Neighboord suggestions please? (Sacramento, Richmond: apartments, city hall, neighborhoods)

[newtosac111]

I will be moving to Sacramento in about 4months and workingin the downtown area. (City Hall) I have never been to Sacramento so I am not very familiar with the different neighborhoods of Sacramento. I am a single 20-something female and enjoy meeting people and going to bars, farmers markets, and restaurants.
I have heard midtown is the place to be for that kind of lifestyle, however I’m not sure I want to spend that much. Are there any areas just on the outskirts of midtown that are more affordable but still convenient? As in just a short uber ride away If I decide to go out for the night in Midtown. And not too far of a drive from work. I would be living alone so I’d like a safe walkable neighborhood.. perhaps with a park or a running trail nearby. Also a nearby grocery store. I would like a one bedroom that accepts pets (a cat), has a w/d, and parking. I would like to pay $1200 or less.
Is this possible or am I expecting too muchfor $1200? Are there any neighborhoods you would suggest I check out? Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate your help.

[wburg]

I suggest looking at the neighborhoods on the south side of the central city south of R Street--Southside Park, Richmond Grove, Poverty Ridge, Newton Booth. Just outside the main drag of Midtown activity, some older apartments where $1200 a month for a 1BR that allows a cat is very do-able, with groceries close at hand (Sunday farmer's market, Safeway, Co-Op, Chinese & Japanese small specialty markets) and relatively safe. Washer/dryer probably not in-unit for an older apartment, and parking may not be provided by most but street parking is still quite manageable for residents on that end of town, especially farther east into Poverty Ridge and Newton Booth. You're also conveniently located for Light Rail along R Street, if you're working at City Hall you'd have an easy trip to work and wouldn't have to worry about parking downtown, which is expensive and going to become more so in the near future.