If you were a borning, overprotective parent moving to SAC (Sacramento: HOA fees, house)

[NorCalBound]

If you were a really boring, overprotective parent, moving within 30 minutes of Sacramento and bent on landing your family in a really good public school, where would you live? In order of importance:

[AllansHomes]

I'm a huge advocate of Rocklin for families. It by far has the best public schools. One area in Rocklin, Whitney Oaks has a public school trifecta. The elementary, middle school, and high school are all ranked a 10, the highest public school ranking.

After that, I'd say Roseville, Folsom, and El Dorado Hills (about 45 min.) are good choices.

I truly wish the Sacramento public schools had their act together because there are some fantastic Sacramento neighborhoods, they just don't have the greatest public schools.

I have four boys, ages 2-14. I've done my research!

Allan Sanchez

[NewToCA]

I agree with the above posting though I don't know that Rocklin is really better than the others listed, but would add the schools in the Fair Oaks area too.

[NorCalBound]

(sorry, forgot to finish my post. )

In order of importance:

schools
safety
larger lots
pretty

[NorCalBound]

Thanks, I didn't know that Rocklin and Fair Oaks were up there with the others you mentioned. I will have to look into those areas.

I guess my biggest fear is of landing somewhere that is going to turn bad in the next 15 years as the Sac. region expands.

[wburg]

Trying to look 15 years out is very difficult. Generally, the farther northeast you go, the whiter and more boring it gets, but if gas hits $6 a gallon, the picture could change dramatically.

[michcoop99]

I would put Folsom at the top, then El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Roseville. You should also consider Gold River - it is a bit of an enclave in Rancho Cordova, but it has it's own K-8 that is top notch and I think the High school is Rio, which is good. I also think it is prettier than Rocklin/Roseville. It does have HOA fees, but that really helps keep property values and neighborhoods looking nice for the long term. It is extremely kid friendly and family oriented, safe, etc.

Originally Posted by wburg

Trying to look 15 years out is very difficult. Generally, the farther northeast you go, the whiter and more boring it gets, but if gas hits $6 a gallon, the picture could change dramatically.

[ragged]

this is too easy
davis

[NorCal Dude]

Tier One
Davis
EL Dorado Hills
Folsom
Granite Bay
Rocklin

Tier 2
Fair Oaks
Newer Elk Grove
Roseville

[michcoop99]

Yes, but Davis is so overpriced and the neighborhoods are not pretty (unless you spend a lot). You will get a much smaller, older house and if you have older kids, you should know that they will go to Frat parties. I spent my high school years in Davis and I got into oodles of trouble =) I really like it - it has great schools, but there are drawbacks of living in a small University town.