Need Neighborhood off Light Rail Gold Line (Sacramento, Alhambra: apartment complexes, for rent)

[SoCalNative]

I am thinking of accepting a position with a company in East Sacramento. I completed an internship there 2 years ago and I know there is a Light Rail Gold Line station within walking distance to the front door of the office.

With the high price of gas and other expenses, my husband and I want to downsize to one car (he would get the car). So, now we are looking to rent a 2 br house/duplex for $1300 or less that also has a Gold Line station within walking distance from the house.

We are in our 20s, no kids, no plans to have kiddos any time soon, and not big drinkers. We would like to live in an neighborhood that has independant shops and is safe to walk our two dogs. When I completed my internship, I lived in Davis and I loved it. But, Davis was a 40 minute commute and we don't want to do that now.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[CityGirl72]

My thoughts are rent in East Sac. It's one of the most beautiful places in Sacramento. And is EASY to walk around to shops - or even bike ride (which I used to do on almost a daily basis)

Plus if you do have kids, then the elementary schools are good too

If you loved Davis - you'll love east sac (or midtown or land park, but land park is not near the light rail stations)

[wburg]

Yeah, I agree--if you work in East Sac, why not live there? Easy walking, good for dogs, cute as a button and you can leave your car keys at home.

[CityGirl72]

Charming Home in Mid/Town East Sac Area for Rent (broken link)

Charming 3br/1ba Bungalow in East Sac--Ready Now (broken link)

CHARMING EAST SAC HOME (broken link)

Charming unit with private backyard and garage (broken link)

[SoCalNative]

Is "East Sac" the actual name of the neighborhood? Are there any specific street boundaries, as in stay north of a certain street?

[wburg]

East Sacramento is the neighborhood's actual name. Street boundaries are roughly triangular: Alhambra Boulevard to the west, R Street to the south, and Elvas Avenue to the northeast. The Gold Line light rail line runs along R Street (originally it was the Sacramento Valley Railroad, first steam railroad in California) and Highway 50 cuts the neighborhood in half just to the south.

The major boulevards in East Sacramento are Folsom Boulevard, J Street and H Street. The middle portion of the neighborhood is sometimes described as the "Fabulous Forties," very dramatic and expensive homes, but generally the neighborhood includes houses ranging from late 19th century Queen Anne cottages (some survivors from the area's genesis as hop fields and pear orchards,) revival homes, Craftsman bungalows, and some Fifties ranch homes. There are also some apartment complexes.

The neighborhood really doesn't have a "bad area." I assume if you want to take light rail you'd probably want to be within walking distance of R Street: there are stations at 29th, 39th, 48th and 65th Street. Or you could probably live directly within walking distance of the workplace.

[SoCalNative]

Thank you wburg!!

[fair_oaks_gamer_girl]

If you're looking somewhere a little farther out, I'd recommend Fair Oaks or Carmichael.
There are some nice places off Howe as well, but you have to be careful, the farther north you go the seedier the neighborhood gets.