Could A’s boost real estate, rentals around West Sacramento stadium? Experts weigh in
The arrival of the Oakland A’s this spring is not likely to have a major impact on the West Sacramento real estate market, though it could if the team stays for good, experts say.
“I’m hesitant to think the public en masse is going to buy or rent homes to be closer to the action, but we could see the team and employees do so,” said Ryan Lundquist, Sacramento appraiser and housing market analyst. “Yet, the team probably needs 100 or more homes for their organization, and they aren’t going to only rent in the immediate vicinity.”
Sacramento mortgage lender Mike Frank said A’s Manager Mark Kotsay is looking to buy a house in El Dorado Hills, about 30 miles from the stadium. But since the team is only confirmed to be here three years, most of the players and staff will rent, not buy, both Lundquist and Frank agreed.
If they choose to rent near the stadium, they’ll likely have some options. New apartment complexes have been going up around the stadium in recent years.
The median age in the two census block groups around the facility is around 30. The most common age group — representing about a quarter of the area’s 3,400 residents — are adults between 25 and 34.
About 63% of people who live near the ballpark rent their homes. People living alone comprise about half of the area’s households. Their median household income is about $70,000 — lower than the regionwide median but not surprising given the relatively young age and small household size among the area’s residents.
“The area around the ballpark has been attracting a younger demographic already as people like to live where things are happening,” Lundquist said. “While I don’t expect a change in buyer behavior, I have to think the A’s could maybe create some excitement among local renters who are looking to live near where things are happening.”
Buyers typically don’t buy to be near a sports team, Lundquist said, though he added he does know one person who bought a penthouse at the Sawyer so he could be near the Kings games.
Lundquist said he did not know if the increased demand will cause rents in the area to increase. Under state law, landlords are allowed to raise rents for certain rental units up to 10% per year some years, depending on inflation.
At a new apartment complex at 805 Riverfront St., 469-square-foot studio apartment units without a bedroom rent for at least $1,777 per month, according to its website.
On the real estate side, houses near the ballpark are selling in about a week, so the demand is there, said Frank.
The median value of housing units around the ballpark is about $530,000, similar to West Sacramento as a whole, according to Zillow. Home values have risen about 41% since 2016, slightly faster than inflation.
Local businesses, restaurants and bars will see a boost as well, Lundquist said.
“The residential and commercial area surrounding Sutter Health Park has already been emerging in recent years, and the presence of the A’s will only help the market continue to grow,” Lundquist said.
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
