The Best Neighborhoods in the Sacramento Area for Empty Nesters

If the kids are off to college and the days of having a house full of teenagers are far behind you, it may be a good time to consider downsizing. But where? If you’ve raised your children in the greater Sacramento area, chances are, you’ve lived in a family-friendly neighborhood with great schools and parks. But did you know Sacramento and its outlying communities are also great for empty nesters? The secret is knowing which neighborhoods are designed with your needs in mind. Following are our top picks.

Gold River

Gold River has plenty of oversized homes and spacious yards for families, but it also has many options for those looking to size down. This landscaped, planned community has single-family homes in 25 individual “villages,” many with their own community centers and parks. For active residents, there are miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as restaurants and shops.

Campus Commons

Just steps from the American River Parkway and Sac State, Campus Commons draws empty nesters with its resort-style living and maintenance-free homes. There are clubhouse facilities, swimming pools and tennis courts, and the homeowners association handles most of the landscaping. There’s even a public golf course nearby.

Sun City Lincoln Hills

Sun City near Lincoln is known for its retiree-friendly lifestyle, comprising single-family homes and condos rich in amenities. Community centers host classes and social events, and many neighborhoods have swimming pools and walking trails. Best of all, the area is close to shopping and restaurants, as well as golf courses and Thunder Valley Casino.

Serrano El Dorado Hills

Just east of Sacramento, Serrano is a prestigious gated community in El Dorado Hills with plenty of options for empty nesters. Luxury homes are the draw, as is the surrounding open space and proximity to Folsom Lake. Best of all, El Dorado Hills has plenty of things to do, from dining to shopping to wine tasting and live music.

Midtown

Midtown is best known as a hotspot for singles and young professionals, but it’s also a great choice for retirees looking to downsize. There are quiet, tree-lined streets with historic homes as well as new condos, most of which are within walking distance to great restaurants, quaint boutiques and coffee shops.

Fair Oaks

Known for its natural beauty and charming homes, Fair Oaks offers plenty of housing options for empty nesters, from historic farmhouses to new construction. The town hosts numerous community events, from food festivals to outdoor concerts, and there are plenty of great restaurants. The American River is just steps away, which offers wildlife viewing, fishing and cycling.

West Sacramento

Just over the river from downtown Sacramento, fast-growing West Sacramento offers plenty of options for empty nesters. Single-family homes come in all shapes and sizes, from modest new construction to waterfront homes in gated communities. Amenities run the gamut, from grocery stores to restaurants and everything in between.

Natomas

Natomas truly has something for everyone, from single-family homes to luxury apartments to spacious townhomes. There are numerous public parks, offering scenic walking trails, classes and events, and swimming pools. Natomas is especially popular for its many shopping centers, which include national retailers and big-box stores as well as smaller boutiques.

Auburn

The quiet foothills community of Auburn is a great place for empty nesters to slow down and enjoy their golden years. It has recreational opportunities galore, from hiking to fishing to golfing. It also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, local theaters and live music.