of the many reasons why it may be worth considering looking for housing in some of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA.
If you’re considering buying a home in Sacramento, CA, we can help. At Sammamish Mortgage, we offer various mortgage options for you to choose from. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or call us today to have your mortgage questions answered!
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.