Closest neighborhoods to downtown for $325K or less? (Sacramento, Elk Grove: for sale, rental)

[lmh182]

I might be getting a job offer next week for a job in downtown (near 8th and K Street). I plan to find a rental for the first year, but after that will probably be looking to buy a home or condo. I wanted to get an idea of where my options might be when I decide to purchase.

I'll be a single lady, living by myself, and I'm looking for a relatively safe neighborhood. I would be fine with either a house, or a condo/townhouse. My budget would be up to $325K. I'm hoping to be within a 15 minute drive to my office, so hopefully there are some neighborhoods within that range.

Thanks!

[marcopolo666]

Google is your friend (as is zillow) :

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal...36_rect/11_zm/

[agilling]

I'm a single lady and have been living in the Butterfield Rivera area (borders are: River to the north, Folsom blvd to the south, Tiber to the west, Paseo Rio to the east) for 13 years now. Like all of Sacramento, you have to always stay on guard re: crime and safety. But, this neighborhood has a lot of original owners and neighbors that really watch out for you. There aren't many houses that come up for sale because everyone is long term, but they are definitely in your price range. The light rail stop in nearby too so you can commute downtown if that's your thing. It take me about 10-15 minutes w/o traffic to get to the midtown/downtown area.

[derekjones]

There are too many variables in your equation to really give you a solid answer. You are looking for a home in a year under $325k, no one can really tell you what home prices and availability will be like in a year. Additionally unless you are buying all cash no one knows what mortgage interest rates will be in a year. 15 Min drive also covers quite a bit of ground; Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, and everywhere in between.

Coming from experience you'd really want to narrow down exactly what you are looking for in a neighborhood/home. Everyone always says "I'm looking for a home at X price in a safe neighborhood". Some people can feel safe in Oak Park while other's only feel safe if they live in a gated community with security guards like Serrano. Do you want to be close to bike trails, walking paths, a certain store or restaurant? Maybe you're looking for a certain style of home? Big lot size? 2 story? Or the opposite, what don't you want? Do you not want to be within earshot of railroad track/lightrail? Not near a school?

[lmh182]

I'm not asking anyone to try to predict what housing prices will be in a year, I'm just asking at today's prices, what neighborhoods do YOU think would be safe for $325K or below, and within a 15 minute drive to downtown (during the rush hour commute in order to be to work by 9:00am).

I know that safety is relative, but if a couple of people recommend an area, then I'll go check it out for myself and see what I think.

As far as bike trails, schools, restaurants, ect. I dont care about any of that.

I just don't want to relocate to a new city, and then find out that I wont be able to afford a home unless I'm willing to live in a bad neighborhood, or commute 45 minutes. I've seen houses on redfin that are within my price range near downtown, but I have a feeling those are unsafe areas.

[b.hughes]

Southport area in West Sacramento - 95691. I think you could probably find a newer house in the 1100-1500 sq ft range for that price. You can get into downtown within 10 minutes without getting onto a freeway.

[sacreole]

There are also some neighborhoods in North Natomas where you may find a house within your price range. North Natomas is located between downtown and the airport.