Downtown Santa Rosa - Safe place for a Senior to Live? Homeless problems?

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Originally Posted by Rubye Jack

I lived for years in Santa Rosa and also for about a year in Lake Shasta. I would not choose to live in either place again. Lake Shasta/Redding has lots of people making meth and Santa Rosa has the gangs, which should be much more of a concern to anyone than homeless people. They hang out by the downtown bus station, shopping malls, and downtown. People with money live up in the hills away from all this and don't seem to give a darn about the rest of Santa Rosa. As a senior I would look to Marin County and in particular Novato. They have some very nice subsidized senior complexes there and for the most part you don't see the homeless. This is because Marin has invested in excellent programs for the homeless out at Hamilton.

Sounds like heaven. Unfortunately, there aren't many 55+ communities. So, I'll have to wait a few years.

As far as people in Redding making meth, well, they are not apparent in my world. I wonder about the accuracy of that rumor. There are probably people making meth everywhere, but they are not apparent in Redding - even downtown where I live, and where there is a sizeable homeless population.

I was unaware that Santa Rosa had gangs. Will have to research that. Thank you.

[tikkasf]

I think in just about any city in CA the size of Santa Rosa, you will find some gang presence. In reviewing crime statistics for the past few years, it appears crime in Santa Rosa has been a bit below average. In your case OP, it likely will come down to economics.

[tikkasf]

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Originally Posted by tikkasf

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Interesting site, thanks.

The two were pretty close on the scale. Major difference I noticed was that Santa Rosa included "low crime" as a positive, while crime was not listed on Redding. Low cost of living was listed for Redding, but not on Santa Rosa.

I would have expected Redding to score lower, based on the majority perception of Redding. Really, after living here for 9 months now, it's really the hot summers that is the major negative to living in Redding. Other than that, I also don't like living downtown, because of the homeless problem. But, there is a lot to like about Redding. Lots of outdoor recreation (when it's not so darn hot), good medical facilities, low cost of living, and tons of shopping options.

If the summers weren't so hot, I wouldn't be looking anywhere else, though I'd be looking to get out of downtown for sure.

[StuPickles]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

Sounds like heaven. Unfortunately, there aren't many 55+ communities. So, I'll have to wait a few years.

As far as people in Redding making meth, well, they are not apparent in my world. I wonder about the accuracy of that rumor. There are probably people making meth everywhere, but they are not apparent in Redding - even downtown where I live, and where there is a sizeable homeless population.

I was unaware that Santa Rosa had gangs. Will have to research that. Thank you.

Unaware Santa Rosa has gangs? Are you kidding me? It is a city of 170,000 people. Of course there are going to be at least a few gangs in a city of such a size. It is also a city with plenty of poor areas and low income neighborhoods. There will be GANGS. I really hope you were being sarcastic.


There are about 2,000 gang members in Santa Rosa from what I read.

[tikkasf]

NoMoreSnowForMe, to sum it up, Santa Rosa has lower crime than Redding, not quite as hot as Redding in the summer, likely more cultural amenities and if needed, the public transportation system for Santa Rosa & to surrounding area is likely better. (Don't know what condition your car is in) Redding has the advantage in having a lower cost of living. If your car is reliable and in really good condition, then there are some great, scenic, outdoor areas (such as Lassen Park) to visit if living in Redding.