When moving to a new city, it's important to get to know your new surroundings. Learn about the area's cost of living, the things to do and places to avoid. There are also some ideas you'll need to update your resume and make sure you have a job lined up.
Places to go
If you're moving to Sacramento alone, you'll be pleased to find that there are a number of things to do. This bustling city is home to the Sacramento Kings, a minor league baseball team, and an active nightlife. For outdoor activities, you can head over to the American River Parkway or Tahoe Park.
The Sacramento metropolitan area has many neighborhoods, from quiet residential enclaves to hip downtown hot spots. You can choose between affordable single-family homes, apartments, and condos in a wide range of styles.
Areas to avoid
If you are moving to Sacramento alone, you need to be aware of your surroundings. If possible, stay away from high-crime areas. Carry pepper spray with you and set aside money for a home alarm kit. Property crimes are also very common in Sacramento. Despite this, there are many safe neighborhoods in the city.
While Sacramento's crime rate isn't something to brag about, it is much lower than most places in California. Choosing the right neighborhood can make a huge difference in your safety. Elmhurst and Sierra Oaks, for example, are highly desirable, with crime rates that are fifty to sixty percent lower than the average crime rate for California.
Cost of living
The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Sacramento is $1,700 per month, which is about 7% more expensive than last year. Rent costs will vary depending on the neighborhood and type of apartment you rent. The most expensive neighborhoods for renters are downtown, Creekside, and Campus Commons. The least expensive neighborhoods are Boulevard Park and Valley High North Laguna.
Living costs in Sacramento are much cheaper than those in other areas of the state. For example, a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center costs $4,950 per month. In contrast, a three-bedroom apartment in Sacramento costs $1,390 per month. The cost of living in Sacramento is low enough that an expat can live there for less than $2400 per month.
Walking
There are many ways to get out of your hotel room and enjoy Sacramento on your own. You can check out the Crocker Art Museum, which features art from the Gold Rush to the present. This museum also houses the country's largest collection of international ceramics. You can also take a group tour of the city.
The Old Sacramento Historic District is a charming historic district that is a delight for history buffs. The area is home to the largest collection of gold rush era buildings in California. The area is also filled with historic street performers and world-famous eateries.
Public transportation
Sacramento offers an extensive public transportation system, which is both inexpensive and convenient. You can use the Sacramento Regional Transit District's bus system or ride share shuttle service, SmaRT Ride. SmaRT Ride provides on-demand service for a flat fare of $2.50. The Sacramento light rail system covers a radius of 43 miles, with 54 stations. There are three lines, the Blue, Red, and Gold. All three lines have limited hours of operation.
The Sacramento metro area is a great choice for a solo traveler, especially if you're planning to use public transportation to get around town. Many moving companies offer a range of options, including remote work options that can make your commute easier. Additionally, many major companies have their headquarters in Sacramento, making it easy to find employment in the area. Some of these companies include PORAC, Sutter Health, McClatchy, and Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Buying a home
Buying a home when you're moving to SACRAMENTO alone can be a complicated process. Luckily, the Sacramento housing market is one of the most affordable in the state. According to the Home Buying Institute, Sacramento is the second most affordable metro area in the country. The city has a relatively walkable downtown area, but there are also many outlying neighborhoods that are perfect for families and people who don't want to commute to work. The suburbs have strong school districts and a variety of parks and shopping areas.
A recent Harris Poll found that nearly a third of American adults considered moving to a less populated city. However, many of them stayed near their jobs because of the high cost of housing in the Bay Area. Despite the high cost of living in the Bay Area, many companies allow their employees to work from home, which is fueling the desire to move to less crowded areas. As a result, Sacramento has been one of the top five cities with the most new residents.