One of East Sacramento’s most desirable neighborhoods — affectionately dubbed the “Fabulous Forties” by locals because of its location, stately homes and wide, tree lined streets — lies nestled between Folsom Boulevard and “J” Street from (depending on who you ask) about 41st to 46th Streets. Some of the homes even have nicknames like “The Castle” and “The Turret House”.

A family neighborhood, it boasts the longest continually running annual 4th of July parade (photos) west of the Mississippi and epitomizes the well worn real estate phrase, “location, location, location.” If Norman Rockwell still painted covers for The Saturday Evening Post, the Fab 40’s would offer a deserving modern day backdrop.

Like a lot of folks, Dawn and I occasionally enjoy a leisurely Sunday drive through the 40’s to admire the majestic homes. On one recent drive, we’d decided to check out a smaller home on a nearby street that had been featured in the Sacramento Bee because of its unusual new paint scheme; a particularly bright orange. It was bright, all right. Not unattractive, mind you, but, well, quite a bold statement. I snapped this photo (click to enlarge) with Dawn’s iPhone. What do you think? A little over the top?