Moving to the seventh-largest city in California can be intimidating — especially when you don’t know which neighborhoods you should consider moving into. However, there are several Sacramento neighborhoods that consistently rank near the top as some of the best places to live in the state’s capital.

Downtown
If you want to live in the heart of Sacramento, moving downtown is for you. Downtown Sacramento features luxury high-rises with dining and nightlife just a short walk away. However, parking could be at a premium — or pricey.

Arden-Arcade
Found east of downtown, the Arden-Arcade area is considered one of the more developed areas of Sacramento County and offers many options for renters. The American River Parkway, featuring a 26-mile hike and bike trail, can be found in this area. Sacramento Magazine put Arden Park on its list of best Sacramento neighborhoods for its laid-back feel.

Oak Park
Close to downtown Sacramento, Oak Park could be having what is considered a comeback. A vibrant part of Sacramento in the early 1900s, Oak Park hit a slump a few decades ago. However, community groups have helped return Oak Park to a neighborhood to consider moving into if you’re headed to Sacramento. Though they are tackling crime, it can still occasionally be a problem in the area.

Natomas
One of the last places in Sacramento to see major development, a residential housing boom in the past couple of decades has made this a major growth area. Close to the Sacramento International Airport, Natomas also offers easy access to Interstates 5 and 80, ideal for commuters.

East Sacramento
Found east of downtown and midtown, East Sacramento is conveniently located to California State University and features within it 32-acre McKinley Park and the “Fabulous Forties” neighborhood. Former President Ronald Reagan once lived in this area while serving as California’s governor.

Pocket-Greenhaven
Located near Interstate-5, the Pocket-Greenhaven community is home to a mix of residents from diverse backgrounds. About 10 minutes from downtown, it is considered one of the most racially and economically diverse parts of Sacramento. It features more than a dozen public parks.

Curtis Park
Dating back to the early 1900s, Curtis Park features diverse architecture and tree-lined streets, located minutes from downtown Sacramento. It features the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, as well as different festivals during the year.

Midtown
Just east of downtown is the neighborhood called Midtown, featuring tree-lined streets and Victorian-style houses. You’ll find shopping and nightlife here, along with casual dining. A diverse mixture of racial and economic backgrounds, Midtown offers pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly areas through the neighborhood, along with an established public transit system.

Tahoe Park
Named for the park at its center, the Tahoe Park neighborhood has also been undergoing a resurgence in recent years after a decline in the 1960s. An alternative to pricier neighborhoods, Tahoe Park is becoming a destination for first-time home buyers.

Land Park
Featuring the Sacramento Zoo and easy driving distance to Interstate-5, the Land Park neighborhood also features other kid-friendly parks, Funderland and Fairy Tale Town. The historic neighborhood is near downtown Sacramento, and has wide streets, shady trees and an active neighborhood association.

Regardless of which neighborhood you choose, do a little research. The city of Sacramento maintains a database of neighborhood associations so you can find contact information and even who represents that district. And the Sacramento Public Library has information about neighborhoods’ histories that may help you choose which one is best for you.