By Kim Crane
I’ve lived in an apartment for a good portion of my adult life. Recently, I decided that I was tired of living in such close proximity to others, and that my apartment wasn’t feeling like my home.
Then I found out that the average rent in Sacramento is around $950, meaning it could actually make more financial sense for me to buy my own home. There are lots of homes in Sacramento with a monthly mortgage payment of under $1,000.
When I started my search, I realized that there are a lot of nice homes in Sacramento I could own for the same amount that I’m paying for my apartment—complete with my own yard, my own garage, and my own pool.
The following is a list of homes I found that meet my personal criteria: Great style, indoor and outdoor entertainment possibilities, open spaces, modern kitchens and bathrooms, and natural lighting.
1. Garden Ready For A Sustainable Family
8294 Carlin Ave
List Price: $268,000
The first home I found is located in the beautiful, convenient neighborhood of Elk Grove. I like that it has modern features. It seems that it has recently been remodeled, too, which is a bonus.
It has many spacious rooms, and the front and back yards have both been nicely landscaped—I wouldn’t have to touch either of them before I throw my first party. I love to garden inside and out, and this home comes with its very own sunroom and a backyard ready for some raised-bed gardening.
2. Natural Lighting For The Win
22 City St.
List Price: $235,000
PENDING
I like the location of this home, mostly because it’s nestled on a large lot in the middle of a cul-de-sac. I’m big on overhead lighting, so the natural lighting in this home (four skylights, a sunroom, and a fireplace (YES!) are all great features.
This home is also a gardener’s dream. The vegetable and flower garden possibilities are endless. This would help reduce my sky-high grocery bill.
3. Big Enough For My Family To Grow
9087 La Maison
List price: $234,900
PENDING
This home could use a couple of upgrades, but I really like the Vintage Park neighborhood where its located. The place seems like it has been well maintained, and I like that it has three bedrooms and two large baths. After living in a four-bedroom house with only one bathroom in college, I swore I would never live in a one-bathroom house again.
It also has a fantastic garage and a large backyard that could come in handy to park an RV. Plus there’s lots of room out back to possibly put in a pool one day. I could totally see myself living here, and I’m kicking myself over the fact that I still haven’t attempted to get out of my apartment until this moment.
4. Single Story And A Pool Is Hard To Find
9379 Mira del Rio Dr.
List Price: $239,900
This next home is a great single story house, which is another one of my musts. It would be nice not to have to climb up and down stairs to do laundry and everyday tasks.
Instead, I’d rather spend my time taking advantage of what the La Riviera neighborhood has to offer: Great public transportation (budget booster!), shopping, and hiking and biking trails along the American River. And, of course, this house has a great backyard with a pool.
5. A Midwestern Vibe
2319 Ralston Rd.
List Price: $239,000
PENDING
I’m from the Midwest, and this is the first home that I found for under $1,000/month that has a great midwestern vibe.
It has a large backyard with big trees and lush green grass. It carries that midwestern feel throughout the house as well with large open rooms (great for entertaining), wood floors, and best of all—a fireplace.
One change I would make, however, would be to turn one of those living rooms into a game room.
6. A Pool AND A Waterfall? Pinch Me
8305 Boron Way
List Price: $239,000
SOLD
This next home is very welcoming. I really like what the owner has done with lighting up the front steps to the door. The interior has been well maintained, and I can tell that the owner carried his/her lighting style throughout.
I love the stone tile in the bathroom as well. The backyard covers all of my musts—ready to entertain and a pool with a waterfall.
Update: As I was writing this article, it sold. Boo!
7. Very Comfy And Roomy
3137 Swallows Nest Dr.
List Price: $219,000
I really enjoy the outdoors. This next home is in a gated community (nice little bonus) with tennis courts, swimming pool, a large pond with walking/running path, and a large outdoor space that has more privacy than most.
The home has a nice new kitchen and an outdoor entertaining area. But the feature that I really like most is that it has cozy nooks to relax throughout if you want some privacy.
8. Looks Like Wine Country
9297 Thilow Dr.
List Price: $210,000
This home looks like someone plucked it out of Italy’s wine country and placed it on Thilow Drive. It does need a little work, but it would be the fun kind of work. This home has character.
I could totally see myself practicing yoga and painting or gardening inside its charming Old World style courtyard. I also think a water attraction, like a saltwater pool, would be a nice addition to its current style. My kind of place!
9. Perfect For Hosting Parties
4739 Storrow Way
List Price: $259,900
PENDING
I love to cook! And, this Sacramento home has a beautiful, well thought-out kitchen. It looks brand new (I don’t think I’ve cooked in a kitchen that has never been used).
I like where the kitchen is placed in proximity to its entertaining-ready outdoor space. You won’t feel like you’re in No Man’s Land while the party is hoppin’ in the backyard. Tall ceilings, large bathrooms, and open spaces throughout are a nice bonus as well.
10. Love The Color And Super Clean
8615 Aspen Ridge Ct.
List Price: $262,000
PENDING
The beauty of this last home is that it’s totally move-in ready. I like everything about it except that it doesn’t have a pool—but, that can be changed. Plus, the cosy fireplace kind of makes up for the lack of a swimming pool.
This is the first home where I really liked the color palette that was used throughout. It has a great patio room and backyard for entertaining. And it looks super clean.
What have I been waiting for this whole time? And better yet—what are you waiting for, Sacramento peeps? Stop renting, start buying!
