Don't always believe what you read (Sacramento, Citrus Heights: travel, new home, crime)

[vvastalo]

Hi! A few months ago I used this forum to learn more about downtown and midtown Sacramento before my scouting trip in mid-December.

There were so many negative comments from people who obviously haven't stepped into the downtown area in some time, saying it was dirty, crime-ridden and unsafe. I was there for a long weekend and it immediately became apparent to me that this is a clean, safe, changing, positive and cool city with lots of independent businesses, pedestrian-friendly areas and friendly people out on the streets.

Then again - I live in Chicago - the city itself - not a far-flung suburb, so I understand there are big difference between the two and one needs an Open mind and positive attitude to appreciate all the wonderful things that Urban living can offer.

My point is that anyone who is contemplating a visit/move/trip to Sacramento, or anywhere else, for that matter, needs to take what people post with a grain of salt. Do other research, talk to realtors, decide what's a good fit for YOU, not anyone else.

And good luck exploring and finding your new home.

PS - I decided that Sacramento is not for me, but I will always have a positive outlook on it and look forward to future travels there.

[NorCalMan]

While it is true that parts of downtown Sacramento have been revitalized recently it is still a place where most people avoid after dark. The area that has recieved the most attention is probably the area where you stayed, the area near the capital. There is still a large swath of area that is just plain bad and the points that many long time Sacto residents such as myself make regarding the bad area's are still quite valid. This is why the suburbs of Sacto are so large and so far away from downtown, because people avoid it like the plague. But even the older suburbs like Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Old Roseville, and Fair Oaks are becoming crime riddled as well. If current trends continue Sacto's suburbs will connect into Lake Tahoe soon (not seriously, but you get my point)