What are best places to live (safe, affordable) in Sacramento, Davis, surrounding areas?

[Triana]

...if one works in Davis, for instance?

Specifically, renting an apartment or house? What are areas or apartments or situations to avoid?

[silverweb]

1. I live in Midtown (the Grid).

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Most of Midtown is nice, and East Sacramento is lovely, too. Like most cities, though, some neighborhoods can vary from block to block. I've been here almost a year and a half and love it, but I haven't been out of the Midtown-East Sac area much.

Can't speak for Davis, since I've only been there once, but I liked what I saw around the university.

[Triana]

2. Thanks so much!

[silverweb]

3. You're very welcome.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]If you come up with any specific neighborhoods or addresses in the city that you're interested in, I'll be happy to check them out for you.

I get around mostly by walking or public transit, so can't be much help with the suburbs or Davis. My daughter has lived here for a few years, though, works for the city and knows the area well, so I can get her input, too.

[Triana]

4. Here are a few places ...

http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/California/Sacramento/La-Provence/78160/#ratings_reviews

http://www.brisa-davis.com/location/

http://www.loftsatglobemills.com/location.html

Rent is hideous. Housing is always a big pain in CA. But that's just how it is I guess. Mostly don't want to end up in a noisy unsafe, crime-ridden area. Need QUIET living.

[silverweb]

7. Some answers.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]I can't help you with item #2 because that's Davis, though it looks like Kennah can help you out with that.

The neighborhood for item #3 is kind of iffy, so I really don't think you want to hang much hope on that complex. Anything west of 12th St in the northern part of the Grid is kind of iffy right now, although there have been improvements.

It'll take me a little more time to check out all the locations listed in item #1, but I'll get back to you on that.

[Tumbulu]

8. I rent a duplex in Davis

where will you be working? I am happy to help regarding Davis, it is a very nice town with lots of bike paths and helpful people from all over the world.

[Triana]

9. I'm looking at UC Davis

Wondering what housing is available for an older person (DO NOT WANT student parties or noise to deal with)

[Tumbulu]

10. There are plenty of quiet neighborhoods

and apartment complexes. Message me what you are mostly looking for and I would be happy to give you my ideas, for what they are worth.

[Kennah]

5. Davis is one of four Platinum rated cities for Bike Friendliness

http://www.bikeleague.org/sites/lab.huang.radicaldesigns.org/files/BFC%20Master%20List%20Spring2013_withnewlinks%20Sheet1.pdf

[Triana]

6. I read that!

Good to know since a guy just got killed here (Durham, NC) a few months ago from our not having bike lanes here! It was horribly tragic.

[Silver Gaia]

11. West Sacramento is a little-known secret, too.

It depends on what part of town, but what's called the "States Streets" area, specifically between Park and Jefferson, and between 15th and Stone, is very quiet and has lots of older homes that are well-kept on tree-lined streets. It's a gem. There are usually places for rent in that area, and it's usually lower rent than Davis or Midtown. West Sac has a small town atmosphere, but you can be in downtown Sacramento in 5-10 minutes. Going further out Jefferson to the Southport area is good, too, but it's a pretty "yuppiefied" area, so it depends on what you're looking for.

ETA: West Sac is in Yolo County, same as Davis, too, which might be helpful. I came here from Tennessee about 15 years ago, so know what you're going through. If I can be of more help, feel free to PM me!

[Triana]

12. Great tip! Thanks so much. Just what I was looking for...

...I'm not too crazy about apartments. Thanks!

[Silver Gaia]

13. You're welcome!

As I said, feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the area I can help with.

[Brother Buzz]

14. Winters is a pretty cool if small towns are your thing

Extremely easy, no pressure commute to Davis. R. Crumb used to live there before he bolted to France.

[Triana]

15. Tx so much!

I really appreciate all the insider advice I'm getting here.

[Broad2010]

16. Any additional information for families?

Hello, I have recently been offered a teaching position in Sacramento.

My wife, 8 year old son and 9 year old daughter are considering relocating.

Since a teacher's salary doesn't cover much (it is a career transition) I am hoping to find out information on where we can find affordable housing.

My wife doesn't work currently so it would all be based on my income ~38,000.

My wife would prefer a house so she can have a garden.

Would be willing to commute 20 or 30 minutes.

Thanks!

Broad2010

[gopiscrap]

17. welcome to DU

[Wait Wut]

18. According to a few rent calculators...

...your max should be around $950. There are several sites available to give you an idea of what's available. Here's one (I filtered for Houses and Townhomes):

http://www.rent.com/search/results?displayMode=search&page=1&location=Sacramento%2C+CA&SortType=19&propertyTypes=House&propertyTypes=Townhome&floorPlanTypes=&bathroomTypes=&minRent=100&maxRent=1000&minSqFtAmt=100&petPolicy=0%7C0&unitFeatures=&bldgFeatures=&areas=&searchRadius=25&restrictionTypes=none&propertyKeywords=

Good luck!

[Broad2010]

19. Thanks so much!

Rent.com looks like a great site to do some research.

Do you have any insights on safe communities? I have been reading that Sacramento proper may have some issues and that Elk Grove is declining.

Names that have come up are Pocket, Folsom and Roseville. Looking for decent schools for my kids.

Cheers!

[Wait Wut]

20. LOL! Sorry, no.

I'm from Chicago and live in Arizona. But, my husband is from Riverside.

I just spent 4 months researching rentals in MO for my son and DIL, so I've become a rental guru.

I think this is the site I was using for MO:

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ca/sacramento/crime/

Edit: This is the site I used most often.

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_rent/Sacramento-CA/list/house_type/20288_rid/0-243909_price/0-950_mp/days_sort/38.685507,-121.362739,38.437574,-121.560119_rect/