Is Campus Commons, Sacramento a Good Place to Live?

Is Campus Commons, Sacramento a Good Place to Live?

A moderate-density East Sacramento neighborhood balancing affordability with educated households and easy freeway access.

Educated & Established
COLLEGE-ADJACENTCAR-DEPENDENTSTRONG SCHOOLSMATURE HOUSEHOLDSBIKEABLE POCKETS

About Campus Commons in Sacramento

Campus Commons, Sacramento is a residential neighborhood anchored by proximity to Sacramento State University and defined by established, educated households with median incomes of $85,841 well above the city average. Additionally, the area skews mature, with a median age of 50.7 years and only 2.7 percent of households containing children, making it less family-oriented than many East Sacramento alternatives. Home values here average $512,400, roughly 14 percent above the broader city median, reflecting both the neighborhood's stability and its appeal to investors and remote workers seeking quiet, walkable-to-moderate living without the congestion of downtown.

Boundary note: Campus Commons is bounded by Fair Oaks Boulevard to the west, Howe Avenue to the east, and extends primarily between Swarthmore Avenue and the American River, positioning it within easy reach of the university district.

Real Estate Market in Campus Commons

Campus Commons at a glance
Median home price$512.4k
Year over year changeNot specified
Price per sq ftNot specified
Median rent$1,704
Typical days on marketNot specified
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score31
Transit Score37
Bike Score69

Additionally, the neighborhood maintains steady demand from both owner-occupants and investors, with 49 percent of homes owner-occupied and median rents holding at $1,704 monthly. Competition remains moderate, with pricing stable relative to the broader Sacramento market.

$512.4k
Not specified YoY
Median Price
Not specified
Price / Sq Ft
$1,704
Median Rent
Not specified
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Additionally, buyers in Campus Commons should anticipate solid competition from both owner-occupants and rental investors. Condition and location within the neighborhood matter significantly; homes closer to university access points or near parks may command premium offers.

Who Thrives in Campus Commons

G
First-time Buyers
Good fit

Additionally, campus Commons offers entry-level access to an educated, stable neighborhood at prices modestly above city average, though the car-dependent layout requires comfort with driving.

F
Families
Fair fit

Additionally, strong public schools like Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary (86.5) exist nearby, but the very low percentage of households with children signals this is not a family hub; walkability scores are low.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, stable rents, established tenancy, proximity to university demand, and 51 percent renter concentration make Campus Commons attractive for buy-and-hold or short-term rental strategies.

E
Remote Workers
Excellent fit

Additionally, with 18.9 percent working from home and a bike score of 69, remote workers enjoy quiet residential streets, manageable commutes for occasional in-office days, and reasonable cost of living.

E
Retirees
Excellent fit

Additionally, the mature demographic (median age 50.7), established infrastructure, low child density, and proximity to healthcare and shopping make this an ideal quiet-living option for empty-nesters and retirees.

Property Types in Campus Commons

Single-Family Homes
55%
$450k to $600k

Older construction predominates; many built 1960s-1980s on conventional lots near parks and university corridors.

Condos & Townhomes
35%
$350k to $500k

Common along Howe and Fair Oaks; appeal to investors and downsizers seeking low-maintenance ownership.

Multi-Unit Investment Properties
10%
$550k to $750k

Scattered throughout; popular with institutional and individual investors targeting the university rental market.

Living in Campus Commons, Sacramento

Daily life in Campus Commons centers on quiet, tree-lined streets, proximity to University Park and Alumni Grove for recreation, and easy access to neighborhood shopping and dining. The bike score of 69 reflects decent cycling infrastructure in pockets, particularly along Howe Avenue corridors where Safeway, Raley's, and casual dining options like The Melt and Tasty Dumpling cluster. However, the walk score of 31 signals strong car dependence; most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with 58.2 percent driving to work. <h3>Recreation & Dining</h3> The neighborhood supports active outdoor living through neighborhood parks and the East Sac Bike Shop presence, while coffee culture thrives with multiple Starbucks and Java City within walking or short biking distance. Fitness options include The Well gym, and nearby Buckhorn BBQ+grill and Urban Plates provide casual dining without requiring long drives. Given the mature household profile, the pace tends toward established routines rather than nightlife or high-energy scenes.

31/100
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
37/100
Transit Score
Some Transit
69/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • The Melt · 11 min walk
  • Cold Stone Creamery · 11 min walk
  • Tasty Dumpling · 12 min walk
  • Urban Plates · 12 min walk
  • Buckhorn BBQ+grill · 12 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 12 min walk
  • Starbucks · 13 min walk
  • Starbucks · 14 min walk
  • Starbucks · 14 min walk
  • Java City · 14 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • University Park · 12 min walk
  • Alumni Grove · 12 min walk
  • Glen Hall Park · 26 min walk
  • Hall Park · 26 min walk
  • Oak Meadow Park · 27 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Safeway · 13 min walk
  • Raley's · 16 min walk
  • Ettore’s Bakery & Cafe · 18 min walk
  • Save Mart · 23 min walk
  • Moonbelly Bakery · 26 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • The Well · 20 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Medical History Museum · 29 min walk

Annual events: Sacramento State Homecoming (fall), East Sacramento Art & Wine Festival (spring)

Schools Near Campus Commons, Sacramento

Campus Commons residents benefit from proximity to strong elementary schools and private options, though middle and high school choices are more limited and farther afield. Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary (86.5 rating) stands as the neighborhood anchor, with Caleb Greenwood Elementary (71.5) providing a solid secondary option for younger learners.

Elementary Schools

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

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

Proximitii 2026
7.2/10
Caleb Greenwood Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
27-minute walk

School Score 71.5 with 66% math and 77% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

5.0/10
Sierra Oaks K-8
Middle School · KG–8
30-minute walk

School Score 49.5 with 43% math and 56% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.5/10
California Montessori Project – Capitol Campus
Middle School · KG–8
32-minute walk

School Score 44.5 with 32% math and 57% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
California Montessori Project – Capitol Campus
Middle School · KG–8
32-minute walk Proximitii 2026

High Schools

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

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

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Shalom School (PK-6) — 21-minute walk
  • St Mary School (PK-8) — 29-minute walk
  • Lighthouse (PK-KG) — 36-minute walk
  • St Francis Catholic High School (9-12) — 24-minute walk
  • Sacramento Country Day School (PK-12) — 29-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Sierra Oaks K-8 (49.5) offers continuity for families staying in the neighborhood through middle school; private alternatives like Shalom School and St. Mary School serve specific faith-based communities.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Campus Commons

Additionally, the neighborhood's proximity to Sacramento State and major freeway corridors (Highway 50, Business 80) makes commuting straightforward for drivers, though transit options remain limited compared to downtown. Most residents drive; 58.2 percent commute by car, and 18.9 percent work from home.

Downtown Sacramento
Drive: 12 to 18 minTransit: 35 to 50 min
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Drive: 25 to 35 minTransit: limited
Fair Oaks tech corridor
Drive: 15 to 25 minTransit: 40 to 60 min

Additionally, regional Transit (RT) serves the neighborhood via stops at Fair Oaks + Cadillac and Fair Oaks + Campus Commons; transit score of 37 reflects minimal coverage and longer wait times typical of mid-density Sacramento neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Campus Commons

What is the average home price in Campus Commons, Sacramento?

The median home value in Campus Commons is $512,400, roughly 14 percent above Sacramento's city-wide median of $450,500. Single-family homes typically range from $450,000 to $600,000, while condos and townhomes occupy the $350,000 to $500,000 band. Prices reflect the neighborhood's stable, educated demographic and proximity to university employment.

Is Campus Commons, Sacramento a good neighborhood to live in?

Campus Commons suits established households, remote workers, investors, and retirees seeking quiet, stable living with strong schools nearby. However, low walkability (walk score 31), car dependence, and limited household diversity mean it is less ideal for young families or those prioritizing walkable urban neighborhoods. The true answer depends on your lifestyle priorities.

What schools serve Campus Commons, Sacramento?

Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary (86.5) is the flagship neighborhood school, while Caleb Greenwood Elementary (71.5) offers a strong secondary choice. For middle school, Sierra Oaks K-8 (49.5) provides in-neighborhood continuity, and private options like Shalom School and St. Mary School serve faith-based families. High school students typically attend Kit Carson International Academy or Sacramento Country Day School, both requiring short drives.

Is Campus Commons, Sacramento safe?

Additionally, crime data specific to Campus Commons is not provided, but the neighborhood's mature demographic, established homeownership base, and proximity to university policing suggest typical suburban safety profiles. As with any Sacramento neighborhood, proximity to Fair Oaks Boulevard and transit corridors introduces variable risk.

Who should consider moving to Campus Commons, Sacramento?

Remote workers, retirees, established couples, and buy-and-hold investors find the strongest fit in Campus Commons. The low child density, mature age profile, and car-dependent layout make it less suitable for young families seeking walkable neighborhoods or first-time buyers uncomfortable with car-centric living. The area appeals to those valuing stability and quiet over diversity and urban energy.

How walkable is Campus Commons, Sacramento and what nearby amenities exist?

Campus Commons has a walk score of just 31, indicating car dependence for most errands. However, biking is viable (bike score 69), and scattered amenities like Safeway, Raley's, Java City, and The Melt provide neighborhood access without long drives. University Park and Glen Hall Park offer outdoor recreation, while The Well gym and East Sac Bike Shop cater to active residents.

Where this Campus Commons 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 Campus Commons

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