10 Sacramento Neighborhoods With the Best Walk Scores
Although it is the capital of the large and populous state of California, Sacramento is known for its unique “small-town feel” and convenient accessibility. The city boasts incredible attractions, creative eateries, cozy coffee shops and charming boutiques — and better yet, they are located within walking distance from some of Sacramento’s finest neighborhoods.
We took a look at some of the best Walk Scores in the city to make your home search that much easier. This list was derived directly from Walk Score, which measures the walkability of any address using a patented system. Boasting exceptional homes and nearby hotspots, here are the neighborhoods in Sacramento with the best Walk Scores!
1. Midtown
Walk Score: 93
Transit Score: 52
Bike Score: 100
Population: 8,586
Boasting a Walk Score of 93 (plus, a bike score of 100!), Midtown had the highest score in Sacramento. Residents may access an average of 12 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in just five minutes. Midtown is a hub of activity for the city, hosting some of the most trendy, popular and innovative businesses. Some of the best Midtown restaurants include Biba, The Waterboy, Mulvaney’s B&L, The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar, Zocalo, Broderick, and more. Midtown has some excellent coffee shops as well, including Temple Coffee Roasters, Old Soul Co., and The Mill. Midtown is also known for its unique, historic architecture — in both the commercial and residential space. Charming homes and nearby hotspots within walking distance — it doesn’t get much better than that!
2. Downtown
Walk Score: 92
Transit Score: 66
Bike Score: 98
Population: 6,512
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO >
Downtown Sacramento defies most big-city stereotypes, as it boasts small town charm and relative affordability when compared to other large cities. And yet, it offers all the cultural and high-end amenities one would expect from a major downtown area. Downtown is home to the Wells Fargo Pavilion, the Community Center Theater, the Crocker Art Museum, in addition to a variety of culinary gems, galleries, specialty shops and boutiques, coffee shops, pubs and watering holes. Plus, some of the region’s largest employers are within walking distance. Downtown residents may go days without getting behind the wheel, and may instead opt for transportation on two wheels, as the city is also extremely bike-friendly. The abundant parks, quintessential tree-canopied avenues, and concentration of businesses make downtown a particular enjoyable area for those seeking to be within walking distance of convenient amenities.
3. Old North Sacramento
Walk Score: 81
Transit Score: 46
Bike Score: 90
Population: 4,508
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN OLD NORTH SACRAMENTO >
Situated a few miles northeast of downtown across the American River, Old North Sacramento is a popular neighborhood with an impressive Walk Score of 81. Activity in Old North Sacramento centers on the lively Del Paso Boulevard, which is lined with restaurants, shops and other businesses. In fact, there are about 34 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the neighborhood within walking distance for residents of Old North Sacramento.
4. North Oak Park
Walk Score: 78
Transit Score: 42
Bike Score: 95
Population: 4,388
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN NORTH OAK PARK >
North Oak Park has a vibrant culture and collection of hotspots along Broadway. Oakhaus, Old Soul @ 40 Acres, Oak Park Brewing Company, and Vibe Health Bar are among the neighborhood’s most popular destinations. The first premier float center in Sacramento, Capitol Floats, is in the heart of North Oak Park. Plus, our friends at Unseen Heroes work out of the unique retail space, DISPLAY, located in North Oak Park. Travel along the palm tree-lined Broadway to encounter a number of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and shops in North Oak Park.
5. Curtis Park
Walk Score: 72
Transit Score: 46
Bike Score: 84
Population: 5,238
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN CURTIS PARK >
Located just south of downtown, Curtis Park is a town unto itself. Activity centers around the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, hosting a myriad of tenants including local dance companies, catering firms, and other community-based organizations. The center hosts a number of annual events, including a Spring Egg Hunt, Home and Garden Tour, Music in the Park, Curtis Fest Artisan Festival, Wine Tasting in the Park, neighborhood dinners, and more. While the neighborhood is primarily residential, there are a few local businesses within walking distance, including Café Dantorels, Gunther’s Ice Cream and College Cyclery. Built in the early 1900s, the homes are classic, elegant and varying in style — ranging from Spanish revival and storybook to Tudor and craftsman.
6. Hollywood Park
Walk Score: 71
Transit Score: 38
Bike Score: 78
Population: 2,376
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN HOLLYWOOD PARK >
Often overlooked by the immense appeal of neighboring Land Park, Hollywood Park offers nearly all the same amenities — plus, lower housing prices. Comprised of approximately 1,100 older, ranch style homes, Hollywood Park has been noted as the perfect neighborhood for first-time buyers. And with three schools found within the close-knit community (Leonardo da Vinci, Hollywood Park Elementary, and St. Robert School), families enjoy Hollywood Park in particular. The fact that the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town are within walking distance is also a huge plus for those with kids. While Hollywood Park has no shops within its boundaries, there are numerous restaurants, coffee shops and stores outlining the borough. Among them is the renowned Hollywood Hardware, which has been a neighborhood staple since 1948.
7. Med Center
Walk Score: 71
Transit Score: 46
Bike Score: 94
Population: 986
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN MED CENTER >
Nestled between North Oak Park and Elmhurst, Med Center is a vibrant community in East Sacramento with a modest yet pleasant atmosphere. Anchored by the UC Davis Medical Center, this is an ideal area for medical professionals and students to call home. Homes in Med Center are as varied as all of East Sacramento, featuring a blend of bungalows, Tudor, craftsman, ranch, Spanish and storybook homes, many of which were built between 1920 and 1940. A myriad of shops, eateries and bars in North Oak Park and Elmhurst are within walking distance for Med Center residents. The UC Davis Health System Farmers’ Market is a staple for residents during the spring and summer.
8. Lawrence Park
Walk Score: 69
Transit Score: 35
Bike Score: 60
Population: 1,847
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN LAWRENCE PARK >
Situated south of Oak Park, Lawrence Park is another neighborhood with an impressive Walk Score. A quiet enclave of homes surrounds the popular Lawrence Park, a vibrant park with a playground, two picnic areas, a basketball court, a gazebo, a softball field, and plenty of green grass. The neighborhood is bordered by Stockton Boulevard, which hosts a myriad of restaurants, shops and businesses. This quaint community has many amenities and attractions within easy walking distance.
9. Central Oak Park
Walk Score: 69
Transit Score: 39
Bike Score: 84
Population: 5,338
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN CENTRAL OAK PARK >
Much like its counterpart, North Oak Park, Central Oak Park also has a great Walk Score. Residents may access the myriad of shops, restaurants and attractions along Broadway to the north, or the many businesses lining Stockton Boulevard to the east. This primarily residential neighborhood enjoys both a laid-back feel and the vibrancy of city living. Residents may easily travel to McClatchy Park and Oak Park, each located in the heart of the neighborhood.
10. East Sacramento
Walk Score: 68
Transit Score: 38
Bike Score: 86
Population: 17,090
SEARCH FOR HOMES IN EAST SACRAMENTO >
Considered one of the city’s finest enclaves, East Sacramento is comprised of lush, tree-lined streets and a handful of small, charming neighborhoods with stunning historic homes. The area is perhaps best known as the locale of McKinley Park, the affordable River Park community, and the iconic Fab Forties area. McKinley Park is the heart of East Sacramento and a hub of community activity. The Clunie Community Center hosts a number of neighborhood events and houses a branch of the Sacramento Library, known as Clunie Library. The park is also home to the McKinley Rose Garden, a small lake, a community pool, several horseshoe pits, baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts. The pleasant atmosphere of this residential area, proximity to a well-known park, and convenient distance from downtown and Midtown make East Sacramento an ideal place to call home.
These neighborhoods in Sacramento certainly pass the test!
Which of these high-scoring neighborhoods is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Category Neighborhood Guides, Real Estate, Sacramento
Windermere Signature Properties
With the California Local blog, Windermere Signature Properties strives to deliver the most valuable information to both home buyers and sellers while highlighting our favorite local gems that make Sacramento the best place to live in California.