If you’ve lived in Sacramento for more than a few years, you know that the "cool" neighborhoods have shifted. People used to obsess over Midtown or East Sac exclusively. But honestly? Hollywood Park Sacramento CA has quietly become the place where everyone actually wants to buy a house. It isn’t flashy. It doesn't have the high-rise glitz of Downtown. It’s basically a grid of post-war bungalows and massive trees, and that’s exactly why it works.
It’s tucked right between Freeport Boulevard and 24th Street, just south of Land Park. You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times on your way to Raley’s or the Zoo without realizing you were entering one of the most stable real estate pockets in the 916.
What Is It About These Houses?
Hollywood Park isn't your typical suburban sprawl. Most of the homes here were built in the late 1940s and early 1950s. We’re talking about solid, mid-century construction. You’ll see a lot of "California Bungalows" and ranch-style setups.
The charm is real.
Unlike the newer developments in Natomas or Elk Grove, these houses have character. You’ll find original hardwood floors, plaster walls, and fireplaces that actually work. But they are small. If you’re looking for a 3,000-square-foot mansion, you’re in the wrong place. Most homes here hover around 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. It’s cozy. Sometimes too cozy if you have a huge family, but for young professionals or retirees, it’s the "Goldilocks" zone of housing.
People are obsessed with the lots, too. Because these were built in an era before developers tried to squeeze every inch of profit out of a parcel, the backyards are actually usable. You can have a garden, a shed, and a patio without feeling like you’re staring into your neighbor's kitchen window.
The Freeport Boulevard Corridor
Living in Hollywood Park Sacramento CA means your life revolves around Freeport Boulevard. This is the neighborhood's main artery. It’s gritty in some spots and charming in others.
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You have the classics. Taylors Market is technically just north in Land Park, but Hollywood Park residents claim it as their own. It’s arguably the best butcher shop in the city. Then there’s Marie’s Donuts. If you haven't stood in line at 1:00 AM for a warm apple fritter, have you even lived in Sacramento? It’s a local rite of passage.
Then you’ve got the newer stuff. The area is seeing a massive influx of investment. Track 7 Brewing Co. is a short bike ride away in Curtis Park/Hollywood Park border territory. It’s loud, it’s industrial, and the Panic IPA is legendary.
Local Staples You Can't Ignore:
- Two Rivers Cider Company: A total hidden gem. It’s tucked away in an industrial-looking spot on Birney Way. They do live music, it’s kid-friendly, and the cider is crisp without being cloyingly sweet.
- Hollywood Park Elementary: The school is a literal anchor for the community. You see parents walking their kids there every morning. It gives the neighborhood a "small town" vibe in the middle of a capital city.
- The Leonardo da Vinci School: Just down the road, this K-8 school is highly sought after. People literally move to this zip code just to get their kids into the lottery for LdV.
The Real Estate Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. Prices aren't what they were in 2015. Back then, you could snag a cute 2-bed, 1-bath for under $350k. Those days are gone.
Now, Hollywood Park Sacramento CA is firmly in the $500,000 to $650,000 range. Sometimes higher if someone has done a full "down to the studs" renovation with a designer kitchen. Is it expensive? Compared to the Midwest, yes. Compared to the Bay Area? It’s a bargain.
Investors love this area because the rental market is incredibly tight. Because it’s so close to Sacramento City College and the UC Davis Medical Center, there is always someone looking for a lease. But the neighborhood association works hard to keep it from becoming a "rental city." Most people here are owner-occupants who actually care about their lawns.
Why People Choose This Over Land Park or Curtis Park
Land Park is gorgeous, but it’s pricey. It’s "old money" Sacramento. Hollywood Park is like Land Park’s younger, slightly more approachable sibling.
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You get the same proximity to William Land Park (the park itself). You can walk to the Sacramento Zoo, the golf course, and Fairytale Town. But you aren't paying the $1 million premium just for the zip code. You’re getting 90% of the lifestyle for 60% of the price.
The community feel is different, too. It’s less formal. There are more block parties. You see more eclectic lawn art. It feels like a place where you can actually know your neighbors' names without it being weird.
The Logistics: Getting Around
If you commute, Hollywood Park is a dream. You are seconds away from Highway 99 and I-5. You can get to the Golden 1 Center in ten minutes.
Bikeability is also high. Sacramento is flat as a pancake, and the wide streets in Hollywood Park make it easy to get around on two wheels. You can bike to the Sacramento River bike trail in about 15 minutes.
Public transit? It’s okay. The light rail isn't right on top of you (which some residents prefer for noise reasons), but the bus lines on Freeport are reliable enough. Most people here are still car-dependent, though. That’s just the reality of Sacramento life.
Is There a Downside?
Nothing is perfect.
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The proximity to the Executive Airport means you’re going to hear planes. Usually, it’s just small Cessnas and private jets, not massive commercial airliners, but it’s there. You get used to it. Some people even find the flight patterns relaxing.
The neighborhood can also feel a bit "transitional" on the edges. As you get closer to Fruitridge Road, things get a little more industrial and less manicured. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but it’s something to notice if you’re walking the dog late at night.
The "Vibe" Shift
In the last five years, Hollywood Park Sacramento CA has undergone a noticeable shift. You see more young families. You see more Tesla chargers in driveways. You see people renovating those old detached garages into ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).
It’s becoming a hub for the "creative class"—state workers, nurses, and tech transplants who want a yard but don't want to live in a cookie-cutter suburb.
Actionable Steps for Exploring Hollywood Park
If you’re thinking about moving here or just want to spend a day checking it out, don't just drive through. You have to experience it like a local.
- Start with Coffee: Hit up a local spot on Freeport. Grab a latte and just walk the residential streets between 21st and 24th. Look at the architecture. Notice how many people have porch swings.
- Visit the Park: Go to the actual Hollywood Park (the small neighborhood park, not the big Land Park). It’s located at 1565 23rd Ave. It’s modest, but it’s the heart of the area.
- Check the Listing History: If you're a buyer, look at "sold" data, not just active listings. This neighborhood moves fast. Homes often go pending in under 7 days.
- Eat at a "No-Frills" Spot: Go to Dads Kitchen. Their "Dads Burger" was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s a staple for a reason.
- Talk to a Neighbor: People here are generally friendly. Ask them about the neighborhood association. The Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association (HPNA) is actually one of the most active in the city, organizing movie nights and neighborhood clean-ups.
Hollywood Park isn't trying to be the next big thing. It’s just a solid, soulful neighborhood that offers a high quality of life without the pretension of the more famous Sacramento districts. It’s a place where the houses have stories and the streets have shade. Whether you're buying your first home or just looking for a better place to grab a donut, it's a slice of Sacramento that feels exactly like home.