Your Guide to the East Sacramento Neighborhood

East of Midtown and Downtown Sacramento, East Sacramento, also sometimes called East Sac, is home to tree-lined streets, parks, walking and biking trails along the American River, and unique features like the Fabulous Forties residential neighborhood. With restaurants, cafes, shopping, and more, East Sacramento offers plenty to visitors and residents of all ages. Start taking advantage of all East Sacramento has to offer with our guide.

Desirable housing

East Sacramento is a sought-after neighborhood due to a number of factors. Its proximity to the fine dining and fun in Midtown is one, being close enough to walk or bike to many of the functions and businesses there. East Sac also offers a relative sense of safety and community, with many enjoying local events, especially those outdoors. Located close to the free way and state capital, East Sacramento has been a popular spot for politicians to settle, including President Ronald Reagan when he was Governor of California. 

In fact, the neighborhood Reagan resided in became known as the Fabulous, or Fab, Forties, so named due to being located between 39th and 47th streets. These boulevards were once important to street car traffic, and to accommodate those vehicles they were built wider and their lots more generous — and the houses larger, of course. Many of these elegant early 20th century homes showcase Tudor, Arts and Crafts, and California Bungalow styles, to name only a few, and continue to be a feast for the eyes.

A Fab Forties home, source

Although the Fab Forties neighborhood by and large survives, one architectural place of interest in East Sacramento did not: the Alhambra Theater was a lushly appointed movie palace in the Moorish style, but sadly was razed in favor of a supermarket in 1973. You can still see the fountain, still functioning, to one side of the store's parking lot. If there is a silver lining to this lost piece of history and architectural achievement, it's that it inspired many in Sacramento to band together and work to preserve other historic or unique features of the city, using the rallying cry of "Remember the Alhambra."

McKinley Park

As part of the Sacramento Street Railway Company's efforts to increase ridership, this park was built in 1871 at the end of a line in the hopes that people would ride it in order to picnic and hold social gatherings there. This plan was a great success and the park was bought by the city of Sacramento in 1902. This is also when it was renamed for President McKinley, assassinated in 1901.

Today McKinley Park is a key feature of East Sacramento, with 32 sprawling acres. It encompasses sports courts and fields as well as a rose garden that is popular with weddings and other events. With playgrounds, a lake, and more, McKinley is also on the National Register of Historic Places, which recognized its central spot in Sacramento history.

Farm to fork food 

All of Sacramento is known for its Farm to Fork food culture. Recognized for fresh ingredients and sustainability, many East Sacramento restaurants and eateries are no exception to this. You can use this visitor's guide to find farm-to-fork restaurants in East Sacramento (and beyond) including Asian, Italian, and American cuisine (to name just a few) as well as coffee shops and plant-based restaurants. There's something for everyone on the menu of East Sacramento.

The Renaissance Society

Located in East Sacramento, California State University of Sacramento offers lifelong learning opportunities to older adults via the Renaissance Society. With programs and seminars, older adults can enjoy learning new things in offerings from various Sacramento State departments, and might even have the option to attend virtually as well as in person. With topics ranging from ancient Egypt to Alzheimer's research, there's something for every mind to get interested in.

East Sacramento offers much to both visitors and residents alike — plan your adventures there today, or take a look at luxury senior living in Sacramento.

Map of Sacramento neighborhoods, source

Header image source