Ah, I remember it like it was yesterday. But it happened in 1967. When the news reported that Nancy Reagan declared the Governor's Mansion a "fire trap" and that she refused to live there, tongues lashed out, calling her a snob. Why, the Governor's Mansion, built in 1877 and purchased by the State in 1903, was good enough for 12 California governors, and many critics viewed Mrs. Reagan's snub as elitist.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan moved into a $1,200 a month rental in East Sacramento, located at 1341 45th Avenue, in an exclusive area called the Fabulous 40s. Many newspapers of that era called the neighborhood a "suburb" of downtown Sacramento, although it's located a couple dozen blocks away from the Governor's Mansion. This is a photo of that home in East Sacramento. The Reagans lived in this home from 1967 to 1975.

Although the Governor's Mansion has been restored and is now open for visitor tours, the home in East Sacramento is owned by a private party, having last sold in 2000 for $1,765,000. Like many East Sacramento homes, especially those in the Fab 40s, this residence is spectacular. It consists of 12 rooms, 7,108 square feet and is situated on more than half an acre. 

Read more about East Sacramento Homes and see a photo gallery of 16 unique properties.

Photo: Elizabeth Weintraub