Where to buy for $150,000? (Bakersfield, Arden-Arcade: condo, houses, neighborhoods)

[fadsy]

I work near Cal Expo, close to the Arden mall. I can afford around $150,000 and would like to keep my commute reasonable - no more than 15 miles would be ideal. I live in Rancho Cordova currently, and I'm spending almost $200/month on gas. It's tolerable, but if I could be a little closer, that would be great.

I'm single and looking for a small house - preferably under 1000 sq feet, 1-2 bedrooms. Not interested in a condo. No kids, so schools are not a concern.

I'm concerned about safety and walk/bikeability. Is this hopeless? Am I limited to Oak Park, and if so, should that scare me out of buying entirely? I am drawn to a lot of the cute little houses in that area, but I've never lived there, so I'm not sure how I'd feel in terms of safety (I'm a woman in my mid-20s). I want to be able to walk my dog in the evening without fear. Any recommendations?

[wburg]

I have a friend who lives in a little mid-century house in Arden-Arcade with several dogs. She does not own a car. While she does complain about it not being as walkable as Midtown, she gets around just fine. If you got a bike you'd be within short bike riding distance, but most of the major roads in that area are horrible for biking. But at least you'd have a shorter car commute. I'd look at the area south of Arden, the area between Auburn and El Camino has not been doing well but the end of Arden-Arcade closer to Fair Oaks Boulevard and the American River seems to have held up okay.

[Lillp]

I wouldn't be afraid of Oak Park is a rule, but be cautious about location within Oak Park or areas described as Elmhurst, Colonial Heights, and Tahoe Park (many of the fringes are essentually Oak Park). I walk and run my dog through Oak Park and while the number of loose dogs and dogs in front yards right next to the sidewalk is annoying, I do not consider it unsafe. It really is variable and there are certain routes I stick to as they are a more enjoyable walk.

If you are luckly, you can probably find a small home at the top of your range in Tahoe Park or Hollywood Park, both of which are nicer neighborhoods then Oak Park. I would also take a look at North City Farms. A local brewering, Track 7, is in the area and a good dogfriendly hang out, and you can easly walk to Curtis Park. There are a couple 2/1's listed for under 125K in that area.

[bluevelo]

Iowa

[caligirlz]

^^ LOL. And I will add, anywhere in the San Joaquin Valley between Lodi & Bakersfield.
Good luck finding something in the Sacto region before a investor beats you to it for cash.

[Aquaboy]

You should hook up with a good realtor. They can find listings that might fit you. I've seen fixer-uppers for 150K or even less. Good luck!

[NickB1967]

Arden Arcade. Enough said.