Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento

February 20, 2025
Aaron Clowes
Home Buyer

Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento & How to Finance a Home in These Markets

Sacramento’s housing market is 🔥—and for a good reason! With a mix of historic charm, urban energy, and family-friendly communities, California’s capital has something for everyone. But finding the top neighborhoods in Sacramento and securing the right financing? That’s where things get tricky.

Don’t worry—we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll break down the top neighborhoods in Sacramento, what makes them great, and how to get the financing you need to buy in these competitive markets.

🏡 The 5 Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento for Homebuyers

1. East Sacramento – Classic Charm & Historic Beauty

💰 Median Home Price: ~$900,000
🎯 Best For: Families, professionals, and those who love character homes
🏆 Why It’s a Top Neighborhood in Sacramento: East Sac (as locals call it) is packed with tree-lined streets, adorable bungalows, and some of the best schools in the city. McKinley Park? That’s the cherry on top.

🔑 Financing Options for East Sacramento:

Conventional Loans: Perfect for buyers with good credit and a solid down payment.
Jumbo Loans: Since many homes in this area exceed standard loan limits, a jumbo loan may be needed.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs: If you qualify, you could take advantage of down payment assistance programs.

2. Midtown – The Heart of Sacramento’s Urban Scene

💰 Median Home Price: ~$750,000
🎯 Best For: Young professionals, nightlife lovers, and those who prefer a car-free lifestyle
🏆 Why It’s One of the Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento: Midtown has a high-energy, walkable vibe, with top-rated restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Think of it as a mini San Francisco—without the crazy prices.

🔑 Financing Options for Midtown:

FHA Loans: Only have 3.5% down? FHA loans are an option.
VA Loans: If you’re a veteran, VA loans offer zero down payment.
Renovation Loans: Midtown has older homes, so a renovation loan could help finance updates.

3. Land Park – Family-Friendly & Full of Character

💰 Median Home Price: ~$1,000,000
🎯 Best For: Families, retirees, and those looking for a strong community feel
🏆 Why It’s a Top Neighborhood in Sacramento: Land Park has a mix of old-world charm and suburban vibes. The Sacramento Zoo and beautiful parks make this a great area for families.

🔑 Financing Options for Land Park:

Conventional Loans: With a higher price point, 20% down is often required.
Bridge Loans: Need to sell your current home first? A bridge loan can help.
Mortgage Rate Buydowns: Lower your interest rate with rate buydown options.

4. Natomas – One of the Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Sacramento

💰 Median Home Price: ~$500,000
🎯 Best For: First-time buyers, young families, and remote workers
🏆 Why It’s One of the Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento: If you want affordability and convenience, Natomas delivers. It’s one of the most budget-friendly spots while still offering great schools, parks, and easy access to downtown and the airport.

🔑 Financing Options for Natomas:

USDA Loans: Some parts of Natomas qualify for zero-down USDA loans.
Down Payment Assistance: Programs like CalHFA help first-time buyers.
Low 3% Down Conventional Loans: A great option for buyers with solid credit but little savings.

5. The Pocket/Greenhaven – Riverside Living Without the San Francisco Price Tag

💰 Median Home Price: ~$750,000
🎯 Best For: Retirees, boaters, and nature lovers
🏆 Why It’s One of the Top Neighborhoods in Sacramento: This tucked-away gem gives you river views, stunning homes, and a relaxed lifestyle with less traffic.

🔑 Financing Options for The Pocket:

HELOCs: Already own a home? Use a Home Equity Line of Credit for your down payment.
Investment Loans: The Pocket has great short-term rental potential.
15-Year vs. 30-Year Loans: Shorter mortgage terms can help reduce interest costs.

🏠 How to Get Preapproved for a Home Loan in Sacramento

If you’re serious about buying in one of the top neighborhoods in Sacramento, you need preapproval before house hunting. Why? Because sellers in competitive markets won’t even look at an offer without one.

✅ Steps to Get Preapproved

Apply Online: Start your mortgage application HERE. It only takes a few minutes!
Choose the Right Loan: Whether it’s FHA, VA, Jumbo, or Conventional, we’ll help you pick the best option.
Lock in Your Interest Rate: Mortgage rates change daily, so locking in a good rate can save you thousands.
Get a Preapproval Letter: This proves you’re a serious buyer and gives you a competitive edge.
Start House Hunting! 🎉

Want to talk about your options? Call or text us at 916-465-6639, or schedule a free consultation at New Way Mortgage.

Final Thoughts: Where Will You Buy in Sacramento?

There’s a reason why so many people are moving here—the top neighborhoods in Sacramento offer unbeatable charm, convenience, and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a walkable city vibe in Midtown, a family-friendly haven in Land Park, or affordable suburban living in Natomas, there’s a perfect fit for you.

And remember—your dream home is only one preapproval away! 🚀

📢 Get started by applying for preapproval HERE or calling us at 916-465-6639.

And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more home-buying tips!

FAQs About Buying in Sacramento

🔹 What is the most affordable neighborhood in Sacramento?
Natomas is one of the most budget-friendly areas, with homes around $500K.

🔹 Do I need a 20% down payment to buy in Sacramento?
Nope! You can buy with as little as 3% down on a conventional loan or 0% down with VA or USDA loans.

🔹 What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?
For conventional loans, 620+ is ideal. FHA loans allow for scores as low as 580.

🔹 Can I buy a home in Sacramento if I have student loans?
Absolutely! Your debt-to-income ratio matters, but we can find a loan that works with your budget.

🔹 How long does the mortgage process take?
With New Way Mortgage, you can be preapproved in just a day and close in as little as 3 weeks.