Every now and then, a little known location becomes recognized, inviting attention previously bestowed by only a few. The city of Rocklin, California, nestled in the foothills of the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, in Sacramento's greater metropolitan region, is a prime example. What has made Rocklin so popular and what does Rocklin real estate offer for those interested in residing there?
A snapshot of Rocklin, atop 20 square miles of rolling hills, reveals a family oriented community consisting primarily of nicely kept homes. One of the fasting growing cities in California, its population increased 51% from 2000-2009 alone. Although significantly faster than its surrounds, over the next five years it was predicted to slow to 9% in keeping with the rest of Placer County, in which it is located.
With a current population of 55,000, Rocklin doesn't compare population-wise to major US cities like Los Angeles, or even the capital city, Sacramento, with just under half a million. However, it has the activity level that attracts city dwellers, combined with small town ambiance. The city-like ethnic blend of White, African American, Native American, Asian, and Latino, moreover, encourages variety in restaurants, shopping venues, and cultural events. Additionally, located a half hour north of the capital, Rocklin residents benefit from Sacramento's bigger city advantages and amenities while preserving their little city's marvelous outdoor living and recreational facilities.
Much of Rocklin real estate, in fact, was built upon former ranch land developed one hundred fifty years ago and instrumental in building the area's historical charm. Joel Parker Whitney established his Spring Valley Ranch on 30,000 acres, building crushed stone roads covering 25 miles and granite bridges, with granite mined from Rocklin's own quarries. With housing for 200 ranch hands and families, this "first development" is now graced by two beautiful planned communities, Stanford Ranch and Whitney Oaks. What's more, the ranch's original granite bridges were preserved by the city's recreation commission. Designing community parks around them, they opted to blend history with modern living.
Besides scenic allure, Rocklin has many other assets, recently prompting Family Circle magazine to name it one of the top ten places to raise a family in the nation. Maintaining a great residential and business climate, this little city offers excellent schools, low crime, sound government, tree lined streets, 30 parks, extensive recreational programs and a friendly feeling that residents love. Not to be outdone by bigger cities, it also sports its share of culture, evidenced by museums of history and environmental science, an exotic wildlife refuge facility, and the early 20th century Finn Hall, renovated for event hosting. Another "plus" is Rocklin's transportation system; an Amtrak station allows easy commuting to Sacramento and smooth transit to San Francisco, only 108 miles away. It's a hassle-free arrangement suggesting that a Rocklin real estate acquisition might support a less stressful lifestyle.
When considering Rocklin homes for sale, current inventory displays nearly 250, with even more foreclosures. As Rocklin home values have taken a nosedive along with the rest of the country, there couldn't be a better time to buy. These examples of Rocklin homes for sale show the inherent value:
• A beautiful golf course home, sold in 2004 for nearly $350,000, is available as a short-sale with an asking price of $285,000. Currently valued at $310,000, encompassing 2151 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and an office, it was valued around a half million dollars in 2006.
• Reduced $20,000 from the initial listing, a large, totally renovated 2361 square foot home on a quarter acre, lists at $269,000. Last sold in 2001 for $245,000, then extensively remodeled, its estimated value rose to half a million dollars in 2006! Regardless of costly interior and exterior updates, it illustrates motivated sellers offering price incentives to quicken the sale.
• Another traditional sale, further supporting this concept, a 2024 square foot home on over one third acre, with a beautifully remodeled kitchen, sold in 2006 for $445,000. Its estimated value was around $500,000 then; it lists now for $295,000. Again, the remodeling advantages endure minus the headaches and cost.
While most homes presently sale-listed were built between 1980 and 1999, about one third are newer, from 2000 to present. Foreclosures abound here, and a fairly new home in Whitney Oaks, on the old Spring Valley Ranch land, is selling for little more than half a million dollars. With a whopping 3808 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, it is close to everything. Best of all, it embodies the essence of Rocklin, combining rustic charm with modern amenities.
Rocklin has truly been a well kept secret, though its reputation is expanding. Following Family Circle's 2010 recognition, Money magazine ranked it 65th among 100 best cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. Recognition by outsiders notwithstanding, residents lavish praise on their hometown, as well, raising the question of whether the predicted leveling-off in population growth might need revision. Regardless, it's clear that Rocklin real estate, in one of America's greatest little cities, seems like a solid investment!
Check out the links below for more on Rocklin California:
Buying Real Estate in Rocklin California
Buy to Let - The Outlook's Fine in Rocklin
Tips For Finding Real Estate Treasures in Rocklin CA
How Short Sale Buying is Different from Regular Home Buying
