Advice convenient to Downtown (Sacramento, Oak Park: best neighborhood, homes, neighborhoods)

[JenM1930]

I lived in Sacramento about ten years ago and i am probably going to be moving back in the next few months. With housing prices dropping (to say it mildly), I am thinking it might be a good time to buy a house. In my previous Sacramento days, i rented in Midtown. I don't want -- and can't afford -- to buy there. Where is the best neighborhood to buy a house for up to $215,000? Some neighborhoods look very reasonable, but I know some (Oak Park) are not too safe.

[Elizabeth Weintraub]

Hi Jen: I would suggest Tahoe Park, Tallac Village (both 95820) or East College Greens (95826), if you want to stay within a short commute to downtown. You might also try some areas in South Land Park or the Pocket / Greenhaven area. You can go to my website and search for homes for free or I can send you listings directly from MLS, drawn on a map search. If you already have an agent, ask your agent to set up a search on street boundaries so you don't have to look through so many listings to find the home you would like.