Halloween in East Sacramento – The Best Neighborhood for Trick-or-Treating
Sacramento, California, is a city known for its diverse neighborhoods. One such neighborhood that stands out is East Sacramento. Nicknamed “East Sac”, this neighborhood offers a unique blend of residential charm, tree-lined streets, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
East Sacramento is known for its historic charm while embracing modern amenities. The streets are lined with beautiful Craftsman and Tudor-style homes, many of which date back to the early 1900s. The preservation of these architectural gems adds to the neighborhood’s unique character.
My husband and I are local East Sacramento residents, so we obviously have a bit of bias towards our home neighborhood. But you can ask most Sacramento locals and they will tell you, East Sac is an idillic place to be.
The Fab 40s in East Sacramento
The Fabulous 40’s neighborhood in East Sacramento is a grand and historic neighborhood named after its streets, which are numbered in the 40s. The lore of the these blocks is described in detail in the Sacramento-based movie Lady Bird, in which the Blue House on 44th Street and M Street is the focus of many scenes.
As you enter the Fab 40s, you’ll be greeted by streets that are lined with enormous towering trees. The lush canopies of these trees create a serene and shaded ambiance, making it an especially pleasant place to walk. The area is renowned for its stunning array of well-preserved historic homes. While walking, you’ll encounter a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival, Tudor, Mediterranean, Georgian, and more. Each home tells a story of a bygone era, with intricate detailing, manicured gardens, and elegant facades.
Trick-or-Treating in the Fab 40’s
When you’re a parent to young children, trick-or-treating can be scary for a whole different set of reasons beyond haunted houses. Finding a safe place to bring your children on Halloween is really important, which is why so many families go to East Sacramento.
The Fab 40’s is also where you’ll find some of the best decorated houses for both Halloween and Christmas. Most of the homes are filled with lights, lawn decorations, festive themes and even music. During Halloween, the Fab 40s transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Residents spare no expense in decorating their homes, turning the neighborhood into a festive and spooky destination.
Between 42nd St to 46th St, between J St and Folsom Blvd, the streets are blocked off to cars and the families can walk freely in the street and trick-or-treat at the houses. The homes have well-lit pathways for the children to see where they are going. The residents are generous with their candy and treats. It’s very common for trick-or-treaters to receive full size king candy bars. And it’s not just about the quantity of candy but also the enthusiasm and warmth of the homeowners that make the experience memorable.
Parking in East Sacramento During Halloween
While East Sacramento’s Fab 40s is famous for their elaborate Halloween displays and generous trick-or-treating candy, the influx of visitors can make parking a tricky endeavor. Pretty much everyone is Sacramento is coming to the same place on Halloween, which only has street parking available. It’s not uncommon for visitors to cruise slowly through the streets in search of parking, contributing to traffic congestion.
The only advice I can give is visitors should arrive as early as possible to secure a parking spot. Or take an Uber or Lyft to the area, and avoid parking all together. The parking spots start to fill up by 4:30pm, even when there’s still daylight outside.
