Greenhaven

What was once a deserted farmland, Greenhaven is now a firmly middle-class suburban neighborhood. It is within a 10-15 minute drive of Downtown Sacramento and bordered by Florin Road, Interstate 5 and the weaving Sacramento River. Those who know the district, know it because of Lake Greenhaven, a recreational escape for local residents. In a nutshell, Greenhaven is a modest neighborhood, perfect for retired couples.

There is nothing too elegant about the suburban quarters of Greenhaven. Homes are simple, old and plain looking. More specifically, they are long one-story residences plotted on even longer properties. Most homeowners have the luxury of a one or two car garage, although some might not have the electronic garage door opener function. But if it’s one thing to note, it’s that locals take pride in their trimmed hedges and manicured lawns. If you’re looking for upscale housing, you can find a handful of newer two-story homes close to Greenhaven Lake (or in some cases, its backyard).

Like many remote Sacramento neighborhoods, Greenhaven doesn’t have much of a buzzing commercial district. There are only a couple chain restaurants cluster around Riverside Boulevard and Florin Road including a Round Table Pizza, Taco Bell and a Walgreens. For public transit users, a bus system traverse Riverside Boulevard, Greenhaven Drive and Florin Road every once in awhile. It’s perfect for the students attending John F. Kennedy High School which lies within the neighborhood’s borders. It’s most promising attraction is Lake Greenhaven. The man-made lake is mostly for aesthetic purposes among locals, but exercise enthusiasts have used it for rafting, jet skiing and fishing. It also offers a few trails that follow the lake’s three mile perimeter. Other neighborhood parks have enough room for a couple youth soccer and baseball fields coupled with a walking trail. Golfers can head toward Bing Maloney Golf Course, about a five minute drive east of Greenhaven.