Info on Sacramento, CA?
 

I am relocating from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Sacramento, California and was wondering if anyone out there has ever visited or lived there. I am a 32 year old single woman and will be living near my family. I would appreciate any tips on the city, standards of living, nightlife, sightseeing and generally anything that may enhance my relocation. I read a few negative things on the internet about the city (ie, Sac is nothing more than strip malls and cow pastures) and I'm hoping for something positive or contradictory :)

Sincerely,
Future Resident

Sacramento, like any other bigger city, has good parts and bad parts. I would definatly do a lot of homework to choose the best place. The outskirts of Sacramento can be very nice. Old Sacramento is a wonderful place to visit with quaint shops and things to see. Although it lacks the humidity, it can be very hot, but you can just plan accordingly. I think you'll be happy being close to your family, and there's lots of daytrips you can take.

Thanks for the reply. I read several messages from writers strongly discouraging people from moving to Sacramento and it REALLY bummed me out. My mother and favorite brother live there and that alone is incentive to move there but I also don't want to move to a lousy city. My mother lives in Orangevale and I will be attending Sacramento City College.

Elizabeth (Future Resident)

Sacramento gets a bad rap IMHO.

Certainly SoCal and the Bay Area cast large shadows, but as medium-sized cities go, it has a lot going for it. (Put it some other states and folks would be driving hundreds of miles to get there.)

It is hot, but there's nothing like waterskiing on the delta in 105-degree weather ...

Old Sacramento has some decent events and you used to be able to catch a water taxi up to the Virgin Sturgeon.

The relative proximity to Tahoe and San Francisco doesn't matter in day-to-day living, but it's a plus overall.

I am really excited about the proximity Sac has to SF and Tahoe (I love skiing). I have lived in South Florida for my ENTIRE life and really need a change. I have a great advantage in moving to Sac since my mother and brother live there...it would be nice to settle down and raise a family near them. I like everything...camping, city life, hiking, skiing, biking, driving, beaches, mountains, window shopping, getting dressed up, kicking back, etc. South Florida really only offers a few activities...beaches, golfing and mega partying. If you've had your fill with those three things, there's really not a lot more to do. I was hoping Sacramento would be in close proximity to a wider range of activities. I'm just surprised at the bad rap it gets....

Elizabeth

I think Sacramento is a nice city. I live in the Bay Area and have seriously considered moving up there. As others have mentioned, there are good parts and bad parts to Sac just like every other city.

Sacramento is growing rather rapidly, so there are plenty of new developments in the outskirts if that is your preference. Personally, I like the old neighborhoods closer to downtown myself. They have a lot of character, huge trees, small business districts with local merchants, and so on. Those big trees are really nice in the summertime because it can be 100+ degF, but in the shade it can be quite comfortable.

There are other areas of Sac that are filled with subdivisions and strip malls. It just depends on where you go.

The city doesn't have a huge nightlife scene, but there are some fun places to go. It tends to be a bit more low key than some cities.

From what you've said, it seems like Sac might be a very good fit for you.

If you're going to attend Sac City, you might want to live in Old Land Park (my mom lives there). Curtis Park is also nearby. Midtown is also nice for a young person, but the neighborhoods vary block-by-block. Personally I wouldn't want to be out in the 'burbs.

Sacramento is no New York (or even SF), but it's pleasant. And it's still relatively cheap.

Having had the chance to move to Sac several years ago (I chose Charlotte instead)I will give this viewpoint. Sac itself is not much to write home about but, you are close to many things (San Fran, Tahoe, etc.) The cost of living (while not high to California in general) will probably still be higher than you are used to. The airport is also nice for get-aways as it is small but w/many destinations (but it can be expensive).

Elizabethian,

Have you visited Sacramento yet? How can you be all worked up over a place if you haven't been there for a look-see?

Here is a link to the Sacramento Bee newspaper: http://www.sacbee.com/

This is a great way to get an idea of what is going on in the city.

As others have mentioned, Sacramento is a great location: 2 hours to San Francisco and 2 hours to Lake Tahoe. It can be very hot in the summer (100 +), and cold and FOGGY in the winter. This is fog you will not have seen before. You are also very close to the Delta which is a really neat area to explore by car or boat.

If you must live in California, Sacramento is probably one of the best choices.

One more thing, Sacramento's air quality has deteriorated the last few years. While not in the same league as Los Angeles, I think it is in the top ten of the smogiest cities in the US.

Dick

My brother lives in Sacramento with his family and feels it is a great place to raise a family. He has been happy with the school system and was able to find a relatively affordable house (compared to the Bay Area.)

That being said, I think you should consider an extended visit to your family to check out the city yourself.

I own a house in South Florida and decided to rent it out while I am testing the waters in Sacramento. There is a local college there that offers a nice photography program that I want to take part in. I will give it a try for a couple years and decide if I will make it permanent after two years. In the meantime, I can enjoy my mom's home cooking :)

It's interesting to read everyone's perspective, I really appreciate the advice.

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabethian, I live about an hour from Sacramento.

Sacramento has nice people in it. There are some problem areas of course but your family would know about that.

As had been mentioned, Sacramento (and the Valley) can and does get very hot around the end of July and usually to the end of September. However we do not have the high humidity.

The fog that was referred to is called Tule Fog. It is terrible, especially if you have to drive. Have lived with Tule Fog all my life and still hate it.
BTW, the Tule fog is from the east, the Delta versus the fog that SF gets from the Pacific Ocean. Two different kind of fogs. I will take SF fog anyday.

I think in that you have your Mom and special brother living in Sacramento plus the classes you want to take I would give it a try.

Your idea to rent out your house in FL is very sensible IMHO. That way if you decide that Sacramento is not where you want to live for a long time you won't feel trapped.

About nightlife, I have had family members complain (they lived in Sacramento for years) that the nightlife is not much to brag about. But they tend to be people that don't seem to get the desire to go out and explore so it could be more them then the city itself.

Over Labor Day Weekend Sacramento has their Jazz Festival which is very popular. At UC Davis is the new Mondavi Center that has lots of entertainment venues that people enjoy.

The Sacramento Airport is a great easy airport to utilize. Southwest is there and now even JetBlue with flights to DC and JFK plus several other airlines.

Sacramento does have some short term residents due to it being the state capitol. But lots and lots of long time residents there. There are some homeless in area downtown, but that is true in most large cities.

It has a great diversity of citizens and I understand quite a lot of new ethnic restaurants.



For sure Sacramento is more then strip malls and cow pastures.

You will be a couple of hours from SF ( a city most everyone loves). And of course Lake Tahoe the other way. And don't forget Napa Valley is not that far away.

You could drive up to Nevada City, go up Hwy 49 etc. That would take you all the way to Lake Tahoe if you wanted a non freeway drive. Lots of lovely scenery etc.

I would give it a try. Nothing ventured nothing gained, right? And how nice it would be to have your favorite family members right there.

Good luck with your decision and new venture.

LoveItaly,
That was a really nice response, thank you. "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" has become my daily motto! LOL

Is the fog a constant problem or is it just a nuisance a handful of days through out of year?

I decided to go there with a positive attitude and have fun...see where I land so to speak.

My brother is the adventurous sort, weekend getaways, sky diving, hiking, exploring, etc. With him around, a desert would be interesting LOL :)

Thanks again for the info, I'll keep that in my file.

Did I mention that my brother will be flying into South Florida and we will be driving across the country to get there? I am REALLY psyched about that. I've lived a very boring existence so far and am ready to start having fun. We're taking I-75 up to I-70 and taking that through to Nevada with a detour to the Grand Canyon.

Elizabeth

Oh Elizabethian, lucky you that you have a brother you can have so much fun with!!

About that tule fog. No it is not year around. It is in winter. It gets right down to the ground. I am sure your brother can explain it to you. I do want to mention if you have to drive in it do NOT put your headlights on high. That only makes visability worse. I would suggest that you get famaliar with the streets say from where you will be living to your classes. That will help a lot.

It sounds like the next few years will be wonderful. And, don't forget to have that dear brother of yours take you over the our N CA coast. It is so beautiful and very different from Florida's. Again, my very best wishes to you.

The Tule Fog sure is fun, isn't it? ;) Fortunately it only occurs in the winter and isn't around all winter long - it comes and goes. And, if the fog lasts too long and you need some sunshine, all you have to do it head up into the foothills and you will be above it. When you drive into the hills, the moment you break through the fog is really an incredible thing, and it usually happens that quickly - like you walked through a door and the fog was gone. And then you look back and literally see a "bowl of fog" in the valley.

Then there are winter days that are clear as can be in the valley and the weather is absolutely gorgeous. In February I was up in Gridley, which is about an hour north of Sac, and it was one of those crystal clear days. We could see the Sierra Buttes, Mount Lassen, all the peaks in the coast range. It was beautiful.

I'm assuming you are now a current resident! My family will also be relocating to the Sac area. How has it been for you? For those of you with the experience, we'd be interested living in an area with an "old neighborhood" feel as was mentioned, but maybe further east off highway 50 past this Tule fog zone that has been discussed. Of course, we can't go too far east because of the commute into Sac. We're coming from Bishop, California and I relish blue skies and sunny days! Any suggestions?

I also would like info on areas to live for young professionals
Land Park has been suggested - my daughter is moving there next month and would like suggestions - she would like to live in area with shops, restaurants etc .She is going apt hunting next week
and could use some advice - also any suggestions for an apartment finders business to contact

I don't live in Sac, but I am from near there and go to Sac several times a year.

The tule fog is really a valley phenomenon, so to get out of its range, you have to go into the foothills. I think you generally get out of it around Auburn. There are some nice towns in the foothills, but the commute back to Sac is a killer. There is a lot of new development in the outlying areas, so getting into or out of Sac during commute times is a challenge.

For historic neighborhoods in Sac, you can't beat the Fabulous 40s - Sac has numbered streets and the area around the 40s is quite historic. Has a price tag to match too, but depending on your budget... :) There are other historic neighborhoods in Sac, mostly close to downtown.

I have family who used to have a house in the 50s - I think 51st. These are more modest homes, built in the 1940s, I believe. Nice estabilished neighborhood with big trees, fairly quiet streets, and small business districts.

There are quite a few neighborhoods that were built in the 1950s and 60s as well, that while not historic, are well established with large trees, etc.

Land Park - I am not really familiar with that area, but I know that it is a really nice, sought after neighborhood. It has never struck me as the type of area where young professionals would gather - it is more of an established area with fine homes.

Thank you! You seem very resourceful, so I'll probably be back seeking more input as things progress. My husband also is considering a position in Marysville which we know nothing about except that it's north of Sac. Do you have any feedback for that area?

Julie

P.S. Sunbum - www.sacbee.com, the local newpaper on-line seems to have an OK rental section

Julie - my family has been up in that area for ages and I was born just over the river from Marysville in Yuba City. I am a *little* familiar with the area ;) The family up there is dwindling though, so we don't go up there as often as we used to.

Anyway - Marysville and Yuba City are sister towns, just across the river from one another so they are taken pretty much as one and the same. Marysville is smaller because it is between 2 rivers - the Feather and the Yuba. Yuba City has more room out to the south and west to expand, so it has.

They are pretty good places to live, although a little provincial - typical small town places. Agriculture is big there although the people in Yuba City and Marysville are mostly "townies" and most of the farmers live outside of town.

Marysville is older than Yuba City, so it has more historic neighborhoods - actually there are some really cute historic houses there. It also has more run-down parts, unforunately. Yuba City is newer and has more in the way of shopping and services.

There isn't a whole lot in the way of high culture and most events center around agriculture - county fairs and that sort of thing. For concerts and things like that, you have to go down to Sac or sometimes they have things up in Chico - since it is a college town. Again, typical smaller town places - not a whole lot going on.

Housing is still very reasonable there, so you can get more for your money than you could even in Sacramento.

Overall, depending on what you are looking for Marysville and Yuba City could be a good fit or not. It's not a bad place to live if you like a smaller town environment but still have shopping other than Walmart.

Good input! Marysville area sounds like an easier transition for us coming from a small town now than Sac, but it will boil down to what position my husband accepts. Appreciate your details. Is weather/fog situation similar in Marysville to Sac? Commuting from outlying areas probably wouldn't be as bad into Marysville either I would think. Our town is in the mountains/high desert so bigger cities are a bit intimidating, but I grew up in So Cal so I'm sure I'd adjust!

Thanks again! Julie

Marysville and Yuba City get the winter fog - any place in the valley will get it. And although the fog is an issue, it isn't like it settles in in November and stays through March ;) It comes and goes. Sometimes the fog will stay for a week and everyone goes batty - LOL. Other times the valley will be so clear you can see for ages.

We went up there in Feb for a funeral and my God it was a magnificent day. So clear, we could see forever. Gorgeous.

Most of the bad weather is just rain.

If you decide to live in the hills, the commute into Marysville will be easy. Since Marysville and Yuba City aren't very big, not a lot of people commute there to work. Most people who work there live close by. There are an increasing number of people who live in Marysville, Yuba City and surrounding towns and commute down to Sac.

East of Yuba City and Marysville, up Hwy 20 about a half hour are the towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Both are really great - historic gold rush towns, still pretty small but you've got the basics as far as shopping and services. There are even smaller places further out and the people who live there come into Nevada City and Grass Valley for their shopping so these towns have more choices than you would thing they would based on their small populations. These towns are high enough to get a little snow - not a lot though. Usually just enough to have some fun. Real snow isn't far away though. You can be at Truckee or Lake Tahoe pretty quickly and have all the snow you want, without having to shovel it ;)

Your February trip must've been the one to Gridley with the great views. It sounds like there's a lot of potential in surrounding areas. We're kind of the outdoorsy type -- lots of dog walks, day hikes, car camping, early morning sunrise expeditions, etc. Are there opportunities for such activities close in to Sac or do you have to get pretty far out of the city limits?

Glad to hear the fog doesn't sock in all winter! I was getting worried. Having snow not too far away is an asset also. It sounds like there is a distinct change of seasons in the Sac valley too. So Cal was a bit lacking in that department!

The housing market isn't great, but it's better than San Diego which my husband was also considering. $500,000 for a fixer upper in SD - yikes! You're probably familiar with that phenomenon living in the Bay Area.

Thanks - Julie

Well, the negatives have been posted for Sacramento, so I will try to give you the positives. There is night life here, mainly for your age group, and top-notch restaurants... we have a fabulous Philharmonic, opera and a ballet season. That may not be your cup of tea but I think you will get a lot of info, once you are enrolled in City college. They even have a great theatre there. Midtown is a great place for young people to live. Don't get stuck in the suburbs. I have friends who live in the "burbs" who have absolutely no idea what is going on downtown.

My daughter 29 yrs old will be arriving there on or about Nov 19 - moving from San Diego for a new job opportunity.
Thanks for all the info - as an anxious mother I am really hoping she will like it there - and she will only be a days
drive from me now - I live in Eugene, or.
Elizabethian- if you move there maybe you can get together- same age group-
loves to ski - will need friends

Julie - In Sac there is the American river area, which has good opportunities for outdoors stuff. The Delta is really close too. Within an hour of Sac there are tons of outdoor activities - my gosh, where to even start? LOL. There is so much to see in the foothills and then the Sierras are only a little way further. If you go east and hit Hwy 49, going north or south you will find tons of good stuff.

The seasons aren't as pronounced as in some parts of the country, but there are really 4 seasons. Winter is just rainy rather than snowy, but it gets chilly. Leaves turn and fall of trees in the fall, although you don't get the vibrant colors - more often than not they start to turn, then it rains and they all fall off the trees - LOL.

Housing prices are still ok - probably half what you are looking at in San Diego - LOL. Ok, in Sac maybe not HALF, maybe 60% ;)

Sharon, J COr et all
Should we put you on a list for a future Sacto GTG???

Downtown is coming back IMHO. Esp with all the high rise condos going up.
Locve to have been able to buy the places above Mikuni's/Chaing's.
Stumbling distance to "The Torch".
Everytime we go in, Mrs Kal has to say "It sure would be nice to live down here".

We'll Priceline a room at Hyatt or SherGrand for a Friday or Sat night then taxi it around.

While it still ain't NYC, it will do.

About the fog...it is a pain, but we always refer to it as having a "white Christmas"...

It really is what you make of it. I'm a native of Sacramento, and live just north of there now (spent 11 years in Phoenix during this time). I'm really partial to the area, but I love history and the Gold Rush stuff fascinates me. I think there is PLENTY to do within a 2-hour radius...a lot of it in our own backyard. It really is what you make of it... Friends are easily made if you are friendly. Know what I mean?

Sunbum: I posted some fairly detailed info on your other thread. (Land Park isn't really a viable choice for your daughter - especially since she will be working in Rancho Cordova)

Kal - put me down for a GTG in Sacto. I had posted that suggestion to LoveItaly a while back, but didn't get a response.

Have you been to Tapa's? Or dinner at Lucca's?

I'm older than most of you guys, but if you don't care, I don't care.

OK!
Maybe we can have an informal "Fodor's Housewarming Welcome" for sunbum's dotter on Nov 20th?

Rancho? What insurance co? ;)

JCor-YubaDuba City! Home of the Honkers!
They still have "the water"?

She works for Progressive Ins
You can all come and help unload the truck when she arrives!!
Think I am flying into San Diego to help her and drive her car
Thanks for all your info - I hope she will love Sacramento although I must admit I am going to miss visiting her in
San Diego but am sure we will find LOTS of things to do in Sac and area.We both love hiking and biking etc so look forward to exploring.
May move there myself once she gets settled

Hi Sharon, I just saw your comment about a GTG..I didn't see your original one. I am sorry! I sure hope you don't think I was ignoring you.

Sunbum, I am sure your daughter will enjoy being in Sacramento. A lot of nice people there. And the Sacramento airport is so easy to use. That will be a big plus for here if she likes to travel.

Kal- thanks so much the suggestion of a
housewarming for her - sounds great!
She does not know anyone in the area except for the person who interviewed her for the job - so would be nice for her to meet a few other friendly people.

Yep - Yuba City, or as my husband calls it - Honkerville. :)) He had so much fun when he learned what the high school mascot is.

I don't get "the water" reference though. Maybe because I didn't grow up there?

Sunbum,
No prob.
I'm sure a lot of FFFs would be more than happy to help.

I think we all have been thru the "new city-don't know anybody" 'thang before and any little bit helps.

Ask Mrs Kal circa '79 when I stole her away from her parents.

Let us know. Would be fun to meet you guys.
Hey! Something new to add on the "You know you've been on Fodor's too long"...when you offer to help move a person you've never met when you won't even help your friends move anymore! ;)

J_,
The Honkers were in our sports league when I was a youngin' and it seemed like we'd have to take a shower when we got home after showering at the YC facilities because the water smelled/tasted like sulphur..

Some people joked that YC was the closest the to "H" on Earth so maybe it came straight from the River Styx!

Lotta changes up the Hwy 99/70 corridor and it looks all for the better. ((Y))

I seem to remember hearing something about those sulfer showers at YCH.

LoveItaly - I don't get on here all the time, so I thought you were either busy or travelling.

Maybe we can plan a GTG downtown Sacto?

I'll check back later today.

Keep me notified about Sacrament GTG as I'm sure Kal has taken me off his list unless I show up in shorts :`(