Another "relocating" thread. Maine->California...Natomas vs Davis (Sacramento: apartment, renting)

[kaisersouse]

I will be working at a facility directly off I80 in West Sacramento. I'm moving with my family (wife + child) who have never lived anywhere outside of Maine. If it were just me, I wouldn't really care much...but I have to think about keeping my family out of harms way. I want them to be able to go outside, walk down the street, etc without getting creeped out by wierdos or have to be on edge all the time.

Also, this is only for 3 months or so then we have to move back.

So: right now I'm leaning towards Davis. Has a bunch of cool stuff right there, seems pretty friendly and safe. My work however usually puts up employees in Natomas. I've heard good and bad things about Natomas?

We will only have one car, and I will be driving it. So the fun stuff during the day needs to be walking/bus distance. Wife is kind of nervous (as am I) and I just want them both to be comfortable and safe.

Help me out here...as current residents which would you choose? Davis, or Natomas.

PS I dont care about the commute. I like driving...even if its only 5mph with a sea of traffic around.

Sorry if I come off as paranoid. I sort of have to be haha. Its my primary job (parenting)

[CityGirl72]

Hands down - Davis

Davis had GREAT AMAZING schools

THere is North Natomas (new construction) and South Natomas (ghetto)

[kaisersouse]

Yah this will be during school vacation so my child doesnt have to hop schools.

Other than that you're saying pretty much what I'm thinking. Thanks

[kaisersouse]

And heres kind of a super-nerd question:

Does anyone happen to know how the communities in/around sacramento are about outside radio antennas? Are they pretty much frowned upon? I assume the gated communities would run you out on a rail if you tossed up a 25' antenna, but I didn't know what the general feel is about such things. I'm far more concerned with my first question tho

(im speaking in an amateur radio sense. Not TV antenna.)

[CityGirl72]

You know - there is an amateur Radio station (two actually) at Sac State - I bet if you emailed the department (or got a hold of the students association)

They'd know all t he lowdown on it!

[cw68]

Davis, without a doubt. It's a friendly town and, like you said, there's a ton to do with a downtown that you can walk around. The town itself is very bike-friendly, which works with only one car. Your wife and son could even easily take the Amtrak to Oakland and the BART into SF.

[Inthesierras]

I vote for Davis too. Try to find something around one of the parks. I wish I could remember the name of the park in Davis with the public pool and playground. That will make the summer go by much faster for your wife and daughter.

[rockyhillgal]

I moved from Davis to S. New Hampshire in 2005. Don't even consider the Natomas area. Davis is where you want to be. Downtown Davis almost feels like a European village sometimes, with people out walking on a Saturday night after enjoying a meal out. There are also many safe parks and greenbelts for your family to enjoy.

It will still be a culture shock from Maine, but as far as safety and family activity options, there is no contest.

[Guingirl]

For transportations sake with only one car and not wanting to leave your wife stranded, I would say Davis. I lived in North Natomas and there is no way in heck I would take the bus.

North Natomas is growing and nice, don't even consider South Natomas. Davis is a college town, bigger trees (as North Natomas is pretty flat), Davis has that artsy feel and with that goes liberal. There was one case of a next door neighbor that tried to sue the person in the next apartment because they were snoring too loud. Also, just fyi as a catch phrase, it is sometimes known as the Socialist Republic of Davis .

Davis has a very walkable, bikey feel to it and it could be a really good commute for you. It has a wonderful University, the best Aggie in the west coast, best vet school in the country.

My vote is Davis (and I always recommend North Natomas). Good luck with your relocation!

[kaisersouse]

Davis it is then. Thanks for all the input. Sounds like we'll be the happiest (and me less paranoid) there. I really appreciate it!