6 replies to this topic

[rohvin]

Hello
We are looking to move to this neighborhood from Prairie Oaks. You've got great homes and nice landscaping in this area. We have young kids aged 9 and 5. Have been told ARC residents are mostly empty nesters or with kids in colleges. In other words may be hard to find play dates for kids. For us it is a major decision factor. Another key factor for us is diversity. We are an Asian couple. Again the same folks told us ARC mostly is a Caucasian neighborhood which is not an issue but we would prefer a mixed neighborhood. Did not mean to offend anyone by this but wanted to be frank and realistic in what to expect.
Appreciate your frank response.
Thanks

[Steve Heard]

Hello
We are looking to move to this neighborhood from Prairie Oaks. You've got great homes and nice landscaping in this area. We have young kids aged 9 and 5. Have been told ARC residents are mostly empty nesters or with kids in colleges. In other words may be hard to find play dates for kids. For us it is a major decision factor. Another key factor for us is diversity. We are an Asian couple. Again the same folks told us ARC mostly is a Caucasian neighborhood which is not an issue but we would prefer a mixed neighborhood. Did not mean to offend anyone by this but wanted to be frank and realistic in what to expect.
Appreciate your frank response.
Thanks

Your Realtor should be able to get a neighborhood demographic report. If you aren't working with one I can provide.

Also check with the school district or go directly to the elementary school.

[The Average Joe]

I think it depends on which area of ARC for kids. Are you looking in the ARC north or south area? The north area seems to have more younger kids, while the south area is in that turnover mode where many long time residents have moved out and younger people are starting to move in.
I know that the last two houses that sold on my street had young families move in. However, there is definitely an older empty nest group here in the south part. I would suggest that you spend some time at Davies park in the North area, and walk along some of the streets in the south area and make your own call.
I don't know what you are looking for when you say "diversity." Elk Grove is a lot more diverse than Folsom. I don't think people up here care about race much, at least I've never heard anything disparaging (although I love to joke about living in the "slums of ARC" as I have it called by a few ARCN people...lol).
Two things to consider with young children if you move into the south area.
First is that the homes east of ARC drive have kids go to Folsom schools. Homes west of ARC drive have an agreement with Folsom schools, but (afaik) currently kids can go to either Orangevale or Folsom schools. Our kids went to Sundahl, Sutter, FHS so it was never an issue. You may just want to check on the status of the agreement if you are looking in the arc south area west of ARC drive.
The other thing to consider with kids is that the inner streets are better for kid play as there is less traffic. Remember that there are no sidewalks...
I would also offer the observation that the ARC area is VERY quiet at night.
Vic's is a handy but pricey local grocery, and if you like blues music, Po Boys brings in some fantastic talent. Negro bar is also pretty handy if you like to kayak.
One disadvantage is that as kids get older, it is a long trip to the schools, and many of their friends and extracurricular activities will be across town (so you'll do a lot of driving).
I love it up here, but your mileage may vary.

[aztransplant]

I take it from the title of your post that you are looking at ARC North. I agree with The Average Joe that that area has more kids than ARC South where I live -- our doorbell rang but three times on Halloween.

If you do decide you want to look into ARC South, let me know and I'll sing it's praises. We've lived here just two years, but plan to stay for the long haul.

[john]

A wise man once told me that if you truly want to know how healthy a neighborhood is, drive around the neighborhood on a weekend - see how many kids are out playing. If the weather is nice, you should see some kids out -

[Steve Heard]

A wise man once told me that if you truly want to know how healthy a neighborhood is, drive around the neighborhood on a weekend - see how many kids are out playing. If the weather is nice, you should see some kids out -

I almost made that suggestion but because of the weather I didn't. Yes, that is a great way to get a feel for a neighborhood. Cruise around, see if kids are playing (and parents watching).

[rohvin]

Great feedback! Special Thanks to "The Average Joe" for a detailed response. Thanks everyone.