Relocating from Midwest...help! (Sacramento, Orange: real estate, rent, new home) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

forcedtorelocateagain · 03-02-2007, 06:15 AM

My husband is looking at taking a job in Rancho Cordova. We would be coming from Michigan so we don't know much about CA at all. I realize that we are looking at a huge cost of living incrase, but with that aside, where would be a good place to look at housing? I'd like a nice family area, priced within reason and with great schools. Hopefully within 30 miles of Rancho Cordova. Am I dreaming, or is there such a place? I know, I'm not asking for much...

Any and all help appreciated!!!

bigdave01 · 03-02-2007, 08:13 AM

I think that Folsom would be your best bet, during non traffic hours its probably only a 15-20 minute drive, and it has great schools, a great family atmosphere, and newer subdivision housing. However, housing is very expensive. Other places to look into could be Fair Oaks, which is older more upscale homes, and Orangevale which has a rural feel. Also look into Carmichael.

Rancho Cordova itself is not the greatest area, however there is a lot of newer housing going in so maybe that will change someday.

renngrrl · 03-02-2007, 08:22 AM

Talk about a reverse commute! Our houses are priced at 3 times what your's is in Michigan. Families are leaving the area for the midwest because it's no longer affordable and the middle class is priced out of everything.

I sure hope your husband's company will help with the relocation including helping him purchase a home.

forcedtorelocateagain · 03-02-2007, 08:55 AM

Trust me, we'd like to stay in the Midwest. However, Michigan is in severe peril right now. You can't give a house away and jobs are being lost in massive numbers daily.

We are headed out next week to take a look at the Saramento area, but no, we won't relocate unless they make it worth it! We have no intention of moving our kids 2000 miles away from their grandparents in Missouri (were we are from orignally) to lose out on this deal...

If the company wants him, they will pay CA costs to get him...

Thanks for the advise. I'll tell the agent next week to focus on those areas.

Out of curiosty, what can one expect to pay for a house similar to mine here in Michigan out there in, say, Fulsom? 2500 sq feet, built in 2005., 4 beds, 2 1/2 baths, 3/4 acre lot, sprinkler system, etc...

gptaz · 03-02-2007, 09:35 AM

We also are looking at the area. The house you described in Folsom would be +or- $600,000. In Eldorado Hills. $550,000. I am a retired teacher and the schools in the Folsom area have excellent reputations.

gptaz

renngrrl · 03-02-2007, 09:57 AM

I will say that rents are coming down in that area. Just read up on the asbesto and wind damage before buying.

CityGirl72 · 03-02-2007, 10:19 AM

I advise renting til you find a community that you like - but stay out of the Sac area for schools - Folsom or El Dorado hills are the good districts.

Rancho Cordova is gangster crap area

Plus if you don't mind a HUGE commute (60minutes +) try out Plumas Lake (my friend moved there, but still worked in Rancho C)...the houses are cheaper, the area is very nice and very new, and the schools are amazing.

gptaz · 03-02-2007, 11:13 AM

Two excellent Real estate sites for the Folsom area are:
www.golyon.com and www.tourvision.com

gptaz

KidBlue · 03-02-2007, 11:57 AM

Forced,

I would suggest looking at the Mather area. This used to be an air force base which was closed several years ago. The area is right next to Rancho Cordova and is a booming area for new homes, etc. The homes are new so they are pretty nice and the cost is much lower than Folsom and El Dorado Hills which are expensive, even for Sacramento. There is a Web site that may be helpful to you: www.realtor.com (broken link). You can limit your search to various areas, cost range, and bedrooms/bathrooms. Good luck with your move.

cw68 · 03-02-2007, 11:57 AM

My husband and I live in Folsom and are both originally from the Midwest, my husband's from Ann Arbor. Houses are very expensive. Property taxes are generally lower than elsewhere in the Midwest, so that does make a difference. Taxes will be 1.1% of your housing cost, which is significantly cheaper than the Chicago suburbs where I grew up. Most realtors will recommend you approximate 1.25% for taxes and county costs.

Housing prices in Folsom and Eldorado Hills are falling, so the house you speak of is cheaper than last year. However, it's going to be a shock. Where in Michigan are you coming from? You can find that house for $500k on a smaller lot.

I find http://www.sacbee.com/homes/ to be the best place to look at real estate. You should also consider Rancho Murieta as the lots tend to be bigger.

Do realize that the bigger lots out in the foothills require a different kind of maintenance. Once we start getting charged for the amount of water we use, the big lots are going to be very expensive to water. It doesn't rain much, if at all, from April to October. The soil is rocky and hard to deal with. It's going to take you a hour to dig out a hole in which to plant a tree and lots of people rent mini-jackhammers to do so. Very rocky soil. I wouldn't get a big lot just to get a big lot. Get enough lot for you, but a big lot could be a big headache. You will find most houses have sprinklers already because they are used sooo much.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like. I'll answer any questions I can. (ps, I'm not a realtor!)