In the heart of East Sacramento, bounded by grand treelined streets, is a residential district renowned not only for its historical significance but also its architectural beauty and community spirit. This is the Fabulous Forties neighborhood, so named because of the numbered avenues it occupies—40th through 49th, between J Street and Folsom Boulevard. While the wider East Sacramento area is prized for its charm and local amenities, the Fabulous Forties stands out as a distinctive and revered enclave.
Fabulous Forties History
East Sacramento's development began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the Fabulous Forties neighborhood experienced its rise to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. During this period, the city experienced significant population and economic booms, leading to extensive residential growth. The homes built in the Forties during this time were grand, reflecting the aspirations of the city’s growing middle and upper class.
Fabulous Forties Architecture
The Fabulous Forties is often hailed as one of Sacramento's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods, and a leisurely stroll down its avenues will show you why: Tudor, Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts, California Bungalow—premier examples of these classic architectural styles have been wowing visitors who are not even architecture buffs since the neighborhood’s beginnings. Homes here are also known for their spacious lots, which are larger than the typical properties found elsewhere in East Sacramento. Mature gardens, some of which have been tended for almost 100 years, have made garden tours in the area an annual event.
Notable Fabulous Forties Residents
While a home in the “Fab 40s” has always been a prestigious address in Sacramento, its national profile got a boost when a notable former resident became the 40th President of the United States. Ronald Reagan lived at 1341 45th Street from 1967 to 1975 during his gubernatorial tenure in California. In the decades since, many of Sacramento's movers and shakers, from politicians to business magnates, have chosen to live here. The area became even more known with the release of Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird: It’s the location of the famous “Blue House” where Lady Bird says she wishes she could live.
Things to Do in the Fabulous Forties
The annual Christmas celebration the community puts on is a highlight on the neighborhood calendar. Homes are beautifully decorated, and the streets come alive with lights, making it a favorite spot to take in the holiday spirit. (Sac Brew Bike even offers a 90-minute caroling pedal tour of the neighborhood every December.) If you are visiting during the rest of the year, boutique shops and cafes offer a break from oohing and ahhing at the homes, and you can always visit William McKinley Park. With its rose garden, pond, and playground, it serves as the neighborhood’s communal backyard and gathering spot.
