Dream of being a professional athlete? Moving to Carmichael might be a good career move: three professional baseball players, one professional basketball player, one professional football player, a PGA champion, an Olympic-medal-winning swimmer, and a head college football coach have all called this city home.
Carmichael, California is home to about 60,000 residents, and is known as one of the census-based cities in America, which means that it is a main center where the census takes place. In 2006, its lustrous, tree-lined streets, quiet, affluent neighborhoods, and beautiful nature backdrop all helped it earn the distinction of being named the best city to live by _Money _magazine.
Carmichael is pretty much a suburb of Sacramento, and with that comes some pretty neat benefits: it’s only about five miles outside of downtown Sacramento, and a few hours away from San Francisco, so you can enjoy a weekend getaway at either of the vibrant and exciting nearby cities. So if you feel like checking out the Gold Rush and railroad history in Sac-town, or head to SF for the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Chinatown, or Alcatraz, it's easy-peasy.
Since Carmichael is part of the larger metropolitan city of Sacramento, let’s look at Sacramento and what it has to offer, too. Sacramento is the capital of California and home to a public habitat for lions and tigers and bears (Oh my!) – otherwise known as the Sacramento Zoo. Though Sacramento is often overlooked (read: _ignored) _when it comes to California’s other cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, it still has a lot to offer, and the developing mid-town area has recently been attracting more and more young people to the city.
Carmichael itself won't leave you wanting for beauty. It's home to many awe-inspiring parks, including one of the largest in Sacramento County, Carmichael Park. With over 38 acres, Carmichael Park has more than five baseball fields and six tennis courts, a community clubhouse, a Pavilion for the Performing Arts, and an area called the Great Wall of Carmichael (not to be confused with the Great Wall of China). The park is host to the year-round farmer’s market, open every Sunday. This is not your average park -- you can literally get lost in it, so make sure you keep Rover (and any little tots in tow) on a leash, or at least in your line of sight.
The climate in Carmichael is what you would expect in central California: The summers are stifling hot at times (average temperatures around 90 degrees) and the winters are soggy and cool, with average temperatures around 50 degrees. Most of the residents of Carmichael work in the math and computer fields. In fact, professionals in this city are employed in these two fields more than in any other city in the country. So what does that really mean? Well, that most of them have jobs that help them afford living in this affluent suburb of Sacramento. It also means you’ll have some pretty smart neighbors. So if you tend to need, er, tech support, it might pay to bring over some brownies when you first move in.
Speaking of professions, if you’re planning to move to Carmichael, you’re going to need a well-paying job too (unless you plan to live on ramen, which is fine too). The cost of living here is among the highest in the country, and will (or should) discourage the aimless wanderer. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. After all, you’re talking about California, and it’s not cheap to live anywhere in the Eureka state (fun fact: unsurprisingly, eureka means, “I have found it,” as in the discovery of gold). So if you don’t have a goldmine to, well, mine, you need to have a good job or learn a well paying profession – something in the math or computer industry would be ideal.
Still, living in Carmichael is not as expensive as other affluent areas in California. And just think, you’ll be in good company, since many people who live in Carmichael are single, educated, and have good careers.
Depending on what you're looking for, it may or may not be difficult to find a place to live in Carmichael.
How much will it cost?
The goods news is it won’t cost as much as San Francisco or Beverly Hills, that’s for sure. The average cost of a one-bedroom could run less than $1000, which will likely make your SF neighbors pretty jealous.
When To Rent
This will largely depend on when you are looking to move. As with most places in California, the best time to hunt for an apartment is during the winter months. The weather is not as nice, and it’s the rainy season, which discourages people from looking for new digs. You really shouldn’t have as much difficulty finding an apartment in Carmichael as you would, say, in Los Angeles or Orange County. Take your time to find what’s best for you. But don’t take too long; rentals can go fast in California.
What You Need
When looking for an apartment anywhere, you need to know what you are looking for. Do you want a one or two-bedroom? Do you want to live close to the beach? Most apartments will allow smaller dogs, less than 40 pounds, but many don’t allow larger dogs and certain breeds. (Don't try to pretend that your Doberman Pinscher is actually an overgrown hamster. Remember, people here are smart.) You also need to know if you want a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Depending on the apartment, you will need either the first month's or the first and last months' rent amount. Make sure you have all your income documents ready to provide to the landlord. You also need to do your research on apartments and neighborhoods so you won’t waste your time.
The city has 13 neighborhoods to choose from; however, not all the neighborhoods are ideal. Just like most cities, Carmichael has depressed areas, so do your research. Here's a quick guide with relative price ratings.
Fair Oaks: This area is an urban community. It has mostly single-family dwelling homes and apartment complexes. Most of the people have obtained a higher education. It is also a great place to reside if you are retiring, so there is a mixture of ages living in this community. If you are at home in an urban jungle, this neighborhood is for you. $$$$
Land Park: This is a wonderful community filled with beautiful trees, spacious yards, and contemporary homes. One of the parks located in the community is called William Land Park, which is over 160 acres. It has many picnic areas, a lake, tennis courts, baseball fields, a rock garden, golf courses, and many paths to jog. If you are physically active or a recovering couch potato, you will love living here. $$$
Shelfield Oaks: This is a beautiful community surrounded by nature. It is hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city. Instead of hearing the traffic and the rest of the city noise, you will hear the pristine sound of the American River flowing below. Most of the people who live here are educated professionals, who need peace and quiet to be brilliant. If you want to call this place home, you may want to get some higher education of your own. $$$$
Sierra Oaks: Located very close to Carmichael, just outside of downtown Sacramento. This area is close to California State University in Sacramento - something to think about when looking for an apartment or place to stay in this community. Many college students may stay in this neighborhood, so try to move when school is out. It’s also located near the American River. The area is surrounded by beautiful natural land, where you can get involved in many outdoors activities. This affluent community has some of the best schools in the area. $$$
Although Carmichael is a suburb, it has a great deal of attractions and activities for almost everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few:
Lasertag
Home to the largest laser tag arena in Sacramento, Lasertag of Carmichael will provide plenty of fun for the entire family. If you have children, let them play until they drop.
American River Parkway
This is a huge park that has just about every activity you can imagine. You can spend an entire day at the park hiking, boating, jogging, fishing, or riding your bicycle from one end to the other. Talk about a walk through nature: hear the sounds of the river, catch all kinds of fish from catfish to trout, and even watch the deer hop around and the turkeys walk back and forth.
Effie Yeaw
The name sounds weird but you will thoroughly enjoy this outdoor adventure. It’s almost like a trip to the zoo, but it’s a park filled with all sorts of wildlife from snakes to turtles. It’s even home to the Great-Horned Owl.
La Sierra Skatepark
When you’re finished watching the animals, you can check out the skateboarders doing tricks on the ramps.
The Chautauqua Playhouse
If you’re interested in watching small but popular plays, you can do just that at this small, but comfortable and charming, arena.
The Orange Freeze
One of the best food venues in town. The food is great and the drinks will quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Your apartment won’t be too far from this place, so be sure to stop by.
