Portland, ME to Sacramento, CA (San Francisco, Fresno: housing, hotels, job)

[Desirae]

Hey there. I'm a single, straight 34 year old woman who is thinking about moving from Portland, ME to Sacramento. I was hoping if I told you the things I love about Portland (and the things I don't), everyone could tell me whether Sacramento might (in your opinion) be a good fit.

I love the fact that Portland is so diverse. I love that it's a liberal city (for the most part) and people can live their lives and be accepted for who they are. It's also a pretty artsy/creative city, even though it's professional, too. It has a million restaurants and cute little shops. I love summers in Portland EXCEPT for the humidity.

I hate the humidity and I hate the winters in Maine. I can take the heat. I spent some time in AZ and was fine in 112 degree weather with jeans and a t-shirt. However, I HATE the feeling of walking around with a hot, wet blanket thrown over your head (like in Maine). And, again, I hate the snow and frigid temps.

I don't make a ton of money, but I don't need a ton of money, either. If I can put a roof over my head and be able to afford the occasional dinner out or drinks with friends, I'm fine.

I do plan to visit Sacramento before I decide to move, but would I be wasting my time?

Also, which neighborhoods/areas are a good combination of safer/cheaper/more diverse/liberal?

Thanks!

[NewToCA]

Sounds like you would be fine, and Midtown and Davis would be the initial areas I would recommend. Midtown is more integrated into the city, while Davis has more of a small town feel with great access to Sacramento. Midtown cost less, and while both are relatively safe, Davis is safer:

midtowngrid.com, Directory for Sacramento, Midtown, Downtown Sacramento, East Sacramento and Old Saccramento Business Directory for shopping, restaurants, hotels, Sacramento's 2nd Saturday Art Walk, Entertainment and more!

City of Davis California Official Homepage - City of Davis

[KidBlue]

Sounds like you would love Sacramento. No snow, really dry heat, no humidity (we don't know what that is), hardly ever gets below 32 in the winter--it's usually in the 40s or 50s. The summers are a little milder than AZ, but I really can't see a big difference between 105 and 115--it's just really hot.

Sacramento is a commuter town with lots of people commuting into the city to work. If you want to experience more of the artsy part of Sacramento you'll need to be near midtown or downtown. There is affordable housing, but you'll need to do your research. I agree Davis is nice, but it's so expensive, I would try Sacramento first and then Davis if you absolutely can't find somewhere you like in Sacramento.

Sacramento also has two rivers running through it and lots of trees and parks. The city has been overhauling the downtown area and there are many good restaurants and galleries going in or already in. I believe the art galleries have a sort of "open house" on a couple of Saturdays. I haven't gone, but I hear its fun. Sacramento will have more crime than Portland, but it's a larger city.

[Desirae]

Thank you both for the info and opinions. I will continue to research. It sounds like, from stuff written here and what else I've researched, that I would definitely want to be in midtown/downtown. I will focus my housing search there when I visit. Gotta find a job, too, now!

[yosemitesamm]

Sacramento probably ranks about the same s Portland as far as housing expense. Wages are higher here than say Fresno because Sacramento actually competes with the Bay Area though I hate the commute!
The best thing about Sacto is how quick and easy it is to get away - the coast (North is best!), San Francisco - lots of inexpensive things to do - great art and theatre, Real Mountains!

[clinton mount]

I live in Hayfork Ca..you should think about moving here