Midtown Sacramento - Sacramento, CA

Midtown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sacramento and was the site of the first European settlement in the city, known as Sutter's Fort. The site has been restored, and visitors can tour the grounds and view exhibits chronicling the history of California. The State Indian Museum located adjacent to the fort contains Native American artifacts like tools, baskets and jewelry.

The strong arts scene in the neighborhood provides many galleries for viewing art and hosts frequent festivals. The 2nd Saturday Art Walk Exhibit draws visitors to view artwork in local businesses and galleries while enjoying food from vendors and live music. The Midtown Arts Collective at Ellis sponsors art galleries, provides art classes and serves as a venue for concerts. During the Halloween festival, local businesses open their doors to trick-or-treaters, and costumed dogs parade the streets.

When it's time to dine, residents of Midtown enjoy many restaurant options that encompass all types of cuisine. Many locals consider the sunshine roll, stuffed with crab tempura, spicy tuna and fried leeks, from Kru Restaurant to be the best sushi roll in the area. For dessert, the fried cheesecake topped with a scoop of the famous green tea ice cream remains a favorite as well. The upscale atmosphere makes the restaurant a popular location for dates and special occasion dinners.

People indulge in Thai food like pumpkin curry and param chicken at the Coconut Midtown. With many vegan and gluten-free options, the restaurant can satisfy any dietary restrictions. Wash down the meal with a cold glass of Thai iced tea, which comes with free refills. Draft beers for $3 during happy hour attract many patrons as well.

Hang out with friends while enjoying a giant pretzel and pint of beer from the Midtown BierGarten. The draft beer selection of more than 32 brews draws a large crowd, as do games of cornhole and ping pong. The establishment is entirely outdoors, so patrons can take in city views during the day and see the stars at night. Because the restaurant does not have televisions or music, it emphasizes on socializing with others around the large tables rather than dancing.

Residents have access to many bars and clubs for nightlife options. The upscale bar Red Rabbit provides drink options and modern twists on bar food such as the fried rabbit, one of the signature dishes. The bar menu features several unique cocktails, including the Krakow Salt Mine, a drink that combines vodka, cider and ginger beer. Also on the menu are daily specials, an extensive wine list and a selection of California draft beers.

Residents have many options for getting around the neighborhood. Continuous bike lanes on streets make biking easy and safe, and wide sidewalks and crosswalks at intersections make walking another popular mode of transportation. The Sacramento Regional Transit operates several bus routes and light rail lines that run through the neighborhood. Many garages throughout Midtown provide parking places. Uber services the area, and residents can call a taxi company to arrange a cab ride.

The Capital City Freeway and Lincoln Highway on the edges of town facilitate traveling to surrounding areas. Residents can also access many major cities using Amtrak, including Seattle, Los Angeles and the Bay area.

The rows of houses and businesses have left little room for parks and open spaces in Midtown Sacramento. Marshall Park provides a playground for children and horseshoe pits. People enjoy relaxing on the benches and taking dogs for walks through the park.

For more recreational opportunities, head to Sutter's Landing Regional Park, where amenities include basketball courts, a skate park and bicycle trails. People also walk their dogs in the fenced-off dog park and enjoy strolls along the banks of the American River. The American River Parkway, a 23-mile trail that connects many parks in the county, also runs through Sutter's Landing. Free admission and ample parking add to the appeal of this large park.

Cultural festivals, street fairs, historic home tours, long-distance runs, art and music fests and parades can be found on Sacramento's long list of annual events and celebrations.

Residents pay for the amenities they enjoy with a cost of living that's 14 percent higher than the Sacramento average. However, this cost of living is still relatively affordable by California standards, as it sits 6 percent below the average for the state. The median monthly rent runs around $1,274 for a one-bedroom residence and gas prices remain 6 percent above the national average. Expect to pay about $6 for a pint of beer at a local bar. A single ride on the city bus costs $2.50, and for $6, riders can use the buses for a whole day.

Midtown has many shopping opportunities, including several boutiques and high-end stores. Pick out a new dress or top at Identity Boutique. This hip, upscale shop contains great collections of jewelry and scarves that provide the perfect finishing touches to any outfit.

Get in touch with your spiritual side by purchasing incense or candles at Sunlight of the Spirit Books and Gifts. Statues and Tibetan banners add a bit of the Far East to your home. Customers also come to attend classes on meditation techniques as well as the large selection of self-help and healing books.

When it comes to grocery shopping, many locals shop at Safeway and at many smaller markets, such as Bonair Market. People also head to Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op to buy bulk items, natural foods and local produce. The Midtown Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine, and it features ready-to-eat food vendors, live music, and local fruits and vegetables.