Moving to Bay area from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. need advice (San Francisco: house, neighborhood)

[staceybeth]

Hi- I'm a Florida girl and I just found out that we (family of 4) are re-locating (promotion) to The San Francisco area.... My question is this..well actually---its more than just one question..... I'm 38 with 2 boys ages 10 and 12..both on travel baseball teams here....we live in a very prominant neighborhood (now) with the best schools in the state. Our home is in a gated community with many kids. Sounds like utopia, right. It's a pretty nice little life. I have no problem-what so ever- with this move and I'm well aware we will be in a smaller home- I have no problem with that either. My main concerns are- I want a nice safe community (neighborhood) with good schools attached to it.....My husband will be working in Napa so I'm sure there is a commute involved. I have only been out there once (not much to go on) People have told me Marin County? But where in Marin County? They have told me Walnut Creek...but where in Walnut Creek? Danville..? I have even heard Napa? My main concern is schools and recreational activities for my boys. Where can I get a nice house in a nice community with pretty good schools? Is that a lot to ask for? WE are in NO way rich but we live pretty well. Can anybody give me some suggestions on cities that are family friendly. I am Jewish and my husband catholic....does that make a difference? Any comments or advice would be so greatly appreciated...thanks!

[tahoesash]

Surprised that you have no replies! Well, Walnut Creek and Danville are across the Bay from Napa, so those are probably out due to distance. Corte Madera, San Rafael are mid-sized cities south of Napa (in Marin County) - this is just north of San Francisco. It's a gorgeous area. You might look directly at homes in Napa, or American Canyon, to minimize commute times along Highway 101. Perhaps Novato as well.

[Robotdog]

If husband is working in Napa, move to Novato, it's a reverse commute for him! Forget American Canyon schools & people. Novato schools: Pleasant Valley Elementary, San Marin High and whatever middle-school is in between. I live in San Rafael, just south, but for you I think Novato would be great. 20 minutes to SF in non-commute hours. If San Rafael, go for Miller Creek Middle School in the Dixie School District (Marinwood area). All is expensive (!). If you want less expensive, live in Petaluma and pay for private school.