These are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Sacramento

There are a lot of perks to going for a walk in Sacramento: the summer’s Delta breeze, the abundance of trees and observing the historic architecture, to name a few. But where are the most walkable neighborhoods?

Redfin has outlined the top 10 most walkable neighborhoods using Walk Score. Walk Score, which was acquired by Redfin in 2014, collects and interprets data using its own methodology that determines the walkability of any address in the United States and some cities abroad.

When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Walk Score looks at zip codes, taking into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and even restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.

Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0-100 broken into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean:

  • 0-24: Car Dependent where almost all errands require a car

  • 25-49: Car Dependent but only most errands require a car

  • 50-69: Somewhat Walkable meaning some errands can be done by foot

  • 70-89: Very Walkable meaning most errands can be completed by foot

  • 90-100: Walker’s Paradise meaning daily errands do not require a car

Overall, Sacramento has a Walk Score of 49, meaning that it’s a car dependent city that requires a vehicle for most errands, though it is only one point away from being in the “Somewhat Walkable” range.

But like any city, Sacramento is a city of neighborhoods, all with their own Walk Scores, two of which are considered a Walker’s Paradise.

Here are the most walkable neighborhoods in Sacramento, according to Walk Score and Redfin.

Midtown

People shop at the Midtown Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 30, 2022. It’s ​is a free and ​family-friendly year-round market that offers locally-grown fresh produce, prepared foods, artisian crafters and more. It’s open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays on 20th Street between J and L streets and K Street between 19th and 21st streets.
People shop at the Midtown Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 30, 2022. It’s ​is a free and ​family-friendly year-round market that offers locally-grown fresh produce, prepared foods, artisian crafters and more. It’s open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays on 20th Street between J and L streets and K Street between 19th and 21st streets.

Walk Score: 94/100 Walker’s Paradise Where to go for a walk: Experience Sacramento’s history by taking a walk through the Capitol Mansions Historic District , where you’ll find some of the city’s iconic Craftsman-style architecture. To experience more of the city’s history, take a self-guided tour of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park .

Downtown

Duane McMullen, of Sacramento, walks along 15th Street past Capitol Park on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in downtown Sacramento. Todays the hottest day its been in Sacramento, the resident of 32 years said, referring to the record-breaking temperature of 116 degrees reached moments before, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record was 114 degrees, set on July 17, 1925.

Walk Score: 93/100 Walker’s Paradise

Where to go for a walk: Enjoy views of downtown Sacramento from the Sacramento River by taking a stroll through the Riverfront Park and the Old Sacramento Waterfront. In the heart of downtown is also the state Capitol building, which has a beautiful arboretum perfect for a walk. For a stroll with window shopping and people watching, head to Downtown Commons, a two-level outdoor shopping mall and entertainment complex.

Hollywood Park

David Garcia listens to music as he enjoys the afternoon near the pond in William Land Park across from the Sacramento Zoo on June 2, 2014. The City Council is poised to approve a deal that would bring free Wi-Fi to Land Park and 26 other parks in Sacramento.
David Garcia listens to music as he enjoys the afternoon near the pond in William Land Park across from the Sacramento Zoo on June 2, 2014. The City Council is poised to approve a deal that would bring free Wi-Fi to Land Park and 26 other parks in Sacramento.

Walk Score: 82/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Not far from Hollywood Park, in the nearby Land Park neighborhood, is William Land Regional Park. The over 207-acre park is home to the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland, an amphitheater, and numerous other facilities and attractions. The closest entrance to the Hollywood Park neighborhood is located on Sutterville Road close to where it intersects with Freeport Boulevard.

Old North Sacramento

Walk Score: 82/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Just south of Old North Sacramento is the American River Parkway, 23 miles and 4,800 acres of outdoor bliss for nature lovers.

North Oak Park

Walk Score: 80/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Cutting through the center of North Oak Park is Broadway, a main street lined with local restaurants and a mix of businesses. Head to Broadway from about 34th Street to 36th Streets to enjoy the core of the business district.

Curtis Park

Walk Score: 78/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Named after the neighborhood, Curtis Park has a 1-mile trail around the perimeter, making it easy to measure your running and walking distance.

Lawrence Park

Walk Score: 74/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Lawrence Park, the namesake of the neighborhood, offers walkers trees and fields to meander through as well as a basketball court, a soccer field, a playground and a softball field where both kids and adults can play.

Central Oak Park

Walk Score: 73/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: McClatchy Park is a 15.42-acre park that has a butterfly garden, a 9-hole disk golf course, and plenty of play areas, all in a beautifully landscaped park.

East Sacramento

More than 100 people attended a free yoga class at McKinley Park on July 2, 2016.
More than 100 people attended a free yoga class at McKinley Park on July 2, 2016.

Walk Score: 72/100 Very Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Sutter’s Landing Regional Park is a massive 166.83-acre park filled with activities and amenities. Play bocce ball, let the kids loose at the skatepark, or bring your dog to enjoy the 2.5-acre dog park. Another popular spot is McKinley Park, where visitors can partake in volleyball, tennis or even horseshoes.

Med Center

Walk Score: 69/100 Somewhat Walkable

Where to go for a walk: Though this neighborhood consists mostly of research hospitals, it butts up against T Street, a residential thoroughfare where you can take in the views of Sacramento’s architecture, such as the historic Julia Morgan House.