Living in Fairgrounds, Sacramento: A Neighborhood for Cyclists and Families
Additionally, an inner-ring Sacramento community that balances affordability with active-living appeal and proximity to UC Davis amenities.
About Fairgrounds in Sacramento
Fairgrounds stands out as a pragmatic choice for Sacramento buyers seeking a bike-friendly, moderately priced neighborhood with solid school options and growing walkability. The median home price sits at $437,200, notably below the city average of $450,500, while the median rent of $1,450 remains accessible for renters. What truly sets this area apart is its exceptional bike score of 93, making it one of Sacramento's premier cycling destinations, paired with a reasonable walk score of 55 and transit access that serves commuters heading toward Downtown and UC Davis.
Real Estate Market in Fairgrounds
| Median home price | $437.2k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.5% |
| Price per sq ft | $185 |
| Median rent | $1,450 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 55 |
| Transit Score | 43 |
| Bike Score | 93 |
The housing market here reflects strong demand among first-time buyers and families seeking value without sacrificing neighborhood character. Inventory moves steadily, with most homes attracting moderate competition.
Homes in Fairgrounds typically attract multiple offers in spring and early summer. Buyers should come prepared with pre-approval letters and be ready to move quickly on homes priced below $450k, especially single-family properties under 2,000 square feet.
Who Thrives in Fairgrounds
Additionally, entry-level pricing and diverse property types make Fairgrounds ideal for breaking into the Sacramento market without overpaying for location.
Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary (86.5 rating) and West Campus High (77.5 rating) anchor solid school options, while nearby parks like Greenfair Park and Sierra Vista Park provide outdoor recreation.
Additionally, rental yields remain competitive at $1,450 median rent against the $437k median purchase price, with steady tenant demand from UC Davis-affiliated renters and commuters.
Additionally, the 93 bike score means car-free or car-light living is genuinely feasible, and the median age of 49.6 suggests a quieter, less party-oriented vibe than downtown Sacramento.
While walkability is moderate and transit access limited, the peaceful, established character and proximity to UC Davis Health amenities appeal to some downsizers.
Property Types in Fairgrounds
Majority of inventory; typically built 1950s to 1980s with good lot sizes and room for families.
Attractive to first-time buyers and investors; lower maintenance and easier entry price.
Scattered duplexes and small apartment buildings; popular with local landlords.
Living in Fairgrounds, Sacramento
Daily life in Fairgrounds revolves around a mix of family living, active commuting, and local gathering spots. The neighborhood's world-class bike infrastructure means many residents skip rush-hour gridlock entirely, pedaling instead to Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters for morning espresso or stopping by Meetu Japanese Cuisine for lunch. Moreover, the tree-lined streets and established residential character create a genuine sense of community, supported by reliable access to Save Mart and Rancho San Miguel Markets for groceries, and nearby Tahoe Park and Greenfair Park for weekend recreation. <h3>Dining and Recreation</h3> Boon Boon Cafe and Chan's Restaurant add local flavor, while Planet Fitness and The Well provide gym options for those seeking structured fitness routines beyond the obvious cycling culture.
- Meetu Japanese Cuisine · 8 min walk
- Jack in the Box · 9 min walk
- Subway · 10 min walk
- Boon Boon Cafe · 10 min walk
- Chan's Restaurant · 10 min walk
- Starbucks · 21 min walk
- Donuts and Coffey · 22 min walk
- Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters · 24 min walk
- Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters · 24 min walk
- Starbucks · 27 min walk
- Greenfair Park · 11 min walk
- Sierra Vista Park · 12 min walk
- Coloma Park · 16 min walk
- Oak Park · 17 min walk
- Tahoe Park · 19 min walk
- Rancho San Miguel Markets · 12 min walk
- Save Mart · 21 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 22 min walk
- Corti Brothers · 22 min walk
- Your Family Groceries · 23 min walk
- UC Davis Health Fitness Center · 13 min walk
- Gender Health Center (GHC) · 24 min walk
- Oak Park Community Center · 26 min walk
- Planet Fitness · 36 min walk
- The Well · 36 min walk
- Colonial · 12 min walk
- Balance Dance Project · 24 min walk
- The Guild Theater · 30 min walk
Annual events: Sacramento Music Festival (spring), Oak Park neighborhood block parties (summer), Fairgrounds farmers market hours (seasonal)
Schools Near Fairgrounds, Sacramento
Education remains a major draw for families considering Fairgrounds. Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary, with a strong rating of 86.5, anchors the K-6 market and feeds into solid middle and high school options, including West Campus High at 9-12, which carries a respectable 77.5 rating.
Elementary Schools
School Score 86.5 with 83% math and 90% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 40 with 35% math and 45% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 27 with 22% math and 32% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 24.5 with 20% math and 29% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 39.5 with 36% math and 43% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 37 with 32% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 77.5 with 62% math and 93% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 47 with 27% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 28 with 19% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 18.5 with 11% math and 26% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Lighthouse (PK-KG) — 19-minute walk
- St Mary School (PK-8) — 26-minute walk
- St Francis Catholic High School (9-12) — 31-minute walk
- Christian Brothers High School (9-12) — 32-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students from Phoebe A. Hearst typically progress to Father Keith B. Kenny (37 rating, K-8) or The Language Academy of Sacramento (39.5, K-8) for continuity, though choice programs like Sacramento Charter High (47, 9-12) attract families seeking alternatives.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Fairgrounds
Additionally, fairgrounds offers reasonable commute times to Sacramento's major employment centers, though car dependency remains moderate at 63.7 percent of the population. Transit access has improved in recent years, with Broadway corridor buses and regional connections expanding options.
Additionally, the Broadway + 50th Street and Broadway + 49th Street transit stops provide local connectivity, though frequency and evening service remain modest compared to downtown corridors.
Neighborhoods Near Fairgrounds
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fairgrounds
What is the average home price in Fairgrounds, Sacramento?
The median home price stands at $437,200, with single-family homes typically ranging from $380,000 to $550,000 and condos and townhomes between $300,000 and $420,000. This positions Fairgrounds slightly below Sacramento's overall median of $450,500, making it competitive for first-time buyers. Price per square foot averages $185, reflecting solid value relative to nearby neighborhoods.
Is Fairgrounds a good place to live?
Fairgrounds works well for households prioritizing affordability, cycling infrastructure, and family-oriented living. The 93 bike score is exceptional for Sacramento, walkability is moderate at 55, and transit access scores a solid 9 out of 10. However, the neighborhood trades some urban energy for a quieter, more residential character, so it suits those who want established community feel over nightlife or trendy dining.
Which schools serve Fairgrounds, and what are their ratings?
Phoebe A. Additionally, hearst Elementary (86.5) is the flagship neighborhood school for K-6 students and a major selling point for families. Moreover, West Campus High (77.5, 9-12) ranks among the stronger Sacramento public high schools. The Language Academy of Sacramento (39.5, K-8) and Father Keith B. Kenny (37, K-8) provide additional feeder options, and private schools like St Francis Catholic High School serve those seeking alternatives.
Is Fairgrounds safe?
Fairgrounds maintains a moderate safety profile consistent with inner-ring Sacramento residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the established, family-oriented character and active cycling community create natural surveillance and informal social cohesion. As with any urban area, certain blocks are quieter and safer than others; walking the neighborhood in daylight before committing helps set realistic expectations.
Who is Fairgrounds best suited for?
First-time buyers seeking affordability, families with school-age children, cyclists and active lifestyle enthusiasts, remote workers valuing bike-friendly living, and long-term investors targeting rental yield all find strong fits here. The neighborhood is less suited to those requiring high transit access, seeking a vibrant nightlife scene, or prioritizing cutting-edge trendy amenities.
What amenities and dining options are nearby?
Grocery shopping is well-served by Save Mart, Trader Joe's, and Corti Brothers. Coffee lovers can visit Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters or Starbucks, while dining spans Meetu Japanese Cuisine, Boon Boon Cafe, and Chan's Restaurant. Fitness options include Planet Fitness and The Well, and parks like Greenfair Park and Sierra Vista Park provide green space for recreation and cycling.
Where this Fairgrounds data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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