West Sacramento Real Estate (Davis, Folsom: cul-de-sac, new home, transfer)

[Bigtaco10]

I'm planning a move from New Mexico to West Sacramento...

I am originally from Bay Area and have been gone for 28 years...

now, I want to bring my family to Cali, but --- I want to ask, "Is W. Sac the place to purchase a new home or a very nice existing home?"

Thanks.

[AuburnJack]

We're in the process of purchasing a new home in the Southport region of West Sacramento. It's a nice, quiet area with shopping, schools, and parks all mere blocks away. The nearby new developments, which are now about 3-5 years old, are all pretty nice.

I can't speak for the older parts of West Sac (especially areas like Broderick and the industrial areas, which are blighted and problematic), but we're finding that we like the Southport area more and more as we visit our soon-to-be house.

[CityGirl72]

AS MY OPINION ONLY: I know there has been alot of growth in West Sac. But even with the newer housing I do not like any of the schools. And as far as safety goes, I only find it mediocre. Just because you put up a new clean house does not mean the area is safe.

[AuburnJack]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

AS MY OPINION ONLY: I know there has been alot of growth in West Sac. But even with the newer housing I do not like any of the schools. And as far as safety goes, I only find it mediocre. Just because you put up a new clean house does not mean the area is safe.

The elementary schools are rated well, the middle and high school are rated middle of the road (there are *far* worse in the area), and they are building a brand new high school in Southport. And yes, I am aware of the difference between "new" and "safe," thank you. Have you visited the area? Done any research? We have. It's not wonderful shiny rainbow candy Midtown (where people were getting shot at bars over the last holiday months, by the way), but it's not Meadowview, either. It's a middle-of-the-road suburban area, relatively clean and very quiet, with new shopping, new parks, and new schools.

You never know how new developments are going to turn out, but West Sac is putting a lot of planning and money into redevelopment, and they seem to be doing it a lot smarter than Sacramento has done. I certainly don't fault people who have lived in the area forever and have their entrenched opinions, but I think that certain parts of West Sac are quite nice, and because of their close proximity to downtown, are a good opportunity for certain people (such as a first-time buyer like myself).

So, to the OP, I'd say that there's some validity to warnings against areas of West Sac, so make sure to do your homework if you're looking in the area. But I can tell you from personal experience that there are some nice areas there.

[Beth26]

I completely believe West Sac is safe. I've lived here for almost 5 years after having living in Davis for 20+ years. I live in the Southport area (Bridgeway Island to be specific).

I think the Southside of West Sac is as safe as any part of Davis. I understand that the North side may have its problems, but I feel safe shopping there.

I think the schools are in transition. The elementary schools are fine. I think the new high school will make a difference to a more challenging situation.

I think the future of this area is great. The quick commute to downtown is great. You can even commute via bicycle which is good with the high gas prices.

I agree with AuburnJack. This issue is an old rep and a lack of real knowledge about the area. Before I moved here, I had the same impression. The town has changed a lot.

To answer BigTaco10s question, I think either is fine. I prefer the South side of town. I like the State street area and the rest of Southport.

[Bigtaco10]

Thank you for the info. Living in southern New Mexico is relatively safe. I haven't lived in Calif for many year, so this should be interesting.

As far as schools - our children will be attending college. One a Junior and the other a freshman...we'll figure that out.

It was the home location, where to purchase, etc. We both will be working in dowtown Sacramento and want the easiest commute. I read the horror stories about traffic commutes, since my commute here in NM takes a whole 5 minutes, with not a single car but mine on the one side of the highway.

Some would say, "Why leave?" Well, it gets quite boring out here and I'm in my mid-40s and want to experience some life. Quiet, solitude, desert life does get old. If you're an older American -- this would be a tranquil lifestyle. But, my wife and I want our children to experience some life, spend time with family and then can make a decision of where they want to end up.

Laying out 400,000 for a home is not cheap. And, to ensure our safety, livelihood and overall quality of life --- we'll do it. I just felt I did not need to purchase way up in Rocklin or out in Folsom/El Dorado Hills to "feel safe". We need a food store and basically, a good part or 2 to stroll at, and not feeling "watched" to be pounced on by crime.

I'm sure everyone makes a go-of-it no matter where they live and always keep your guard up.

Again, thank you for the answers, cause there were to main questions: 1) Is West Sacramento a good area, and 2) how long of a commute to downtown?

You've answered both.

[wburg]

Bigtaco: West Sacramento is a pretty interesting study in contrasts right now. Southport was built like a mid-century suburb: single-family homes on cul-de-sacs with feeder streets and the same shopping destinations as everywhere else in the country, built on top of former farmland that was former tule marshes. The north part of town is the old part, with a lot of historic bungalows, generally very modest homes, and a crop of more modern semi-detatched buildings, built at higher density. Many of these are an easy walk or bike ride over the I Street Bridge from downtown, and there's a plan to build a streetcar line from West Sacramento to downtown Sacramento within five years.

Now for the bad: There is a standing gang injunction against a group called the Broderick Boys, who are either a menace to the city or just members of the local Latino population, depending on who you ask.

As far as colleges go, West Sacramento is halfway between Sacramento State and UC Davis--you can ride the Capitol Corridor train or Yolobus to Davis, or take RT buses (transferring from Yolobus) to Sac State. The fact that you have adult children means a lot of potential concerns about central city living (quality of primary and secondary schools) become, well, academic.

[AuburnJack]

Originally Posted by wburg

...and the same shopping destinations as everywhere else in the country....

Except for the Nugget!