North of Sacramento and safely away from the region’s flood zone the city of North Highlands attracts residents with its lower prices and ease of getting to and from downtown. “It’s more of an affordable bedroom community,” says Shaun Alston, executive broker with Eagle Realty who's been selling in the area for over 30 years. “Your everyday working-class families live here, but there’s an appeal to people of all ages. They also like that it’s not in the flood plain like in Natomas.” The area was built around the former McClellan Air Force Base, which is now a thriving business depot and park. Its homes are mainly mid-century and come at a lower price point than surrounding areas. Residents enjoy good school districts, family-friendly community events and a diverse culinary scene.
Ranch-style homes with manicured lawns are common features throughout North Highlands.
Custom mailboxes seem to be a popular trend in North Highlands.
Families rush to the playground at Arcade Creek Park in North Highlands on the weekends.
Tony Baloney’s is a classic eatery serving North Highlands for over 40 years.
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Remodeled ranch-style homes
The median sale price for single-family homes here is $400,000. Most are ranch-style, though a few new traditional homes with Mediterranean elements are scattered around. Many were built between the 1950s and early 2000s and have been remodeled. Prices range from $325,000 to $630,000, while up to six-bedroom custom ranch-styles on larger lots in the Arcade Park and Del Paso Vale neighborhoods range from $695,000 to $1.2 million. Three-bedroom fixer-uppers are found in Larchmont Village, starting at $275,000, and townhomes, some with up to eight bedrooms, range from $200,000 to $839,000.
North Highlands offers some newer ranch-style homes with tile roofs.
Midcentury ranch-style homes are a classic feature of North Highlands.
This charming prairie-style home in North Highlands has the sought after picket fence.
This classic double wide manufactured home is an option for purchase in North Highlands.
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Active parents involved at city schools
The Twin Rivers Unified School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche, and the San Juan Unified School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche, serve North Highlands. “Parents are pretty involved in their children's studies here,” says Alston. “This is another way that North Highlands is all about family.” American River Community College is located in the southeastern corner of the city. It serves over 30,000 students and is a feeder school to area universities.
Educational opportunities abound at Madison Elementary School in North Highlands.
Educational opportunities abound at Foothill Ranch Middle School in North Highlands.
Mira Loma High School is rated among one of the best schools near North Highlands.
American River College has a student run bakery in North Highlands.
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Accessible parks, aerospace museum and a fun center
North Highlands manages a handful of parks, most within walking distance of residential streets. Many have sports fields, rocket-themed play equipment and seasonal water playgrounds. In the summer, locals enjoy the picnic areas and the seasonal water playground. In the city’s western end, the Aerospace Museum of California offers a look into the history and mechanisms of airplanes and rockets. The museum includes 35 fighter jets and a one-on-one flight simulator taught by real pilots. The museum sits on the former McClellan Air Force Base, which has been transformed into a massive business park. A couple of miles east of there, near Interstate 80, the Scandia Fun Center offers video games, rides and miniature golf.
The playground at North Highlands’ Larchment Park is a lot of fun for the whole family.
A local resident practices his NBA skills in North Highlands’ Hamilton Street Park.
One of the highlights of North Highlands is the Aerospace Museum of California.
Scandia Family Fun Center in North Highlands is known for its vibrant miniature golf course.
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Seasonal events and arts and aircrafts
Several events are held in North Highlands, many at Freedom Park and the Kay F. Dahill Community Center. The four seasonal extravaganzas are the most popular events, including holiday celebrations, music and seasonal games. The events are free to enter. “We try to make as many events free as we can to accommodate all residents,” says Kayla Thayer, the Recreation Supervisor with the North Highlands Recreation and Park District. “And we offer a subsidized 20% off all youth and senior programs, meaning North Highlands has the lowest rates around.” In addition to youth sports and senior gatherings, the district also hosts community yard sales, Father’s Day Nerf Wars and an Arts & Aircrafts program for toddlers in partnership with the nearby Aerospace Museum of California.
Paintings of planets are on display at Freedom Park in North Highlands.
Community events are hosted at the Kay F. Dahill Community Center throughout the year.
The playground at Freedom Park in North Highlands is designed like a rocket.
The Aerospace Museum of California in North Highlands showcases many types of aircrafts.
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Nearby shopping centers and specialty markets
Shops border North Highlands to the north and east. Elkhorn Plaza features coffee shops, health and beauty stores and local businesses, while the M and M Shopping Center offers barbecue and Asian cuisine. Retailers are found near Watt Avenue, which is also lined with restaurants. For groceries the options include a Walmart Supercenter or a number of smaller local businesses. “One thing that makes North Highland unique is that there aren’t a lot of chain grocers,” Thayer explains. “Instead, there are lots of smaller markets catering to different cultures — we really embrace the diversity here.”
Some girlfriends are spending a morning having coffee at Starbucks in North Highlands.
Grocery Outlet in North Highlands is a budget friendly place for groceries.
European Delicatessen is a market with produce, bakery, and butcher in North Highlands.
Walmart and small family owned grocery stores are located on Watt Ave in North Highlands.
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Access to Interstate 80 and the Capital City Freeway
North Highlands sits about 12 miles northeast of Downtown Sacramento via the Capital City Freeway, accessible to the southeast. Interstate 80 is also found in the southeastern part of the city. Downtown commutes can take up to 40 minutes during rush hour. Sacramento Regional Transit Service buses carry passengers throughout North Highlands and to downtown. Designated bike lanes parallel major thoroughfares and cross highways, connecting neighborhoods and commercial areas. Mercy General Hospital is roughly 11 miles southwest. Sacramento International Airport is about 14 miles away.
Crime rates below state and national averages, warm summers and mild winters
While North Highlands doesn’t have its own crime details yet, Sacramento County has lower violent and property crime rates compared to the state and national figures, according to FBI statistics. Though data for 2021 is absent, violent crime rates have been rising, but property crimes are decreasing.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
