West Sacramento, across the river and across the county line

One city made from several communities

West Sacramento incorporated in 1987, combining the existing communities of Broderick, Bryte, West Sacramento and Southport into one city. The Port of West Sacramento and its deep-water ship channel cut through the city, and much of the riverfront facing downtown Sacramento has been redeveloped with apartments, townhomes, offices and a ballpark. Because it is in Yolo County, property records, taxes and the assessor are Yolo County’s, and utilities are arranged differently from the Sacramento side.

The Yolo County guide explains the county-level differences, and the Sacramento guide covers the city across the river.

Housing across the city

Broderick, Bryte and the older core

North of the ship channel, the older neighborhoods have homes from many decades, including small early 20th-century houses, postwar homes and later infill, often on modest lots. Inspections here focus on foundations, electrical, plumbing, sewer laterals and permit history for additions.

The riverfront

Near the bridges to downtown, newer townhomes, condominiums and apartments line the river. These usually come with HOAs and sometimes with special taxes, and their appeal is the walk or short ride into downtown Sacramento.

Southport

South of the ship channel, Southport has been built out largely since the 1990s with single-family subdivisions, parks and newer schools. Expect HOAs in some neighborhoods and community facilities district special taxes in many.

Levees and flood insurance

West Sacramento is surrounded by water: the Sacramento River to the east, the Yolo Bypass to the west and the ship channel through the middle. Levees protect most of the city, and the West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency has carried out levee improvements funded in part through assessments. For any address:

• Look up the current FEMA flood map and confirm the zone.
• Ask the lender whether flood insurance will be required, and get a quote even if it isn’t.
• Read the tax bill for flood-control assessments.

Utilities and costs

SMUD doesn’t serve Yolo County, so PG&E delivers electricity and gas in West Sacramento. Water and sewer come from the city. Buyers moving from the Sacramento side should ask for a year of bills to compare. The total monthly cost also depends on special taxes, HOA dues and flood insurance, so build the full picture before you compare prices with homes across the river.

Getting around

The Tower Bridge and other crossings connect West Sacramento directly to downtown Sacramento, and Interstate 80 and Highway 50 pass through the city. Bus routes cross the river, and many riverfront residents walk or bike into downtown. From Southport, the drive depends on bridge access; test it at the hours you’d commute. Davis is a short drive west on Interstate 80.

Buying and selling

1. 01Confirm the parcel is in West Sacramento and look it up with the Yolo County Assessor.
2. 02Check the FEMA flood map and price flood insurance.
3. 03Read the tax bill for special taxes and assessments, and the HOA documents if an association applies.
4. 04For older homes, look closely at permits, foundations and sewer laterals.
5. 05Ask for a year of PG&E and city utility bills.

Dan’s buyer guidance covers inspections. Sellers can read the West Sacramento home-selling guide and request a comparative market analysis. If you’re moving from the Sacramento side, see moving between Sacramento-area counties.

This guide describes property, travel, costs and services, not who lives in any neighborhood. For school assignment, confirm with the school district for the specific address.

Common questions

Is West Sacramento part of Sacramento?

No. It is a separate city in Yolo County. It faces downtown Sacramento across the river, but its taxes, records, utilities and city services are separate.

Do West Sacramento homes need flood insurance?

It depends on the current FEMA flood zone and the lender. Much of the city is protected by levees; check the map for the address and get a quote early.

Who provides electricity in West Sacramento?

PG&E delivers electricity and gas. SMUD serves Sacramento County, not Yolo County, so bills are structured differently from homes across the river.

Official sources

Records and rules are parcel-specific, so look up the exact address with the responsible agency.

• City of West SacramentoPlanning, permits, water and city services.(opens in a new tab)
• Yolo CountyAssessor, Clerk-Recorder, Tax Collector and county planning.(opens in a new tab)
• FEMA Flood Map Service CenterFlood zone lookup for a specific address.(opens in a new tab)
• FloodSmart (National Flood Insurance Program)How flood insurance works, what it covers and what affects cost.(opens in a new tab)
• Cal OES MyHazardsFlood, fire and earthquake hazard lookup by address.(opens in a new tab)

Local rules, districts and fees change. This guide is general information, not legal, tax, insurance or lending advice, and it describes places by property, travel, costs and services, never by who lives there.