Larchmont Riviera - Sacramento, CA

The famous California Gold Rush defines the history of Sacramento, but there are many other events that helped shape the area near Larchmont Riviera.

Named after the Sacramento River -- which itself was named by Spanish cavalry officer Gabriel Moraga -- the Sacramento Valley area was once inhabited by Native American Maidu tribes before Spanish European explorers discovered it. Conquistadors claimed it as part of the Spanish Empire called New Spain, but it was at first deemed unfit for colonization and sat untouched before the gold rush began in 1848 with the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in nearby Coloma.

Sacramento houses an extensive art scene. The Sacramento Art Walk runs late into the evening on the second Saturday of each month. Most galleries are clustered in the Uptown Arts District and Midtown areas. Visit one of the many museums nearby, including the famous Crocker Art Museum.

Seek out one of many diverse ethnic cuisines in the area, from Moroccan to Japanese. At night, locals congregate at one of dozens of pubs and lounges for drinking, dancing and socializing.

Order the Sultan's Feast at Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant on Fair Oaks. Watch a belly dancer while you chow down on four courses of Moroccan food plates, including lamb kebabs, hummus and ample slices of pita bread.

At Sae Jong Teriyaki, tempura cooked to order tastes light and crisp. Because it is tucked in between a gas station and a donut shop, this hole-in-the-wall is easy to miss. Try the sesame chicken or the jalapeño tempura dishes for a treat. To avoid ATM fees, remember to bring cash if you're ordering a meal under $10.

At Roma Pizzeria, sample Giuseppe-style pizza with a thick hearty crust. For an added benefit at this mom and pop Italian joint, enjoy combo pizza options, pairing the specialty margherita with the sausage olive pizza.

Sacramento has an extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, street cars and trains. Many people commute via light rail or train.

Taking public transportation from Larchmont Riviera to downtown Sacramento couldn't be easier. The Gold Line light rail train will take you directly there. In addition, downtown Amtrak routes connect directly with the San Francisco Bay Area. Many people use automobiles to travel. Cab companies are abundant, but you’ll want to call one up beforehand, rather than hailing it from the street. Biking has become a favorite pastime for Sacramento residents. With flat accessible streets and ample bike lanes, you’ll find bicyclists riding for commute or exercise at most hours of the day. The El Dorado Freeway can be accessed from within the neighborhood, for connection to Highway 99 as well as Interstates 305 and 5. You'll find walking around the neighborhood to be a delight, with the American River right beside you.

Most parks in the area are free for anyone who chooses to visit them. The American River Parkway operates as a haven for outdoor activities in the spring and summer months -- from water rafting to outdoor barbecue. It can be accessed easily from the neighborhood on foot.

For a public swimming pool, head to Arden Park. A flat rate will get you into the pool for the day. Head to Glenbrook Dog Park for a romp with your pooch, bringing the kids along for jungle gym play. Tahoe Park provides exercise stations for those wishing to engage in outdoor fitness.

If you love music, attend the Sacramento Electronic Music Festival in May. For food lovers, the East Sacramento Edible Gardens Tour takes place in September and the annual Sacramento VegFest happens in June.

Average one-bedroom apartments range around $632 a month, making this community very affordable for those seeking the California lifestyle without the high ticket cost. Beer at the local pub runs from $3 for specials to an average of $5. Gas comes in 17 percent lower than the national average. A trip on the light rail to downtown Sacramento will cost you $2.50.

A mecca for shopping, Sacramento contains many malls, strip malls and outlet stores. Locals head to the Arden Fair Mall for movies, designer brands, including Nordstrom and Armani, and a food court. For a different adventure, head north to the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, which contains practically every designer brand you can imagine as well as many specialty boutiques.

Just north of this neighborhood sits Arden-Arcade with plenty of local shops. Kinetic Cycles sells the best, high-end bicycles for all of your outdoor adventuring needs. Staff size you for a great-looking machine so you can pedal through the miles of nearby trails with ease.

For groceries, choose from Raley's, Safeway, Save Mart, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. You can find a farmer's market for every day of the week in Sacramento. A few farmer's markets dot the landscape by downtown Sacramento, including East Sacramento Farmers Market near McKinley Park. Local producers sell seasonal fruits and veggies every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.