Is Elmhurst, Sacramento a Good Place to Live?

Is Elmhurst, Sacramento a Good Place to Live?

Additionally, A mature, affluent neighborhood with outstanding bike infrastructure and excellent schools northeast of downtown Sacramento.

AFFLUENT & BIKEABLE
EXCELLENT BIKINGSTRONG SCHOOLSAFFLUENT FAMILIESMATURE NEIGHBORHOODHIGH WALKABILITY

About Elmhurst in Sacramento

Elmhurst is a mature, affluent neighborhood in Sacramento that balances excellent schools, abundant parks, and some of California's best cycling infrastructure. The median home value sits at $604,000, reflecting strong demand from professionals and families seeking a well-established community with convenient access to downtown and the UC Davis campus. However, transit access remains limited compared to the broader city, making a car or reliable bike your primary means of getting around.

Boundary note: Elmhurst occupies a northeast pocket of Sacramento, bounded roughly by the American River to the north and east, with clear residential boundaries that feel distinct from adjacent commercial and industrial zones.

Real Estate Market in Elmhurst

Elmhurst at a glance
Median home price$604k
Price per sq ft$420 to $480
Median rent$1,780
Typical days on market18 to 25
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score61
Transit Score46
Bike Score93

Additionally, elmhurst commands a significant premium over citywide median home values, reflecting its reputation and desirability. The neighborhood's walkability score of 61 and bike score of 93 underscore its appeal to active households.

$604k
YoY
Median Price
$420 to $480
Price / Sq Ft
$1,780
Median Rent
18 to 25
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Homes in Elmhurst typically attract multiple offers during spring and early summer. Pre-approval and proof of funds strengthen your position; expect to move quickly if a property meets your criteria.

Who Thrives in Elmhurst

G
First-time Buyers
Good fit

Elmhurst's median price and lower poverty rate appeal to established professionals; however, inventory can be tight and competition moderate.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, top-tier public schools like Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary, excellent parks including Coloma Park, and a family-oriented demographic make this an ideal fit.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, stable neighborhood appreciation, strong rental demand at $1,780 median, and 59.4% owner occupancy create reliable long-term investment potential.

S
Remote Workers
Strong fit

Additionally, at 19.7% work-from-home, the neighborhood welcomes flexible workers; excellent biking and walkable amenities support a home-office lifestyle.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Additionally, median age of 45.6, low poverty, excellent healthcare proximity via UC Davis, and recreational parks align well with active retirement.

Property Types in Elmhurst

Single-Family Homes
65%
$550k to $750k

Classic Craftsman and mid-century ranch homes dominate; many feature mature landscaping and updated interiors.

Condos & Townhomes
25%
$450k to $650k

Master-planned communities and older condo complexes near parks; lower maintenance appeal to downsizers.

Newer Construction
10%
$650k to $850k

Limited infill development; newer homes command premium pricing and often sell within days of listing.

Living in Elmhurst, Sacramento

Daily life in Elmhurst revolves around its exceptional bike infrastructure (93 bike score) and proximity to neighborhood anchors like Coloma Park and Sunset Park, where families and active adults gather year-round. The neighborhood supports a thriving local food and coffee scene, with favorites like Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters and One Speed Pizza anchoring community gathering spaces. Moreover, the 4,584 residents per square mile create a density that feels vibrant but not crowded, with a median household income of $113,266 supporting strong schools, well-maintained streets, and consistent neighborhood investment.

61/100
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
46/100
Transit Score
Some Transit
93/100
Bike Score
Biker's Paradise
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • One Speed Pizza · 10 min walk
  • University of Beer · 11 min walk
  • East Patio Mexicano · 12 min walk
  • Round Table Pizza · 13 min walk
  • Cervecería at the Shack · 13 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters · 11 min walk
  • Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters · 11 min walk
  • Starbucks · 14 min walk
  • Starbucks · 16 min walk
  • Donuts and Coffey · 18 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Coloma Park · 1 min walk
  • Sunset Park · 7 min walk
  • Sierra Vista Park · 8 min walk
  • East Lawn Childrens Park · 13 min walk
  • East Portal Park · 19 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Trader Joe's · 10 min walk
  • Save Mart · 17 min walk
  • Rancho San Miguel Markets · 18 min walk
  • Corti Brothers · 20 min walk
  • Vibe Health Food · 26 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • UC Davis Health Fitness Center · 10 min walk
  • Gender Health Center (GHC) · 14 min walk
  • California Family Fitness · 27 min walk
  • Oak Park Community Center · 31 min walk
  • The Well · 37 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Colonial · 25 min walk
  • The Guild Theater · 27 min walk
  • Shepard Garden Art Center · 37 min walk
  • Balance Dance Project · 38 min walk
  • Sofia Tsakopoulos Center · 38 min walk

Annual events: Sacramento Spring Garden Tour, Neighborhood Bike Nights, Fourth of July community gatherings, Thanksgiving neighborhood dinners

Schools Near Elmhurst, Sacramento

Elmhurst's reputation for excellent schools is well-earned; Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary scores 86.5 and serves the neighborhood as a clear flagship, while Sutter Middle School (61.5) and Sacramento Charter High (47) provide solid pathways through secondary education. Beyond test scores, three-fifths of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree, creating a culture of academic engagement and support.

Elementary Schools

8.7/10
Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
24-minute walk

School Score 86.5 with 83% math and 90% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.0/10
David Lubin Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
26-minute walk

School Score 60 with 56% math and 64% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.0/10
Oak Park Preparatory Academy
Elementary · M–M
22-minute walk

School Score 40 with 35% math and 45% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.5/10
Tahoe Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
28-minute walk

School Score 24.5 with 20% math and 29% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

6.2/10
Sutter Middle
Middle School · 7–8
36-minute walk

School Score 61.5 with 54% math and 69% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.0/10
The Language Academy Of Sacramento
Middle School · KG–8
14-minute walk

School Score 39.5 with 36% math and 43% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.7/10
Father Keith B. Kenny
Middle School · KG–8
32-minute walk

School Score 37 with 32% math and 42% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Oak Park Preparatory Academy
Middle School · 7–8
23-minute walk Proximitii 2026

High Schools

4.7/10
Sacramento Charter High
High School · 9–12
23-minute walk

School Score 47 with 27% math and 67% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.8/10
Kit Carson International Academy
High School · 7–12
16-minute walk

School Score 28 with 19% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
0.5/10
American Legion High (Continuation)
High School · 9–12
25-minute walk

School Score 5 with 5% math and 5% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Sacramento Charter High
High School · 9–12
23-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Lighthouse (PK-KG) — 22-minute walk
  • St Mary School (PK-8) — 23-minute walk
  • St Francis Catholic High School (9-12) — 28-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary feeds into Sutter Middle, creating a clear neighborhood feeder pattern that many families value for continuity and community.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Elmhurst

Additionally, elmhurst sits roughly 2 miles northeast of downtown Sacramento, placing working professionals within a reasonable commute to state offices and Capitol Park. The neighborhood's 56.6% drive rate reflects Sacramento's car-dependent culture, though the exceptional bike score offers an attractive alternative for shorter trips.

Downtown Sacramento
Drive: 8 to 12 minTransit: 20 to 28 min (limited)
UC Davis Main Campus
Drive: 15 to 20 minTransit: 25 to 35 min (limited)
Sacramento International Airport
Drive: 20 to 25 minTransit: 45 to 60 min (limited)

Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) serves the neighborhood with bus routes along 48th Street and Y Street; however, transit score of 46 indicates most errands require a car or bike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elmhurst

What is the average home price in Elmhurst, Sacramento?

The median home value in Elmhurst is $604,000, notably higher than Sacramento's citywide median of $450,500. This premium reflects the neighborhood's reputation for top-tier schools, mature landscaping, and proximity to parks and biking infrastructure. Prices have remained stable year-over-year, with single-family homes typically ranging from $550,000 to $750,000 depending on lot size, age, and recent updates.

Is Elmhurst a safe neighborhood to live in?

Elmhurst benefits from a low poverty rate of 11.3% (compared to 15.6% citywide) and attracts families and professionals seeking stable, established communities. While no neighborhood is without risk, Elmhurst's density, resident engagement, and proximity to neighborhood services create a generally secure environment. Always verify current crime data with the Sacramento Police Department and local crime maps when evaluating any neighborhood.

Are the schools in Elmhurst good?

Yes. Phoebe A. Additionally, hearst Elementary School scores 86.5 and is widely regarded as one of Sacramento's top public elementary schools, with 62% of Elmhurst adults holding a bachelor's degree. Sutter Middle School (61.5) and Sacramento Charter High (47) also serve the neighborhood, creating a solid K-12 pathway. Private options like St. Mary School and St. Francis Catholic High School provide alternatives for families seeking different curricula or values.

How bikeable is Elmhurst?

Elmhurst is exceptionally bikeable, with a bike score of 93 among the highest in the Sacramento area. Additionally, the neighborhood features dedicated bike lanes, flat terrain, and strong connections to regional trail systems including access to the American River Bike Trail. For active commuters and families, biking to coffee shops like Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, parks, and local schools is safe and practical.

What type of person is Elmhurst best suited for?

Elmhurst attracts established families, professionals, and retirees who value excellent schools, active living, and a mature, affluent community feel. Additionally, the median age of 45.6 and median household income of $113,266 reflect a demographic of stability. Conversely, renters and those seeking nightlife or urban density may find the neighborhood quieter than downtown Sacramento alternatives.

How is the commute from Elmhurst?

Commutes are straightforward for Sacramento-based workers. Downtown Sacramento is 8 to 12 minutes by car, UC Davis is 15 to 20 minutes, and Sacramento International Airport is 20 to 25 minutes. Public transit is limited (transit score of 46), so a reliable car is essential; however, the bike score of 93 makes cycling viable for shorter trips to Coloma Park, Trader Joe's, and local restaurants like University of Beer.

Where this Elmhurst data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Find Your Home in Elmhurst

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