South Land Park

Nothing special ever happens in South Land Park. Those who know it, probably live there. For other Sacramento residents, it is among the cluster of lower middle-class, largely residential neighborhoods that the city is so adamantly accustomed to. It is a skinny patch of land, fitted in between Interstate 5 and Sacramento Executive Airport. The population is a little under 25,000 people, most of whom have a white or asian background.

South Land Park’s residential quarters are nothing to brag about. It’s old suburbia, loaded with long one-story homes lying on large plots of land. Houses look relatively plain and weathered, most of which were built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The neighborhood is saturated with quiet neighborhood blocks, leafy sidewalks and plenty of green open space. And front lawns are nicely manicured, giving way to long driveways. Household incomes range anywhere from $50,000 to $95,000, while those in the higher bracket live towards the southern end of the district.

South Land Park’s commercial area is abysmal. South Hills Shopping Center, Courtyard Shopping Center and Sutterville Shopping Center are the only sense of shopping spaces in the community. They provide a myriad of consumer needs (nail salons, delis, small markets and unnamed businesses/office spaces). Pony Express Elementary School, John Cabrillo Elementary and Sam Brannan Middle School are the only schools within the neighborhood limits. All have a passable reputation.

For recreation, William Land Municipal Golf Course, the Sacramento Zoo and Sacramento City College all straddle the northern border. On the other side of Highway 5, you can find Lake Greenhaven. The large body of water is a popular recreational spot among locals. It offers everything from picnic areas, to miles of hiking trails, to beautiful views of the lake. But all in all, you won’t be too ecstatic with the neighborhood’s lowly reputation.

The South Land Park area of Sacramento is located south of Sutterville Road, east of I-5. It is an easy commute to downtown Sacramento via I-5, Land Park Drive, or Riverside Blvd.. The neighborhood is older with most homes constructed in the 1940’s to the 1970’s with the older homes located in the most northern part of the neighborhood and the newer ones to the south. There is a lot of variation in the architecture. The area is has many mature trees and most residents take pride in the appearance of their yards.

If you have a dog, it is a near perfect neighborhood with a 2.5 acre off leash park and several pet themed businesses.

While this is not an area known for its nightlife, there are several very good to excellent restaurants, including the Riverside Clubhouse in the northern part of the neighborhood and Rendezvous in the adjacent Greenhaven area. There are also numerous pizza, and Chinese restaurants, available for take-out.

There are several grocery stores and pharmacies in the area. A Trader Joe’s may be moving in soon.

South Land Park is a nice place to live with a safe (or as safe as anyplace in Sacramento), neighborly feel.