Bad areas of Sacramento (Bakersfield, Napa: real estate, rent, condos)

[Thatguitargirl]

I'm thinking of relocating my mom and myself to Sacramento. Can anyone tell me the areas to stay away from? I think someone had told me to stay away from the islands is that true? I'm looking to buy a townhome condo. My price ranges from 100 to 120,000
Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

[wburg]

I don't think Sacramento has any islands, and $100-120K isn't going to get you much in Sacramento, except in the areas that everyone will tell you to stay away from.

[Thatguitargirl]

Sorry-I made a typo-I was told to stay away from the Highlands

[WizardOfRadical]

You can get a townhome or condo for that price in Las Vegas.

Had you come to Sac 5 years ago, you probably could have scored something.

As it stands right now, pretty much anything in that price range will be in a sketchy area.

You might want to consider somewhere else, increase your budget, or wait for the next real estate bust (if your heart is set on Sac). Or you can always rent.

[wburg]

The problem is, there really aren't many townhomes or condos in Sacramento; it's mostly single-family-home territory.

Sounds like you meant North Highlands (note: there is no South Highlands) and yeah, that area is in kind of rough shape, it is outside the city limits in unincorporated Sacramento County. Not sure how much advice to give you with a $120K budget, though.

[Thatguitargirl]

Thank you for your response. I have MS and super hot climates like Phoenix and LV would be too hot. We have to make a move soon because my Mom can't breath in Colorado- she has copd. I chose Sac because I have friends in Napa and SF and a job op at Delta Dental in Sac. I might just have to live in a scetchy neighborhood for a bit? Any areas that really stand out more than others?

[Thatguitargirl]

Thank you-I appreciate your thoughts. It's scary moving out of state after living in Colo for 43 years!

[redhummingbird]

Originally Posted by Thatguitargirl

Thank you-I appreciate your thoughts. It's scary moving out of state after living in Colo for 43 years!

I can imagine it's scary to think of moving out of a familiar place. My heart goes out to you. I'm considering moving 6 hours south of here and I'm a bit nervous and it's in the same state so I can imagine how scary it must be.

One thing you might want to look into is the air quality in Sacramento and how it might affect someone with COPD. I've lived here for 3 years and now have allergies for the first time which is something everyone warned me about (but I didn't believe them).

Would you be able to afford renting somewhere while you scout out different areas?

I agree with what others have said about $100-120,000 not going too far in this area. I'd hate to see you both in a real bad area.

[Thatguitargirl]

Good to know about the air quality. I thought we had researched it, but I guess I better do it again. I knew there was a airflow area from Bakersfield and then up to the north aways that was horrible. Thank you for a heads up.

I would hate to through my money away on rent and it seems like the rent is high there. I was up there in December and looked at an area that I thought wasn't too far from that nice little neighborhood on Crocker lane? Something Woodside. I think I need to take another trip out with a realtor before I make any big decisions. I really appreciate everyone chiming in with all of this information.

Monica in Denver

[Majin]

Originally Posted by Thatguitargirl

My price ranges from 100 to 120,000

No.