How is Plumas Lake area for buying a house? (Yuba City: insurance, neighborhood)

[tiger2352]

A friend of mine asked me my opinion but i have no idea. I told him i would ask here and let him know. He will be working in the Yuba City area and wants a nice yet affordable home for his wife and 3 kids. Plumas Lake seems to be a nice place but doesn't know about if he should buy there. The houses are very cheap and that's a good thing. Should someone buy a house in Plumas Lake? If not, what other areas nearby would you reccomend? He's looking to spend 150-200k for a big enough house for his family with large back yard.

[ThatOneDude]

Do a google search for Plumas Lake, and join the Forum. You will find all of the info you need there!

[victoriaR]

Very safe, friendly, growing community. People keep their houses up, and there is always someone running/walking dogs/playing with kids at all times of the day. Not a lot of shopping close by, but you seem to get a lot of property for the price, even more than the other areas of Sac right now.

[Rocketir]

Why would he look in Plumas Lake when he is working in YC. There are a couple of nice areas in YC itself.

[hellaslover]

I'm really not sure why he likes it here. I guess because he doesn't like Yuba City as much, and Plumas is the next best option for him.

I went with him today to check out the area after eating lunch in Natomas. I have to say that even though the houses are very cheap (we asked people in the neighborhood that bought their house for let's say 300k few years go and now it's down to 120-130k). The only thing that i didn't like, hated actually, is that there is absolutely nothing to do. You feel like you are in a little village in the middle of nowhere...

victoriaR you are right, the people are super nice and friendly.

Do you guys think that this area will go up in value? Is it a good investment to buy there right now? What about shopping centers, are they going to build any? I asked a woman that lived there and she said because of the bad economy it might take a while, but there won't be many stores and shopping centers due to low population. is this true?

I won't mind buying a house there myself. But i would hate having to drive to sacramento or yuba city for grocery shopping or whatnot...

would it be better to buy in plumas lake or natomas?

[victoriaR]

Originally Posted by hellaslover

I'm really not sure why he likes it here. I guess because he doesn't like Yuba City as much, and Plumas is the next best option for him.

I went with him today to check out the area after eating lunch in Natomas. I have to say that even though the houses are very cheap (we asked people in the neighborhood that bought their house for let's say 300k few years go and now it's down to 120-130k). The only thing that i didn't like, hated actually, is that there is absolutely nothing to do. You feel like you are in a little village in the middle of nowhere...

victoriaR you are right, the people are super nice and friendly.

Do you guys think that this area will go up in value? Is it a good investment to buy there right now? What about shopping centers, are they going to build any? I asked a woman that lived there and she said because of the bad economy it might take a while, but there won't be many stores and shopping centers due to low population. is this true?

I won't mind buying a house there myself. But i would hate having to drive to sacramento or yuba city for grocery shopping or whatnot...

would it be better to buy in plumas lake or natomas?

I have no idea about the houses increasing in value, but I would venture to say it's about the same chance as anywhere else in Sac (or even cali) right now. The thing going for PL is that the houses are so cheap right now that if you plan on living there for 5 years or more, you would probably be sitting pretty for a while.
If your friend works in YC, I would say that it's a good area for him and it's safe. I haven't been to YUba City very often.. but the times I went, even in the nicer areas, I want to get out as soon as possible. Just not my cup of tea.
My friend is up there. There's a lot of mom's groups, mom and baby fitness groups, nice schools (elementary and middle right now, no high school I don't think) and there's a Walgreens. lol. I think there will be more stores up there. Oh, and there's a small farmers market every sat morning.

You're right. I don't think there's a lot to do. Unless you like laking or water sports as camp Far West Lake (sp?) is nearby. The shopping would be the hardest thing, imo.

AFA Natomas vs PL. I don't know. It depends on where you are working. If that doesn't matter, I would choose PL over Natomas for the flooding reason. PL used to be a dumping ground for flood water but the levees have been built up and it's very safe from that worry, whereas Natomas is in for a world of hurt if there's any flooding danger. But then again, Natomas has some decent shopping and it's convenient. I have been to the bel-air there and it's like being in a Whole Foods.

[bunky101307]

We are actually in the process of buying our first home there. We are buying from KB and our house has 1569 sq feet on a 9,800 sq ft lot. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with a den we will be using as a 4th bedroom. We upgraded a few things and our final price is $172,400.00. It was the best choice for our budget and we love plumas lake. My favorite part is living in a nice community that still has that country feel. Go tour some model homes and then you have an idea of what he wants and what the price range will be.

[tiger2352]

bunky that's sounds like a good bargain. the area is indeed very nice and i also love the country feel. i have closed an appointment with a realtor to show me and my friend some houses, but to be honest there's no need to see them. Just by looking at them from the outside you can tell they are all worth the price!

Out of curiosity, do you guys know of any other developing areas that have houses for cheap? Other than natomas, elk grove, roseville and plumas lake? Maybe somewhere towards the Bay area? I am thinking of buying 2 houses in different areas...

[ColfaxTeri]

I've heard from other agents familar with that area you should check with your insurance agent re: flood insurance

[PlumasLaker]

I've lived in Plumas Lake for almost 4 years, love it, and would buy there again in a heartbeat!

As for flood insurance, it currently is NOT mandatory (though it would be wise to have it) and it is likely that it will not be mandatory in the future as our levee work will be complete and certified by the end of this year.