Relocating from Wisconsin (Sacramento, Carson, Roseville: to rent, new house, find a job) - City-Data Forum

sonofied · 12-02-2007, 09:20 PM

Hi, my husband's company is relocating our family out west. They've given us until the end of the year to choose between the Sacramento area and the Reno/Carson City area (along with all their suburbs)...by their timeline, they'd like for us to be moved by March. We have 4 and 6 yr old girls, so the location definately must be a great place for raising children, along with good schools. We've never been to either city and we're struggling in making this decision since we don't have any idea what's out there. Is the cost of living high in both areas? We thought of renting first and once we're out there I'll look for a job for myself. I'm an ultrasound tech. and normally an ultrasound job usually requires after hours call, however I need to find more of a diagnostic center that offers radiology services, more like a clinic, so that I don't have the after hours call...my husband's job requires him to be out of town most weeks and I need to be home with my 2 children whenever he goes out on these business trips. I am overwhelmed with all the decisions we need to make in such a short amount of time and we're afraid to make a big mistake if we're not well informed...I guess first and foremost, what area is better? Sacramento or Reno?
Any help is much appreciated...thanks!

cw68 · 12-02-2007, 09:53 PM

From where in Wisconsin will be you relocating? I lived in Madison for eight years, and we had a summer home between there and Whitewater while growing up. I grew up outside of Chicago and lived there as an adult as well. I guess what I'm getting at is that I'm a Midwesterner and I'd recommend Sacramento. It's a very "midwest" town, but it would be helpful to know what your experiences are.

sonofied · 12-02-2007, 10:11 PM

We live in Kenosha, WI. We've lived there for about 11 years. My husband is originally from Siren, WI (northwestern) and I'm originally from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I do love the midwest, so if Sacramento is similar we'd be very comfortable there. We're looking for a safe place to raise our kids, but someplace we can afford. Out here in Kenosha, WI with both of our incomes, we could afford a $300K to $350K home with roughly 2000 sqft./4BR/2BATH. Not knowing what my wages will be in the Sacramento area limits us on what price range we will be able to afford. Do you know if wages in Sacramento are comparable to the midwest area? As far as choosing between Sacramento or the Reno area, could you tell me your likes and dislikes about both places? At first we were actually contemplating looking into the Reno area because we liked the idea of no state income tax and the property taxes seemed less expensive and the housing seemed more affordable, but I'm not so sure that it's the better place. What are your thoughts?

cw68 · 12-03-2007, 09:58 AM

First off, property taxes in California are not expensive. They are about 1.1% of your home's purchase price and can only increase a maximum of 2% per year, regardless of what your home's value is. Personal income tax is higher, however. In general, wages in California are higher than in Wisconsin.

I do not know that much about the Reno area, having only gone there a couple of times to gamble. That said, one reason I haven't gone there is that I don't like the area. It seems depressing to me, though I'm sure it has its good points. Housing will be more affordable than Sacramento.

sonofied · 12-03-2007, 08:35 PM

Thanks so much for your input CW68, we were riding the fence on which area we were going to move to but with your help my husband and I both feel comfortable in choosing Sacramento. We're not exactly fond of the desert. I need to see green!

As far as the Sacramento area, we were looking online at places like Roseville and Granite Bay and possibly Carmichael. Do you know anything about these areas?

cw68 · 12-03-2007, 08:50 PM

I know the area fairly well. I currently live in Folsom and lived in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento for five years before that. Before I could give you help, it'd be helpful to know what you're looking for. New house? Old house? Established neighborhood? Brand-new neighborhood? I do have to say that I'm not that fond of Roseville, to me it's sprawl gone wrong, but many people love it. Regardless, I'd rent for at least six months so you can get used to the area and let home prices fall a bit more.

The best thing about Sacramento IMO is the weather. You'll get four seasons and the opportunity to wear a winter coat without the hassle of winter. Yet, Tahoe's a fairly quick ride away for skiing and snow's even closer than that. The summers are hot, but not humid and it cools down every night so even if it's 105, you can do anything outside before 2pm. Additionally, since it really doesn't rain from May to September (at least) you'll never have a summer weekend ruined by the weather!

inpd · 12-04-2007, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw68

Regardless, I'd rent for at least six months so you can get used to the area and let home prices fall a bit more.

Wise advise. Sacramento is a little crazy in that you'll get nice
areas next to bad ones and each is quite different. I'm renting and
most weekends I spend a few hours in each of the various areas
to get a feel for it.

sonofied · 12-08-2007, 01:30 PM

We are going to rent when we first move out there, more than likely in Feb. 08. It's impossible for us to know which area and neighborhood we like without actually being out there for a little while. Thanks, good advice. We are looking for a newer home, 7 years old or newer, preferably...and in a newer neighborhood or a newer home in an established neighborhood would be fine also. We don't know which towns are better for raising young children, but we narrowed it down to the east/northeast outskirts of Sacramento. I would need to be close to hospitals or Radiology Imaging clinics so that I could find a job somewhere close to home. I see Folsom is east of Sacramento, what is that town like? How are the schools? Where would you suggest looking for good schools, convenient shopping, alot of restaurants, hospitals or medical facilities and a safe place for kids?

NewToCA · 12-08-2007, 04:06 PM

I would probably look towards Folsom if going east, and Rocklin or if going northeast. Plenty of homes in Folsom can be bought in the mid to upper $300's. My quick search using the critieria of at least 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage and 1,800 square feet of living space found 15 properties, in Folsom, meeting that criteria in the $350-$399K price range.

But I agree about renting first.