Good vs. Bad Pockets of Natomas (Sacramento, Davis: apartments, rentals, HOA)

[dmc74]

My family and I are moving to Sacramento this summer. I will be working in a business park on Natomas Park Dr. We would like to live close enough to the office for me to walk/bike in so as to avoid having to purchase a second car. Since we are renting, we are ok with living in a floodplain. Schools are not an issue for us yet since my oldest will be turning 2 this summer. But I want to make sure that we are in a neighborhood that is safe for my wife and kids, and that I won't get stabbed on my way to work. We are just looking for a decent place to live for 2-3 years until we can afford to live further out in some of the nicer suburbs or in Davis.

1.) Can someone define for me (using street names) the boundaries of North and South Natomas? I've noticed alot of negative comments about South Natomas and want to know where the boundaries lie. I noticed on my trip that the areas between I-5 and Northgate and south of I-80 seemed somewhat blue collar with what looked like some rough spots. Is that area South Natomas?

2.) I drove around near the office during my interview and noticed what looked like a nice pocket of apartements, townhomes, new homes, etc. off of El Camino on the west side of I-5. Is anyone familiar with this area?

[volleyballer]

Natomas Park Drive road seems nice, but that's about all that's nice in South Natomas. I don't believe there is an exact definition of South and North Natomas, but I'm sure most people would agree that South Natomas is I 80 and South. And I would strong discourage any family that cares about safety from moving there. You're right, the West part of it seems nicer, but just around the corner is not nice. I would not feel safe anywhere South of I 80, East or West of 80. And please do not even consider Northgate!

I think that North Natomas starts at Del Paso Rd. and North of it. Natomas (not North or South) is anywhere in between I 80 and Del Paso Rd. This also goes with the zip codes. South Natomas is 95833, Natomas is 95834, and North Natomas is 95835. You're the safest in 95835. 95834 is close to Walmart, and it is a madhouse at anytime of the day, but it is still a decent place to live. If you're looking for an apartment, go to forrent.com and type in the zip codes. There are plenty of nice apartments all around, and I believe just about all have pools and a decent-sized grassy area for kids to play. If you're looking for a house to rent, then go to craigslist and focus on 95835 and 95834.

But really, I'd stay away from El Camino, San Juan and anywhere South of I 80. There are some nice, new pockets, but if you're considering family safety, I'd go North. 95834 will be a shorter bike commute, and you could probably do it. Hope this helps!

[GLS]

Originally Posted by dmc74

My family and I are moving to Sacramento this summer. I will be working in a business park on Natomas Park Dr. We would like to live close enough to the office for me to walk/bike in so as to avoid having to purchase a second car. Since we are renting, we are ok with living in a floodplain. Schools are not an issue for us yet since my oldest will be turning 2 this summer. But I want to make sure that we are in a neighborhood that is safe for my wife and kids, and that I won't get stabbed on my way to work. We are just looking for a decent place to live for 2-3 years until we can afford to live further out in some of the nicer suburbs or in Davis.

1.) Can someone define for me (using street names) the boundaries of North and South Natomas? I've noticed alot of negative comments about South Natomas and want to know where the boundaries lie. I noticed on my trip that the areas between I-5 and Northgate and south of I-80 seemed somewhat blue collar with what looked like some rough spots. Is that area South Natomas?

2.) I drove around near the office during my interview and noticed what looked like a nice pocket of apartements, townhomes, new homes, etc. off of El Camino on the west side of I-5. Is anyone familiar with this area?

I rented for four years in Harbor Oaks, the apartments just off Garden Highway, about one mile from West El Camino. It was originally mostly young professionals and retired folks. I moved because it transitioned to a more transient construction worker and more party oriented renter. It still was safe and the complex had nice amenities with pools, small fitness center, etc.

I then rented for four years in Swallows Nest, about a mile further down Garden Highway. This is an older golfing oriented community, but has mature landscaping and beautiful grounds. If you have security concerns about your wife and kids I would highly recommend renting here since it has a 24 hour guard and security gate. Rentals are rare. I moved last month because I bought a small house in North Natomas. I would have bought in Swallows Nest, but the owners pay very high HOA dues to support the golf course. If I didn't buy I would have continued to rent in Swallows Nest.


Based upon eight years of renting in two different apartments in your target area, I would strongly suggest staying on the West side of I-5. Hope this info helps. Good luck!

[robertpolyglot]

To me, east of I-5 and south of I-80 is the gross part of Natomas.

I think that north of I-80, and particularly west of I-5, seems nicer and newer, but I don't like Natomas in general. I don't like the previous area described (west of the Garden Highway restaurants) because it blends into West Sac. in apperance and feel.

[deuterdu]

My advice....rent in Gold River and prepare to get in shape by riding your bike a lot!

[dmc74]

That's some good advice, and something that I have actually considered. I noticed that Gold River has recieved alot of positive comments on this forum, and it looks like there is a light rail stop nearby as well.

Is there a bike trail that runs along the American River all the way into downtown Sacramento? Is it easy to access from Gold River?

[GLS]

Originally Posted by dmc74

That's some good advice, and something that I have actually considered. I noticed that Gold River has recieved alot of positive comments on this forum, and it looks like there is a light rail stop nearby as well.

Is there a bike trail that runs along the American River all the way into downtown Sacramento? Is it easy to access from Gold River?

Yes, there is a good bike trail. However, look up records in the Sacramento Bee regarding a few instances of muggings and rape. Yes, there is easy access from Gold River. However, you might give some thought to the practicality of riding a bike such a distance in the rain storms in the Winter, and the miserable heat in the Summer. Depending upon the job you are doing, you may need to allow time for a shower when you reach Natomas.

Also, getting over the river at Garden Highway may be dangerous on a bike.
Gold River is a very nice suburb to live in. However, routinely riding a bike back and forth to Natomas may be an impractical adventure.