Among the first families occupying The Paseos development, Lynne and Kaylub Mins and daughter, Kyla, admire street-landscaping. Development staffers are sales consultant Laura Pope and construction supervisors Braydon and Thomas Kane.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A rare new housing development in central Carmichael, The Paseos community is reaching halfway-point in construction. Nineteen of 46 homes are complete; 11 are sold and eight are occupied. More move-ins are scheduled this month.

The all-electric neighborhood broke ground last year. Several lots sold before the summer opening day. 

Once a Colony settler’s orchard, The Paseos is now 6.5 acres of neat bungalows, dirt piles and rising framework. Winding paths (paseos) give the neighborhood its name. All lead to a half-acre park in Caminata Lane.

Subject to more than one developer’s vision, the Fair Oaks Boulevard land changed hands several times before the Milwaukie-based Homes by Towne corporation broke ground in 2024. With California in the midst of a housing crisis, Sacramento County readily approved 46 cozily-spaced homes.

SMUD directors and staff view a Paseos model home.

“We had the same delays as in any new subdivision,” said Homes by Towne sales consultant Laura Pope. “The weather wasn’t on our side last winter. But after getting through our challenges, sales picked up. Purchasers have included seniors and young families. We’re already quite a diverse community.”

In their freshly-painted bungalow on Caminata Lane, Lynne and Kaylub Mins and baby Kyla (18 months) are among the first Paseos residents. 

“We’d rented an old house nearby,” said Lynne Mins, a hospital nurse. “It had water leaks and mold and issue after issue. Now, being in a place where everything’s brand-new, with a beautiful park and walkways, is amazing. Our SMUD bill is no more expensive than for the old rental and our heating and air conditioning is reliable. That’s important with a baby.”

Neighborhood construction will continue through next summer.

“We don’t mind it,” Lynne Mins said. “Concrete truck guys wave to me and my baby and stop to talk. Our house gets dusty because the backyard’s still dirt. My husband’s a landscape contractor and he has beautiful plans. We’ll end up with our dream house.”

For Sacramento County, an all-electric infill neighborhood was a first. SMUD put its energy behind the project, undergrounding power from Rancho Seco solar fields.

Lynne Mins and daughter Kyla stroll in The Paseos neighborhood park. 

SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn recently hosted a mixer for developers and utility staffers at a Paseos show home.

“With SMUD power 54 per cent below PG&E, operational costs here will be much lower,” Sanborn said. “Underground electricity improves aesthetics and power reliability. Electric appliances are better for health; they also reduce fire risk.”

The community includes traditional and patio-sized lots. Footprints are from 1,143 to 1,928 square feet. Prices range from under $500,000 to $600,000 with purchasing incentives offered.

“A brand-new home for under $500,000 in central Carmichael is unheard of these days,” said Pope. “We’re also below medium price for new California houses. We’ve done all we can to make them attainable.” 

Front yards are maintained by a homeowner association; residents can potter at whim in back yards. 

“Many homeowners want a low-maintenance lifestyle these days” said Pope, “so they can spend more time enjoying the community.”

Curious visitors cruise The Paseos blocks every day.

“People seem impressed by the location,” Pope continued. “We’re close to schools, parks, stores, the river and the freeway. We see this development as an awesome life-style opportunity.”

Viewing opportunities continue at The Paseos through summer. The development is located at 8225 Fair Oaks Boulevard. For information, visit www.homesbytowne.com.