Do you plan to find a rental in Roseville? It's a nice area but on the more expensive side out of the Sac suburbs. I don't think you need to avoid any areas in Roseville for safety reasons, but some areas are closer to all the shops so might have more traffic and noise. Roseville has two big shopping centers (Westfield Galleria and the Fountains) which are pretty popular. There are a lot of hiking/walking trails (Miner's Ravine Trail, Dry Creek Community Park, etc.) if you're into that. I honestly haven't eaten at many local places in Roseville specifically so I can't speak to that.
As for areas to avoid in the greater Sac area, I guess it depends on what you're used to. Many people consider areas like Citrus Heights, North Highlands, and Del Paso Heights, even Arcade-Arcade, to be a bit rough. I lived and worked in the South Sac area which varies a lot but many people find parts of it like Meadowview, Lemon Hill, and Florin to be unsafe. Again, it really depends on your level of comfort.
Shopping centers other than Westfield Galleria and the Fountains would be the Folsom Premium Outlets and Palladio. Arden Fair Mall is another option, but many people avoid it (I haven't had any bad experiences but my friends have had their cars broken into). Finally, Delta Shores is a newer option - lots of people say to avoid it due to its proximity to Meadowview but I've been there a lot and haven't had any bad experiences there personally.
Here's a list of food spots and cafes I like in the greater Sac area! Disclaimer, I'm a vegetarian but my partner eats meat and enjoys all of these places too:
Journey to the Dumpling, Kru, Sai Varee, JP Thai, Sunflower Drive-in, Corti Bros, Duc Huong Sandwiches, Paris Banh Mi, Wildwood Kitchen, Tower Cafe, Burger Patch (all locations might be closed now, rip), Marie's Donuts, Temple Coffee, Camellia Coffee Roasters, Queen Sheba, Mahoroba Japanese Bakery, SO many Mexican food places (Tres Hermanas, El Rincon, Taqueria Jalisco, Taqueria La Perla Tapatia, Lalo's, El Cantaro... seriously so many).
I hope you enjoy Sacramento! I love it so much and I'm looking forward to moving back eventually after school.
