About South Natomas

South Natomas is an established residential and commercial neighborhood in the northwest corner of Sacramento, California. Developed primarily during the 1950s through the 1980s, South Natomas is home to roughly 28,000 residents and is known for its diverse community, tree-lined streets, and close proximity to downtown Sacramento — just minutes via Interstate 5.

Unlike its newer neighbor to the north, South Natomas has a well-established character with a strong mix of longtime residents, small businesses, and community institutions. It is served by the Natomas Unified School District and falls under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento Police Department.

South Natomas Fast Facts

Major Streets & Corridors

South Natomas is served by several key streets that connect residents to shopping, schools, parks, and freeways. Truxel Road runs north-south and serves as the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, connecting to I-80 and the American River Parkway. West El Camino Avenue is a major east-west corridor lined with shopping centers and services. San Juan Road provides another key east-west connection, and Northgate Boulevard serves as the neighborhood’s primary commercial strip, running through the heart of South Natomas and into the adjacent Gardenland-Northgate community.

Other key streets include Del Paso Road, Pebblewood Drive, Woodbridge Parkway, Garden Highway along the southern edge, and Aaron Drive. Both I-5 and I-80 provide direct freeway access, putting downtown Sacramento roughly 10 minutes away.

Shopping, Dining & Businesses

Grocery Stores

South Natomas residents have several grocery options. Bel Air (1540 W El Camino Ave) is a neighborhood staple and one of the most popular grocery stores in the area. Grocery Outlet (1630 W El Camino Ave) offers deep discounts on name-brand products. FoodMaxx on Northgate Boulevard provides a warehouse-style grocery option. Foods Co on Northgate is another affordable option for everyday shopping.

Shopping Centers

Discovery Plaza at Truxel Road and West El Camino Avenue is anchored by Bel Air and serves as a major retail hub for South Natomas. Garden Plaza Shopping Center (2201 Northgate Blvd) and Northgate Plaza Shopping Center (2251 Northgate Blvd) anchor the Northgate commercial corridor.

Restaurants & Fast Food

The Northgate Boulevard corridor is known throughout Sacramento for its diverse dining options. Local favorites include Kiki’s Chicken Place, Algo Bueno, Casa Lola, Hot Off the Griddle, El Bramido, La Mini Birrieria, and Anthony’s Italian Cuisine. National chains on Northgate include McDonald’s (3773 Northgate Blvd), Carl’s Jr. (3776 Northgate Blvd), KFC (2580 Northgate Blvd), Jack in the Box, IHOP (3800 Northgate Blvd), and Subway (3645 Northgate Blvd).

Gas Stations

South Natomas has multiple fuel options along its main corridors. Chevron ExtraMile locations are at 2449 and 2500 Northgate Blvd. Shell (3430 Northgate Blvd at San Juan Rd) is a 24-hour station serving the community.

Hotels & Lodging

Motel 6 (3796 Northgate Blvd) is located off I-80 near the heart of South Natomas. Extended Stay America provides longer-term lodging options for visitors and workers in the area.

Auto & Services

AutoZone (3000 Northgate Blvd) serves the neighborhood’s automotive needs. Quick Quack Car Wash (3436 Northgate Blvd) is a popular express car wash with unlimited membership options. Lola’s Laundry (2369 Northgate Blvd) and Northgate Launderland (3274 Northgate Blvd) serve residents’ laundry needs.

Beauty & Hair

King’s Wigs & Beauty Supply (661 San Juan Rd at Northgate Blvd) has been serving Northern California since 1974 with wigs, hair, and beauty products. It’s My Hair Salon (3830 Northgate Blvd), Axis Barbershop (2850 Northgate Blvd), and Northgate Haircut & Nails (2435 Northgate Blvd) round out the hair and beauty options on the corridor.

Other Businesses

Billionaire Family Recycling (1500 W El Camino Ave, behind Bel Air) serves the community’s recycling needs. Rainbow Shops (3307 Northgate Blvd) offers affordable women’s clothing. California Check Cashing (2433 Northgate Blvd) provides financial services to residents.

Schools in South Natomas

South Natomas is served by the Natomas Unified School District, which serves over 16,000 students across the Natomas area.

Elementary & K-8 Schools

• American Lakes Elementary (K-8)
• Bannon Creek Elementary (K-8)
• Jefferson Elementary (K-8) — 2001 Pebblewood Drive, 95833
• Two Rivers Elementary — 3201 West River Drive, 95833

High School

Natomas High School — located near Interstate 80, Natomas High serves approximately 1,200 students in grades 9–12 and is home to the Nighthawks.

Parks in South Natomas

South Natomas is home to several neighborhood parks maintained by the City of Sacramento Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment.

• South Natomas Community Park (2881 Truxel Rd) — The neighborhood’s main park, featuring Fort Natomas, the Natomas Rose Garden, a pirate-themed adventure playground, picnic areas, and the South Natomas Community Center and Library.
• Ninos Park (708 Northfield Dr) — Features a softball field, basketball court, adventure court, tot lot, and picnic tables. Also connected to the Ninos Parkway Trail.
• Jefferson School Park — Located near Jefferson K-8 School on the west side of South Natomas.
• Rio Tierra Park — Located near San Juan Road on the east side of the neighborhood.
• Northgate Park — Located in the central-southern portion of South Natomas.

The Ninos Parkway Trail is a paved multi-use trail running through South Natomas, connecting parks, schools, and the American River Bike Trail — making it a popular route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.