$773,045Average Value$414Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Historic neighborhood just north of downtown
Alkali Flat is the oldest remaining neighborhood in Sacramento, dating back to the city’s start in the 1850s. Along with Mansion Flats on the east side of 12th Street, it was originally home to governors and Sacramento’s elite, who were drawn by proximity to the State Capitol. As the Southern Pacific rail line developed on the neighborhood’s north side, it slowly became a working-class neighborhood. Mexican and Irish immigrants moved here in the 1920s, about the time when the neighborhood got its name. A spike in ocean tides caused the Sacramento River to overflow, leaving the flat streets coated in a white powder: alkaline salt. Most people know Alkali Flat, though, for its ornate Victorian homes and the story that goes along with them. “They were going to be torn down in the 1970s under Sacramento’s redevelopment program, but protestors saved the neighborhood,” says Luis Sumpter, a real estate agent who’s lived here since 2006 and leads walking tours with the Board of Preservation Sacramento. “People chained themselves to porch railings and stood in front of bulldozers until they got the eye of City Council.” Such actions are a testament to this community, a tight-knit group that has safeguarded its identity through the years. The Globe Mills grain storage and flour mill, built in 1914, remains on the north side of Alkali, and it’s been repurposed into apartments. The Southern Pacific Railway still operates as a museum, and its rails are used by AmTrak today. Though development has brought new construction to the area, the neighborhood’s history remains in its architecture and its people.
Victorians from the 19th century, apartments from the 21st
Since Alkali Flat is the oldest remaining neighborhood, its Victorians have storied histories that span from the 1850s to present day. “Preservation started in the 1970s after the protests,” says Liz Edmonds, a 40-plus-year Realtor who specializes in downtown Sacramento. “You had younger buyers come in and fix up homes. There’s been a lot of renovations since then, and some of the bigger ones have been converted into fourplexes.” Most Victorians have four bedrooms, though, and have stipulations about which of its historical features can be changed. They typically have little to no yard; they’re also close to neighbors, as Alkali Flat has one of the highest population densities in the city. These relics are probably home to long-time renters, as homeowners make up only 5% of the neighborhood. Buyers might find four-beds from $570,000 to $750,000, but they're rare.
Mixed in with these historic homes, northernmost apartments have created diversity in housing styles. “It’s a really distinctive neighborhood because you go from all the old developments to the new,” says Christopher Brown, Broker and Principal with Next Step Real Estate Group. “You can walk one block, and it’s completely different.” These complexes, along with offices and industrial spaces, make up a majority of the neighborhood. The Creamery is a specialized community on the north side, where narrow single-family homes have rooftop decks and range from $750,000 to $1,000,000. The CAP Index Crime Score is a 9 out of 10 across the neighborhood, compared to the national average of 4. Evidently, that hasn’t stopped people from buying: the typical property sells in 32 days, faster than the national average of 43 days.
Renovated up to date Victorian homes are really making Alkali Flat a great place to live.
Alkali Flat is the oldest community in Sacramento.
1/2
Downtown dining: a different taste on every block
Alkali Flat is less than a mile from downtown, so it’s within walking distance to some of the tastiest restaurants in the city. Jim Denny’s is a classic diner that serves loaded hot dogs and burgers, and it’s been on 12th Street since 1947. Just west in Cesar Chavez Plaza, La Cosecha riffs on popular Mexican food. “It incorporates the owner’s passion for pre-Mexican cooking with seeds and other traditional ingredients,” says Sumpter. “He also owns Octopus Peru next door in Park Tower. Their pisco sours are so good, you’ll think you’re actually in Peru.” The Citizen Hotel is next to the park on J Street: it hosts Grange Restaurant & Bar, a farm-to-fork restaurant with seasonal cocktails. This hotel also shares a wall with Ten-Ten Room, a bar named after its 10th Street address. “It’s literally tucked into a hole in the wall, and you might walk by it a thousand times,” says Sumpter. “Eventually you walk in the door, and you’re transported into a bourbon bar with bottles up to the ceiling. Their appetizers are great little snacks.”
La Cosecha is a popular Mexican restaurant located at César Chávez Park in Alkali Flat.
Hiso Laos & Thai Restaurant serve their delicious Fresh Roll Shrimp in Alkali Flat.
1/2
Entertainment at DOCO and Golden 1 Center
Downtown Commons — otherwise known as DOCO — is a walkable, open-air mall that’s only a half-mile from Alkali Flat. It has even more restaurants and stores such as Macy’s and Finish Line, in addition to a movie theater and gym. The complex is across 5th Street from Golden 1 Center, home of Sacramento Kings basketball and other live events. Summer 2024 brings big-name concerts from Tim McGraw, Twenty One Pilots and others, but visitors could see everything from circuses to wrestling matches year-round. The area around the stadium is busy with events, too. Capitol Beer Fest, a block south on Capitol Mall, brings more than a hundred craft beer vendors in March. Old Sacramento Waterfront is a half-mile east and hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. The Kay on K Street has an ice rink in the winter, a tradition of over 30 years.
Unique programs and classes in Sacramento City Schools
Students can walk to Washington Elementary, about a half-mile east of Alkali Flat. It’s rated a B by Niche and offers project-based learning for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Miwok Middle is a mile farther, and its advanced photography class had 11 entries for the 2024 State Fair. This school gets a B-plus from Niche and ranks as the No. 17 most diverse public middle school in Sacramento, ahead of 145 others. About 3 miles south of the neighborhood, C.K. McClatchy High finished construction in 1937, so it’s the oldest high school in the district. It gets a B-plus and has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. The Met Sacramento is another option, a mile south of Alkali Flat. It receives an A from Niche and ranks in their top five for Sacramento charter high schools.
Miwok Middle School score a B+ from Niche.com.
The student teacher ratio at Washington Elementary 22 to 1.
1/2
Sacramento and American River access, neighborhood parks
Alkali Flat is about a mile east of the Sacramento River, so residents can walk to the Old Sacramento Waterfront. This historic district offers landmarks, museums and restaurants along the Sacramento River Parkway. Also called the Sacramento River Bike Trail, this tree-lined route runs for about 10 miles along the river, going all the way south to Freeport. The American River is just north of the neighborhood, too, and its associated parks are close by. Sutter’s Landing Regional Park is on the downtown side of the water, and it has bocce ball courts, walking trails and a skate park. Across the river, Woodlake Area is another protected green space, and it has access to the American River Bike Trail. Longer than its Sacramento River counterpart, it spans 32 miles from Sacramento to Folsom. These riverside parks require a bit of travel time, but neighborhood parks are usually a few blocks from the house. Zapata Park offers a playground and lawn; J. Neely Johnson Park offers a community garden and the J. Neely Johnson House, a historic landmark built in 1853.
Alkali Flat residents can go for a scenic bike ride on the Sacramento River Bike Trail.
Zapata Park in Alkali Flat has basketball and a playground for your kids to enjoy.
1/2
Multiple routes to downtown Sac
Alkali Flat is close to downtown proper, so walking to work is common. Biking is another option, as the neighborhood has low speed limits and doesn’t get much through traffic. For people that want a quicker trip, the Light Rail’s Blue Line operates along 12th Street and crosses Capitol Mall in city center. Drivers probably use 12th Street, and public garages provide daily or hourly parking. In the southern part of the neighborhood, I Street has a ramp onto Interstate 5. This freeway runs north and south along the river, and it connects to other major freeways such as Interstate 80 and the Business 80. As with any big city, rush hour can cause traffic and increase commute times. Sacramento International Airport is 11 miles north of the neighborhood, and it’s usually a 15-minute trip.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Michael Mendoza,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Zapata Park
Washington Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Cesar Chavez Plaza
Roosevelt Park
Neely Johnson Park
John Muir Children's Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Transit
Airport
Sacramento International
17 min drive
Bus
F St & 7th St (Wb)
Bus
F St & 10th St (Wb)
Bus
8th St & F St (Nb)
Bus
E St & 12th St (Wb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alkali Flat
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
10
4
Robbery
10
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alkali Flat, Sacramento sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Alkali Flat, Sacramento over the last 12 months is $769,285, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the Heart of Downtown Sacramento steps away from Golden 1 Arena and the new Downtown Commons Entertainment District. This unique 17 unit complex contains a spacious full size large private studio and 16 junior studio SRO units all individually addressed with all long term leases. The whole complex has been completely remodeled throughout with own private coin operated laundry.
Discover the essence of Downtown Sacramento living in The Creamery community with this stunning modern home. Built in 2019, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence features an airy open-concept floorplan, stylish engineered hardwood flooring, and upscale finishes throughout. Enjoy two balconies plus a rooftop deck, where you can savor panoramic city skyline views perfect for hosting friends,
Austin MaynardeXp Realty of Northern California, Inc.
Step into contemporary elegance fused w/ Sacramento history in this tri-level corner lot home in sought-after Creamery at Alkali Flat. Built 2016, this modern masterpiece offers 3 bed/3.5 baths, 2-car garage w/ EV charger, for comfort & convenience in a vibrant urban setting. Positioned on prime corner lot, w/ open, airy layout bathed in natural light, picturesque park views, soaring ceilings,
City Park Apartments offers contemporary living with modern inner finishes and the convenience of a great location. Homes at City Park feature plank style flooring, sleek quartz countertops, gourmet kitchens, stainless and black appliances, modern Euro-style cabinetry, an abundance of closet space, and a large patio or balcony. Townhomes also feature in-home washers and dryers. City Park
Gated apartment with washer and dryer Don't Miss Out! Capitol View is close to everything Midtown/Downtown has to offer.All units have Central Heating and Air Conditioning , washer fireplace, dryers and dishwashers and patio/balcony. Non- Smoking Property. Water sewer, Garbage not included.Capitol View Apts. is an immaculate apartment community conveniently located in the
Looking for a unique and luxurious living experience in the heart of downtown Sacramento with an attached garage? Look no further than this Queen Ann Victorian home! Main home built in the 1800s, this home is a true landmark of the city, offering the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. This unit is a stand alone guest house with attached garage.At this property, we understand
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Michael Mendoza,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,534
Median Age
38
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,880
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,983
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.3%
College Graduates
42.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
18''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
99/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
64/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
