Sacto west, north, or east side? (Sacramento, Davis: apartments, rental, neighborhood)

[stormqueen]

Hello folks--I am a retired woman in my sixties, very healthy & active etc, planning to move to the Sacramento area next spring. I have done a LOT of research already, incl. City-Data & various links found here. In order to make my move as easy & un-chaotic as posbl, I really need to zero in on the best areas for me: low-crime, inexpensive yet clean & decent, generally quiet & friendly. Would much prefer being near the river (bike/walking paths), hopefully public transport. Want to rent a small cottage/house, with yard for garden. I know it's a big order, but past experience has taught me that nothing's impossible, you just have to know how to find what you want. The east side (Fair Oaks/Carmichael/Folsom) sound pretty good (??), but what about the west side, or northwest? My family & best friend are in the Bay Area & those would be great for access to visits, but surely it's a quick trip across the city on Hwy 50...I will appreciate any serious suggestions, one way or the other. Esp. if you know of a good rental agency. Thanks!!

[CeJeH]

Northeast suburbs or Davis sound like what you're looking for. Maybe parts of Elk Grove.

[wburg]

Have you looked at the northeastern quarter of Sacramento's central city--Boulevard Park, Marshall School, or New Era Park (roughly between 20th, 29th, C and I Streets)? The neighborhood isn't the cheapest, but prices have come down dramatically since the boom, and there are a lot of lovely little bungalows with small backyards well-suited for gardening (and there are also several community gardens.) The northern portion of the neighborhood is far enough from the hubbub of Midtown but close enough to walk to shopping and activities, including a senior center in Marshall Park. A lot of recently retired empty-nesters looking to downsize but still want a beautiful neighborhood where they can walk to amenities have chosen this neighborhood.

[junie136]

I would not recommend Folsom. It's expensive, not quiet, and not friendly, and not much public transport. Speaking from experience.
If considering Rocklin, Emerald Pointe apartments are the BEST. They have a 100% rating. I lived there, and wish I still did. Not many apartments have 100% rating!