Strawberry fields and vineyards were the prevailing crops in old Florin, made famous for its delectable fruit and wines. Also, it's a lot less pretentious than some other northern California wineries.
Florin, California is a densely urban area located in Sacramento County with a population of 47,514 people, all living within 8.7 square miles of each other! Sounds cozy doesn't it? Florin is about eight miles south of Sacramento and was predominantly an agricultural community from the late 1800s up until the World War II era. This area of northern California is stunningly beautiful, and the residents of this small town have the Sierra Mountain range to thank for that! This incredibly populated little town is in a perfect location for taking a quick jaunt into the city of Sacramento for work or pleasure. It is also close to the El Dorado National Forest for those who love camping, hiking, and just being out in nature.
Moving to Florin
The first thing to do when you are preparing for your move is to start early in your search. On the whole, Florin has a pretty low vacancy rate of about 5 percent, so real estate is very limited: the sooner you begin your search, the better!
Along with a wish list, you should bring your identification, your rental and work history, and references. Also be prepared to put down a non-refundable credit check and application fee, just in case you happen upon a home that you suddenly cannot pass up! Also, it is very standard to put down a security deposit to hold your new dwelling until you are ready for the big move. The security deposit is usually first and last months' rent, as well as any pet deposits in case you are bringing Fido or Fifi with you.
The Neighborhoods of Florin
Florin hasa variety of neighborhoods. Take a look at this list to get an idea of the neighborhoods in Florin.
Florintown: This neighborhood is packed with people living in a densely urban area. There are mostly single family homes ranging in size from one to four bedrooms and very moderately priced for monthly rent rates. This area is on the northeastern edge of the town and is considered to be very walkable by most people. The vacancy rate is relatively low, but that is likely because of the growing population and the demand for homes. When your town is encapsulated within 8.7 square miles, the only way to go is up! There are a few high rise apartment complexes in this area that offer all utilities paid, so if you are quick and savvy, you might just snatch one before they are all gone!
Byer-Knight: The Byer-Knight neighborhood is in the middle of town and is, once again, densely populated. This area is crowded, but has a very tight-knit and neighborly feel to it. This neighborhood is very affordable and very pedestrian friendly. Also, the commute is usually quick and easy, a painless 15-30 minutes on most days, depending, of course, on where you work. The residents commonly work in sales, manufacturing, clerical, and some technical jobs: basically, a hard-working mix of people who want to live in a place that feels somewhat like a suburb, but that is still in the heart of town.
Scottsdale East: This neighborhood is slightly more expensive and is predominantly made up of single family homes rather than apartment complexes or high rises. The homes in this area were mostly built after 1970, so they are more modern and up to date than some other areas of town. Many executives and business professionals choose to live in this area of Florin, attracted by the stand-alone homes and attractive neighborhoods. The vacancy rate is quite low in this area, which makes it a bit difficult to find a home to either buy or rent. The supply is low and the demand is quite high, but if you are tenacious, the chances are very good that you can find exactly what you want -- and for just the right price!
Scottsdale Village: Scottsdale Village is a very popular area of Florin. The homes here are larger and more modern than in other areas of the town. The average cost for rent is still moderate and the vacancy rate is relatively low, but it is more difficult to find an availability in this area because of those very facts. This is an extremely walkable neighborhood, and you will see people out walking, jogging, and riding their bikes on a daily basis. It is perfect for a variety of people. this neighborhood is safe, well lit, and very cozy. Located in the southwestern corner of town, the average commute to and from work is a short 20 minutes. Compared to San Francisco and even Sacramento commutes, this is a negligible length of time!
Cottonwood: Tucked in alongside Gerber Rd and Power Inn Rd sits this sweet little urban neighborhood. Comparable to Scottsdale Village as far as average rental prices each month go, it is also a predominantly owner occupied area of town. The homes are medium to large (think three to five bedrooms), with some smaller one bedroom and studio spaces available as well. Again, this is a very pedestrian area, close to many local shops and grocery stores. Some homes here have pools in the backyards, so if you are lucky and time your move just right, you might just score a summer-ready yard! It is a fantastic way to beat the heat during the summer months, and since this is Northern California, you can pretty much enjoy being outside and in the water for most of the year!
Living in Florin
Before you decide to pack up and move to this urban town, you might want to take a drive and look for yourself. If you can handle living in close proximity to all of your neighbors, love being close to a bigger city like Sacramento, and enjoy having the Sierra Mountains at your back, this might just be the place for you!