Student Housing in Sacramento, CA
Student Housing in Sacramento, CA
$1,650+/unit
Fees may applyCadillac Drive Townhomes
$1,150+/unit
Fees may applyHornet Commons Student Housing
About Student Housing in Sacramento
Sacramento's student housing market is centered on Sacramento State, but UC Davis students who want more urban options commute from here too. Sac State sits on the eastern edge of the city in the Tahoe Park neighborhood, and students cluster in the blocks directly around campus as well as in Midtown and East Sacramento for students who prioritize walkability and neighborhood character over campus proximity. Rents are moderate by California standards — Sacramento remains one of the more affordable large California cities — but prices have risen significantly as Bay Area workers have relocated here. Light rail connects the main student neighborhoods to campus and downtown.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Sacramento
Near Sac State (College Town / Tahoe Park)
The immediate campus area — apartment complexes designed for students, walking distance to class. Fills earlier each year as enrollment grows.
Midtown Sacramento
The most walkable and vibrant neighborhood in the city — dense, walkable, and connected by light rail to Sac State. More expensive than the campus zone but with real neighborhood character. Popular with upperclassmen and grad students.
Land Park / East Sacramento
Quieter residential neighborhoods between campus and downtown. A mix of apartments and older house rentals. Good light rail access and more affordable than Midtown.
Getting Around Sacramento as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Sacramento.
Public Transit
Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) light rail connects Sac State to downtown Sacramento along the Gold Line. Bus routes cover the broader city. For students near a rail station, the campus commute is straightforward without a car.
Walking and Biking
Midtown Sacramento is genuinely walkable and one of the better cycling neighborhoods in the city. The American River Bike Trail is one of the best urban bike trails in California, running from downtown to Folsom. Near Sac State, biking is practical for campus trips.
Parking
Campus parking is available with a permit and not as competitive as Bay Area schools. Most neighborhoods have easy street parking. Having a car in Sacramento is convenient but not necessary if you are near light rail.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Sacramento
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Sacramento is more affordable than most California cities. Shared units near Sac State run $700-$1,050/mo per person. Midtown pushes higher at $950-$1,300/mo but includes walkable amenities. It is one of the better value markets among California university cities.
The campus area in Tahoe Park for proximity. Midtown for walkability and quality of life. East Sacramento and Land Park for a quieter residential feel at mid-range prices. All are connected by light rail to Sac State.
Yes, near light rail. SacRT's Gold Line connects Sac State to downtown and Midtown. Bus coverage fills gaps. For most students at Sac State, going car-free is manageable if you live near a rail station.
December through March for the following fall. The campus area fills first. Midtown has more turnover and availability into spring. The market is not as compressed as Bay Area schools.
Available from private landlords in the campus area and Midtown. Sac State students on co-ops or summer programs create a modest sublet market. More flexibility here than in tight Bay Area markets.
On Find My Place, Gio leads in Sacramento with a 5/5 overall rating across 5 reviews. American River Commons (5/5) and Estates at Wilhaggin (5/5) round out the top three. These are the places that consistently rate well across location, value, social, management, and quality — start here if you want a safe pick.
Gio tops the social rating in Sacramento at 5/5 — students consistently flag the vibe and amenities. Close behind: American River Commons (5/5) and Estates at Wilhaggin (5/5). Pick from these if you don't want to chase a social scene from your apartment.
Gio holds the highest management rating in Sacramento at 5/5. American River Commons (5/5) and Estates at Wilhaggin (5/5) follow. Management ratings track responsiveness, transparency, and how landlords handle problems — the things you'll feel every month, not just on tour.
Top quality picks on Find My Place in Sacramento: Gio (5/5), American River Commons (5/5), and Estates at Wilhaggin (5/5). Quality ratings cover the physical state — appliances, finishes, maintenance — so this is the list to start with if you want a place that holds up after move-in.
Most students in Sacramento cluster in Near Sac State (College Town / Tahoe Park), Midtown Sacramento, and Land Park / East Sacramento. These neighborhoods are the natural starting point for any housing search — close to campus, walkable, and where current students consistently land. See the "Best Neighborhoods for Students" section above for what each one is actually like.
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