Old North Sacramento - Sacramento, CA

Old North Sacramento distinguishes itself as a well-established neighborhood with many homes dating back to the 1920s. Visitors can explore the history of the area with a trip to one of the many museums in downtown, such as the Sacramento History Museum and the California Museum.

The neighborhood has a burgeoning arts scene with establishments such as The Artisan Gallery, which features a gallery for artwork and a theatre for shows and concerts. Actors from the community perform a series of plays throughout the year at Big Idea Theatre. Fusion International Arts Center also supports the arts by sponsoring art classes and performances.

The Red Lion Hotel provides the venue for VegFest, a festival that celebrations vegetarian food. Chefs serve vegetarian fare, and vendors sell vegan clothes and beauty products. Residents also enjoy quick access to Cal Expo, a venue that hosts many annual events, including the California State Fair.

Most restaurants in the neighborhood lie along Arden Way and Del Paso Boulevard. Mexican and Asian restaurants make up a large portion of the options, and quick to-go establishments greatly outnumber fine dining restaurants. Chando's Tacos consists of just a walk-up window and a few tables, but plates full of Mexican food at cheap prices keep customers coming back for more. Favorite selections from the menu include carne asada tacos and adobada burritos, and a cold horchata washes everything down perfectly. If you don't know recognize something on the menu, just ask for a sample.

Start the day off on the right foot with breakfast from Sammy's Restaurant. This diner features hearty and filling meals, such as a country fried steak topped with gravy and served with crispy hash browns. Although the decor doesn't make a thrilling impact, large portions and quick service make the restaurant a good place for breakfast on the run.

For a more upscale option, try Mama Kim Eats, which serves Creole fare such as bourbon braised short ribs and smoked pork loin with grits. For breakfast, the chicken and waffles remains a bestseller. A full service bar with an extensive wine list and live music at night make the restaurant a good place for social gatherings.

Nightlife options in the neighborhood remain sparse, consisting of just a few bars. People head to Stoney's Rockin Rodeo for daily drink specials and line dancing. Live music on weekends and frequent parties draw in huge crowds. For more bars and clubs, residents cross the river into downtown Sacramento.

Residents of Old North Sacramento have many options for getting around. Bike lanes on most roads make the area friendly to cyclists, but crossing busy thoroughfares such as Arden Way deters some people from biking. Likewise, ample sidewalks facilitate walking around the neighborhood. The Sacramento Regional Transit operates a few bus routes through the neighborhood as well as a light rail line that provides service to downtown. Those who drive can find parking spots in lots and along many roads. Uber services the area, and several taxi companies provide scheduled rides to those who call ahead.

Close proximity to the Capital City Freeway makes leaving town easy. To get to surrounding areas using public transportation, residents take a bus to the Amtrak station in downtown Sacramento. From there, trains run to the Bay area and to many major cities, including Seattle, Portland and Denver.

Residents enjoy outdoor activities at a few parks throughout the neighborhood. Woodlake Park has a playground and several sand pits that children enjoy. The lighted tennis courts and open areas provide opportunities for recreation. The park also houses the Sacramento Police and Sheriff's Memorial, which honors fallen police officers and sheriff deputies. A remembrance ceremony takes places annually at the memorial during the spring. Winner's Circle Park also has a playground, basketball courts and open areas.

Nearby Discovery Park supports even more opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Located at the scenic junction of the American and Sacramento rivers, people can use launching sites at the park to take boats and jet skis onto the water. The park also has a small beach where people can relax and swim. The 32 miles of trails attract many joggers and bicyclists.

Residents of Old North Sacramento enjoy very low costs of living with living expenses 14 percent lower than the Sacramento average. Gas prices remain 6 percent higher than the national average. The average monthly rent runs around $570 for a one-bedroom apartment. A pint of beer at a local bar costs about $4. Getting to downtown using a Sacramento Regional Transit requires a fare of $2.50.

Most shopping opportunities lie along Del Paso Boulevard, but there are few high-end stores in the neighborhood. For shopping, many people head to nearby Arden Fair Mall, anchored by Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. Locals shop for groceries at Costco or one of the many small ethnic supermarkets.

Those who love hunting for treasures shop at Schiff's Estate Sale Building. This huge warehouse stocks antique furniture, books and china from estate sales. The inventory changes constantly, which makes it a great place to find vintage collectibles or unique home furnishings.

Decades Costumes has costumes to fit any occasion, ranging from the Victorian era to Egyptian times. The selection includes intricately detailed pieces with authentic period looks. Wigs and makeup add the finishing touches to clothing selections, but come prepared to do some searching because the store pack in its inventory from wall to wall. Many people shop here in preparation for Halloween or themed parties.