Best neighborhoods to buy (Orange, Citrus Heights: short sale, foreclosure, insurance)

[faiths13]

Hi - My family and I are looking to buy a home this summer. We are looking in the 200-250k range - large house, 4 bdrms, etc. My husband and I are native to Sac but haven't lived in a lot of areas. We are trying to narrow it down to what areas are the safest and nicest for the family, but still have nicer homes that are bigger. We were thinking Antelope, Natomas, maybe, but we are just unsure about which neighborhoods will be best. I know I don't want to live in South Sac, Rancho, N Highlands - the obvious not great neighborhoods. So which areas do you think would work for us? Thanks!

[NewToCA]

I'd agree with Antelope and Natomas, but would also look in Elk Grove too.

[BeeGlee]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

I'd agree with Antelope and Natomas, but would also look in Elk Grove too.

These and also consider Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Carmichael and Lincoln.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by BeeGlee

These and also consider Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Carmichael and Lincoln.

Though I can see benefits to each of those areas, I think that the $250K price limit with the requirement of a "nice and bigger" home might be a bit challenging in places such as Folsom and Rocklin.

But I'd agree that Lincoln would be another good option.

[faiths13]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Though I can see benefits to each of those areas, I think that the $250K price limit with the requirement of a "nice and bigger" home might be a bit challenging in places such as Folsom and Rocklin.

But I'd agree that Lincoln would be another good option.

I agree Folsom is a bit of a stretch for price. Im not looking for something spectacular, but I do know we can get something pretty nice for the price still. I have looked in Rocklin and havent really seen anything in our price range either.

I know nothing about Elk Grove - never have really even been there, lol. So Natomas is still a pretty good neighborhood?

[calnbs]

My wife and I bought a house in Elk Grove in 2010. We did a lot of research and found that Elk Grove fits our needs when it comes to having good schools for kids, in our price range, and is overall a peaceful and quiet place to live.

Another huge factor for me was making sure that I bought a house that wasn't in a flood zone. Believe me, you don't want to add any more bills than you already going to have. Despite not being in a flood zone, I still bought flood insurance just in case but I paid A LOT less than someone in a flood zone.

With this economy, you don't want to overstretched your budget. My wife and I bought a house that even with one income, we can still afford it. We've seen many of our friends bought houses during the boom, spending all their money on their homes and nothing else.

[caligirlz]

Originally Posted by faiths13

I agree Folsom is a bit of a stretch for price. Im not looking for something spectacular, but I do know we can get something pretty nice for the price still. I have looked in Rocklin and havent really seen anything in our price range either.
?

I live in Folsom, bought here last year (cost was >$250k for 1500 sqft). It's highly unlikely you will find a large home here for $200-250, unless it is a foreclosure or short sale & totally trashed....Inventory here is very low...but it wouldn't hurt to look. Folsom is a fantastic community with great schools.

Maybe you can tell us what you consider "large"?

[faiths13]

We need at least 1700 sq ft, but more would be better. I know we can get something that size in Antelope or Natomas, and probably Citrus Heights or Orangevale. Just dont know much about the neighborhoods.

And per my pp - Folsom is too expensive.

[NewToCA]

I'd probably look at Elk Grove and Lincoln first, then Natomas and Antelope.

[NinaN]

I agree with the above.