Natomas is a community in the northwestern section of Sacramento, California.
Natomas is generally divided into two areas by Interstate 80: North Natomas and South Natomas. North Natomas was historically an agricultural area on the floodplains of the Sacramento River but proliferated starting in the mid-1990s with extensive residential development, office park, and retail construction. South Natomas developed predominantly as residential subdivisions from the 1950s to the 1980s, but in 1982, amended its community plan to permit 2.4 million square feet of new office parks along Interstate 5.
As a major center of employment, retail, and entertainment facilities, Natomas is recognized as one of Greater Sacramento’s most essential edge cities (suburban economic centers) by Joel Garreau, who popularized the term. Natomas is generally defined as south of the Sacramento County line, north of the Garden Highway and the American River, west of the Steelhead Creek, and east of the Sacramento River. The neighborhood school district is Natomas Unified School District.
Major Features
ARCO Arena was a major feature of the Natomas area of Sacramento. It was the previous home1 of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, who have since moved to the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento. The arena was torn down in 2022. The Sacramento International Airport is within the bounds of Natomas as defined by Sacramento County, but it is several miles away from the largely populated area of Natomas. Natomas is the closest portion of the city to the airport. Thus, there are many hotels located throughout the Natomas area. Natomas is a historical floodplain and is, therefore, subject to flooding. Another feature of this area is the ease of access to Interstate 5, Interstate 80, and the northern portion of Highway 99’s route through Sacramento, making it a desirable living area for commuting workers. EZ Sacramento Junk Removal
Natomas also has various outdoor spaces, including bike trails and parks. One of the newest additions is North Natomas Regional Park. Although it is being completed in phases, it is home to a water spray area for kids, grassy fields, playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, two dog parks (one for little and another for big dogs), asphalt and concrete paths for walking and riding, and a permanent farmers’ market structure. Jackrabbits, birds of prey, and other wildlife romp in the undeveloped fields adjacent to the developed portions.
Economy
Natomas is a retail and entertainment hub for the metropolitan area, including The Promenade at Sacramento Gateway, anchored by Target, Best Buy, Michaels, TJ Maxx, and Burlington, Natomas Marketplace, anchored by Walmart and Home Depot, and the Park Place Shopping Center, anchored by Kohl’s and Raley’s, with many smaller shopping centers scattered throughout the region. In addition, Northgate Boulevard is home to further retail businesses and hotels. By Joel Garreau, who popularized the idea, Natomas is considered one of the significant edge cities, i.e., suburban economic centers, in Greater Sacramento, CA.
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