Single mom relocating from MN to CA (Citrus Heights, Elk Grove: apartments, renting)

[muddybootz]

Hello, I am looking to move to CA with my elementary aged daughter. I am graduating in December with diplomas in Administrative Support and Medical Reception. I will be renting, and would need a 2 bedroom apartment under $1000/month. Prefer to be in a safe area with a great elementary school. The cities I am looking at include: Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and Folsom. Would like a family community with some recreational options (swimming, parks).. Any input? Thanks for your time!

[nmnita]

My first question: do you have a job yet? If not, don't even think about moving cause you and your daughter might have a really rough road ahead..

That being said, there are lots of nice apartments in the areas you mentioned. Fair Oaks, Carm and Folsum are the nicest, Elk Grove might be a little less expensive.

Nita

[rah62]

That is very strong advice. Do not move without a firm job offer waiting for you. I relocated to CA two years ago, and while it is a pain applying for jobs from a distance, I would never have considered moving without employment.

[Ilovetheinternet]

Everyone's advice doesn't apply to everyone. Some people have terrible job histories or working in fields not in high demand, so getting a job is hard for them. As for me, I relocated twice, fleeing from my abusive ex husband, with out a job with my two kids, and It worked out just fine. Just make sure you have enough money saved to survive at least 6 months without income, while applying for at least 2-3 jobs everyday. Work through temp agencies if you have to until you can find a permanent job. You have to do whats best for you and your children. I wish you luck!

[DowntownVentura]

Originally Posted by Ilovetheinternet

Everyone's advice doesn't apply to everyone. Some people have terrible job histories or working in fields not in high demand, so getting a job is hard for them. As for me, I relocated twice, fleeing from my abusive ex husband, with out a job with my two kids, and It worked out just fine. Just make sure you have enough money saved to survive at least 6 months without income, while applying for at least 2-3 jobs everyday. Work through temp agencies if you have to until you can find a permanent job. You have to do whats best for you and your children. I wish you luck!

I agree with this!!

It is easy enough to see what kind of demand there is for a particular field and plan accordingly. There is hiring happening.

Welcome to CA muddy

[x15]

I agree that not everyone has the same job skills or same level of motivation with regard to finding work. But the all things being equal it tends to be easier to find work in places where the local unemployment rate isn't 12.3%.

Right now there are a lot more communities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas where the regional economies are much stronger and the cost of living is comparable or cheaper to Sacramento. If I was going to move to a new state, I would move to one of the ones where the local economy is much stronger.

Look at the last column on this chart.

Table 1. Civilian labor force and unemployment by state and metropolitan area

[justducky2]

Folsom is clean, LOTS of recreation, good schools. LOTS of new apartments, near shopping.

[bluevelo]

Please do NOT relocate from MN without having a job first (I realize this may be easier said than done).

The unemployment rate here is, in reality, closer to 15%.

Sacramento is MUCH - MUCH more expensive than the Twin Cities. You won't find yourself out in Folsom if you can't find a job. You'll find yourself on Section 8 assistance in a very bad neighborhood.

We already have way too much welfare in California and with the current state budget crisis all of it is in for some drastic cuts. Those of us who work and have good jobs are tired of being taxed to death.

[shelato]

I agree. I really don't understand moving to Sacramento right now without having a job. The local economy is about the worst I have seen in the past 20 years. If you are asking strangers for advice on neighborhoods than it sounds like you don't have relatives here. So why move here right now when you don't have a job here?

[NorCal Dude]

This thread is from september and the Op has not responded