Old North Sacramento, Sacramento

Old North Sacramento is one of those older Sacramento neighborhoods that is definitely showing signs of age. Especially on the western end where there are some ramshackle shacks with cracked, oil stained driveways, discolored lawns and dilapidated roofs with broken shingles and drooping eves.

The vast majority of the homes here date from before 1950 many having been built in the 1920’s. Unlike in the Land Park neighborhood, however, there is little that is quaint about the structures you find here. They simply look old and ready to be torn down.

As to home prices, they are pretty much rock bottom with more than half of all homes going for under $100K (many near the $50K mark, actually). 80% of homes currently for sale are due to foreclosure.

On the eastern end of the neighborhood, the residential area gives way to an even uglier industrial park which is home to a number of parts suppliers and repair businesses. Not very appealing unless your are into rusted metal and scrap part hunting.

There are some diner like establishments in this neighborhood and the usual set of bland fast food places, but truly there is little to bring anyone in from the outside for a visit.

As far as nightlife, you do have a handful of bars including a dive by the name of Nite Hawk Tavern and a gay bar, “The Bolt.” Other than that, the pickings are slim indeed. It’s basically the kind of place you would find in a movie with soundtrack by Tom Waits

There is very few redeeming qualities about Old North Sacramento. For one thing, the name is appropriate. The district reeks of old, shabby houses, rickety apartment buildings and decaying cars lodged around side yards. Those that live in the neighborhood are overwhelmingly undereducated. Most residents here have less than or equal to a high school education. For all intense and purposes, this neighborhood screams lower-class, so stay away if you can.

Old North Sacramento makes up a skinny sliver of land, spanning less than one mile of terrain. Household incomes typically range from $20,000 to $40,000/year and those who rent have the option of paying anywhere from $400 to $800/month. Homeowners have paid upwards of $300,000 to own their home in this neighborhood, but that comes few and far between. Aesthetically speaking, chipped paint, ugly picket/chain linked fencing and dilapidated abandoned warehouses are all too common in this area. Homes are nothing to brag about either. Most residences seem to be eroding right before your very eyes.

There are a few positive things to take away from Old North Sacramento. For one, it is conveniently located to American River Parkway. The parkland is a popular recreational spot for those looking to exercise outdoors. More specifically, it offers 23 miles of walking/running/biking trails that quaintly follow along the Sacramento River. Other parks, such as Winner’s Circle Park and Triangle Park are much less attractive. Coincidentally, you won’t find any families playing with their kids here.

Old North Sacramento has no sense of nightlife and dining options are sparse. For those eating out, locals suggest Chandoe’s Tacos or Enotria Restaurant and Wine Bar. If those don’t satisfy you, consider driving over the Sacramento River to nearby downtown. There you can find everything from bars, to nightclubs to all your shopping needs.