Working at both McClellan & Travis AFB, where to live???? (Sacramento: rentals, safe neighborhood)

[reticulargirl]

Hi, all.

My husband is being stationed at Travis AFB in July but will be working 75% of the time at McClellan AFB, with 25% at David Grant Hospital in Travis. We are moving from southern Mississippi.

We were told to look for housing in Woodland, Davis or Dixon areas to make the occasional commute to Travis easier (as well as to McClellan). From what I can tell, these towns vary from 30 to 40 minute commutes to both McClellan and Travis.

We have about $2,000/month for housing, are looking to rent, and have three kids (7, 3.5, and 15 months). We'd like a 3 bed/2 ba, yard, garage, reasonably good schools, safe neighborhood, nice community (as in walking trails, lots of families). Davis seems to fit the bill best, but is the most expensive, too.

1. Which of these three towns has the BEST (smoothest, shortest) commute to the VA (McClellan AFB) in North Highlands? My husband will likely be working 10-12 hour shifts (7 a to 7 p).
2. Is Davis worth the high prices? Does the community life make up for the all the college students?
3. Does Woodland have a good sense of community and things to do? How are the schools?
4. Does Dixon have things to do? How are the schools?

I'm trying to balance affordability with distance from McClellan and fun stuff for the family. I probably just have to pick two

Any input would be great!

[ryuns]

I wouldn't limit it to those cities. Woodland is okay overall--affordable, though the schools aren't great, but it's needlessly out of the way for a commute those locations. Though there are some suburban-style developments, Dixon is small and fairly rural. I'd only seek that if that's what interests you. Plus, it's somewhat closer to the Travis than McClellan, which doesn't seem ideal.

Davis is a great town and would definitely meet all of your criteria. But, you're right, it's super expensive. You're likely to be pretty cramped with your budget, and may have to sacrifice living in a detached home. Personally, having all the college kids annoyed me when I lived there as a twentysomething DiNK, but it ensures a vibrant downtown and a lot of community events. And because it's pricey and has great schools, you're bound to be surrounded by good families and super involved parents. Have a look around the Sacramento Craigslist page for Davis rentals and you can be the judge on space vs affordability. The commute from Davis to McClellan shouldn't be too bad though there is some traffic during rush hours.

To your list, there are a couple spots in Sac you might add. That makes a long commute to Travis, but reduces overall commute time. You might consider adding East Sac and Land Park (still pretty expensive and difficult to find a rental, but great neighborhoods and good schools). If those two plus Davis don't work, you might consider the nicer parts of Natomas, which are more affordable, newer, have available rentals, but may have spotty schools.

Good luck on the search!

[hydro]

I would move to the west end of Roseville. Moving close to McL will not be pretty, and moving in between the two won't save you any time considering you are making a worse commute 75% of the time. RSVL is the opposite direction, but that's the only way to fly IMO. I love West Sac and Natomas, but if I had 3 public school kids and 2 grand a month, I would only be looking at RSVL.

[caligirlz]

Will your husband be working at the outpatient clinic or the VA medical center? The clinic is at McClellan. The "10-12 hour shifts (7 a to 7 p)" sound more like medical center hours. The medical center is located at Mather off Hwy 50. If that is the case, I would recommend Anatolia/Kavala Ranch in Rancho Cordova. If it really is McClellan, other communities to consider are So/West Roseville, No Highlands, Antelope & No Natomas as already mentioned. I think the good thing about these communities, is that he can take the back roads to 80 & into Travis.