With Bay Area home prices consistently on the rise, Sacramento is starting to look like a more attractive option to many, according to the Sacramento Bee. Luckily, families interested in purchasing a home in Sactown will find plenty of kid-friendly neighborhoods to choose from.

Neighborhoods.com has rounded up some of the neighborhoods in Sacramento that are perfect for families looking for a new home.

Westlake

Photo courtesy of Westlake Community Park

According to Niche.com, Westlake is the best place to raise a family in Sacramento. With highly rated public schools and a quiet, small-town feel (the population is a little over 3,000), out-of-state newcomers and Northern California natives alike can feel right at home in Westlake. On weekends, families will enjoy spending time outdoors at Egret Park, Sparrow Park, and Westlake Community Park. Looking for a weekend getaway? The neighborhood is situated right next to Highway 5, making it easy to get away.

Village 7

With a population close to 8,000, Village 7 straddles the line between suburban and urban, with many residential pockets and modern shopping areas. The neighborhood has a lot of farmland and open space, so it can get windy throughout the year — which can be considered a blessing when the city hits 90-degree weather during the summer. Kids and grown-ups alike will also enjoy the nearby North Natomas Regional Park, which offers numerous ball fields and play areas. As an added bonus for commuters, Village 7 borders the busy West Elkhorn Blvd. corridor. 

Natomas Park

Photo courtesy of California State Railroad Museum

With a population of 20,000 residents, Natomas Park offers numerous entertainment, retail, and outdoorsy destinations. Lots of parents take their children to North Natomas Regional Park for sports and outdoor play, while others hit up Discovery Park for biking, fishing, and picnics. To check out some antique locomotives, venture to the California State Railroad Museum. Natomas Park is also home to excellent schools and even a community college.

Curtis Park

With the median price of a resale single-family home in Sacramento sitting at $330,000, according to the Sacramento BeeCurtis Park’s home prices ($240K median) are a steal. The area is home to highly ranked schools, and frequent travelers will appreciate that it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Sacramento International Airport.

Pocket

Cute Red Panda from the Sacramento Zoo

This neighborhood of 28,000 people is well known among Sacramento locals as a residential spot that’s beloved by families. Seymour Park and Renfree Park are great locations for outdoor sports and play, and runners can get in a scenic workout along the Sacramento River Delta. Families with young children can make frequent trips to Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Zoo, which are just a few minutes’ drive down the highway. The highway borders the neighborhood, meaning Pocket can be an especially convenient location for commuters.

Little Pocket

Don’t get this neighborhood confused with her more famous older sister. While the two neighborhoods are both known for being conveniently situated along the freeway, Little Pocket is, obviously, far smaller of a neighborhood than Pocket. In fact, only 1,400 residents call this tiny neighborhood home. If you’re looking to set up your home in a micro-neighborhood that feels like its own little bubble, Little Pocket could be the answer. Families with kids will appreciate the proximity of John Cabrillo Elementary School and Sam Brannan Middle School, which are just a couple streets on the other side of the freeway. Plus, the neighborhood borders the Sacramento River, which offers walking and running trails.

River Park

Photo courtesy of Paradise Beach

The median home price in River Park is $402,000, while the average price of homes sold comes in at $530,500. It’s located right next to American River, hence the name of the neighborhood, and local families enjoy walking and running along the beautiful waterfront. All the homes in this neighborhood are situated within walking distance of Glen Hall Park, a massive complex which features a community pool, soccer fields, tennis courts, and more.