This home was reportedly considered by Gov. Schwarzenegger for his Sacramento residenceAn example of a small East Sacramento cottageWhen many people think of East Sacramento, the first thing that they think of is the "Fab Forties" neighborhood with its tree-lined streets and stately mansions. Of course, it is also the past home to Ronald Reagan and (reportedly) almost home Arnold Schwarzenegger and current home to many of this cities business and political leaders. And, yes, the fact that this part of town has some of Sacramento's largest lots and most expensive homes is inescapable, but it is just as easy to find quaint bungalows and tudors just blocks from the multi-million-dollar homes.

4th of July celebration in East SacramentoIn fact, East Sacramento is one of the best neighborhoods in the urban core in which to raise a family. Just blocks from downtown, the streets are (mostly) quiet, it is home to three of Sacramento's best public schools (and a number of private schools), and the parks are wonderful and numerous. Sacramento's greatest park, McKinley Park, with its duck pond, playground, swimming pools, tennis courts, acres of green grass and century-old trees, and beautiful rose garden (which hosts many weddings), is located here in East Sacramento. But there is also East Portal Park, Bertha Henschel Park, River Park, and Glen Hall Park. Because of the number of parks, East Sacramento plays host to Pops In The Park, a series of live concerts during the summer.

McKinley Park Rose GardenEast Sacramento also has a great deal of importance to me, personally. I have proudly called four different houses here my home as an adult and my parents purchased their first home here (the house where they lived when I was born). In fact, my great-grandmother was one of the neighborhood's original residents.

East Sacramento is bounded by the river to the north and the east, by highway 50 to the south, and Alhambra boulevard to the west. About a dozen or so blocks from downtown, it was one of Sacramento's "streetcar suburbs"--neighborhoods that grew because they were connected to a network of streetcars that once served Sacramento. One of the main lines went right through East Sac down J Street.

Ronald Reagan's home while he served as governor."East Sac" is also a relatively walkable neighborhood and you are really not taking full advantage of the neighborhood if you are not willing to hoof it from time to time. Whether you are walking to the store, one of East Sacramento's stylish boutiques, quaint bistros, busy brew pubs, or hip coffee houses, you are bound to walk down some of Sacramento's most charming streets.