Redding - Run Down? (Sacramento, Red Bluff: city hall, crime, homes)

[ExilefromCa]

Quick question....

Everything I've heard about Redding so far sounds really promising. However, I have seen a few posts claiming that Redding is "run down." Is this true? Can someone please elaborate on this for me? Are there good sections and bad sections of town? If so, which parts of town should I avoid?

Thanks!
-
The (Returning) Exile

[Inthesierras]

I have never lived in Redding, but I travel there often and have some friends there. There are some older sections that need alot of repair. The old downtown could use some repairs. A few of the high schools have seen better days. But they are like most CA high schools that are 30+ years old. Like any city, there are older neighborhoods that have been well maintained, and those that haven't. I certianly don't think 'run-down' when I think of Redding.

[ExilefromCa]

Thanks Sierras! From what you have said above, it sounds like Redding is fairly average. I'm fine with older sections of town and realize that it's unrealistic to expect a city of Redding's size to be brand new and perfectly clean; I just want to make sure that I am not moving into a slum. Are there also newer sections of town that are nice to live in? How are the surrounding areas, like Shasta Lake City, Red Bluff, Shingletown, etc? I made a mistake by moving into a dumpy town here in Montana that draws a lot of tourism and don't want to make that mistake again!

[ExilefromCa]

Just to sum up - Redding is basically normal, right? No dark areas that I should be aware of?

[Inthesierras]

There are some nice newer areas in Redding. I think its fairly average. It doesn't look like a dirty city. The area near the mall is newer and shopping services are good. I am not familiar enough to say which areas are crime ridden or not. The homes I visited have been in nicer areas.

I am not a fan of Red Bluff. To me, that town is run down. I know there are some nice homes in Red Bluff, but alot of it seems run down. Shingletown has its own dynamic going on. Some of our freinds that live there love it because its more rural and laid back. But, they feel the schools are a bit unflexible. The old way is the best way, and they seem unwilling to change or update. There is little in the way of services, just a few gas stations, a gift shop, and a few restuarants. Everything closes down early. But its a close drive to Redding, about 1/2 an hour, maybe 45 minutes. It used to be more of a 2nd home type community, but more people are movng there full time. We always stop in Shingletown to visit when we are going to Redding. I have no opinion on Shasta Lake. I have been through there but never stopped.

I really suggest visiting the area for a weekend before buying. See it for yourself.

[kettlepot]

Shasta Lake City is more blue collar than Redding itself. SLC got it's start as housing for people who came to work building the dam in the 1930s. Anderson was primarily housing for the lumber mills, so both of these are working class towns, minus the old blue collar industrial jobs which used to support them.

Within Redding there is an area known as the 'Hood' immediately south of downtown, near the City Hall that has a less than stellar reputation, but new and better doesn't necessarily go hand in hand. There are close-in neighborhoods on the west side of town built 50+ years ago that are premier, and there are rural areas farther out into the mountains that are problematic. Not quite Deliverance, but you get the idea.

To sum things up, you can pretty much judge neighborhoods in Redding by their appearance. If the landscaping is well-maintained, whether the area is old or new, you have a good neighborhood.

Redding is completely, thoroughly, normal, except for an unusually high incidence of rape.

[notmeofficer]

Redding is completely, thoroughly, normal, except for an unusually high incidence of rape.[/quote]


80 in 2005 69 in 2006.. double the national average.. but that doesnt tell the entire story..

very high probability of reporting

strict reporting requirements for first responders and hospitals with adherence to policy

high degree of "personal" rape by known offender,, family etc....... "stranger" rape is national average...

Redding has many new areas... but what I have noticed is a huge change occurring in ethnicity happening quickly... we didnt have any gangs 5 years ago,, graffiti was almost unseen... now I am seeing the start of it taking hold

Social welfare is a major part of government here.. and the dirtbags are coming in full force to take advantage of it.. that goes hand in hand with great property deals and super nice homes being built up here at (for California) bargain prices.

If you can take the heat it is still a nice place to live,, and safe,, using common sense.. way safer than living in L.A. etc... are there crappy older neighborhoods.. yes.. are there just as many if not more nice ones.. and super nice rural property yes... Beautiful new city hall and County buildings... the tell tail sign that things are changing.. but it is also a County in flux.. and struggling with a tax base that doesnt include heavy business.. we have support services here,, no real industry anymore.. the mills are almost non existent (except for co-gen facilities doing biomass.. and they are going strong)

Do I want to stay... no.. but I am really skewed on my outlook.. and I can go anywhere.. Im just burned out on California.. and I miss the coast...

[ShastaLiving]

Redding is far from being a "run down" city, if that was the case Trader Joe's wouldn't be coming to town and Kohl's wouldn't be opening in November! Our population is about 90,000 - so it's definitely not congested when you compare it to areas like Sacramento or the Bay Area. You pretty much get to your destination within 10-15 minutes. Housing is super affordable and given we're in a buyer's market, you can get some incredible deals. I recommend the West part of town, neighborhoods like Mary Lake, Sunset Terrace, Nob Hill Estates, Land Park, etc. although there are some beautiful, safe and clean neighborhoods on the East part of town, closer to where your daily shopping would be like the grocery stores, Costco, WalMart, Target, and so many restaurants. My website can give you a ton of links and resources on schools, neighborhoods, housing, jobs, etc. Chris & Maria Jeantet : Shasta Living...a better place for you and your family

[Inthesierras]

Originally Posted by ShastaLiving

Redding is far from being a "run down" city, if that was the case Trader Joe's wouldn't be coming to town and Kohl's wouldn't be opening in November!

Yah! I can't wait to drive into Redding for my next shopping trip!!!

[SSIwillbebrokeby2010]

Originally Posted by ExilefromCa

Just to sum up - Redding is basically normal, right? No dark areas that I should be aware of?

Things have changed since 2007 in Redding. You would need to take a drive in Redding now to decide. Things have definately changed and are changing real super fast.