Looking to move to California paradise

[PecanPie]

Of the places I know (I'm in So Cal) I have to say I agree with the poster who suggested South Pasadena, and I would add to that, San Marino and Sierra Madre, both of which keep you close to all that Pasadena has to offer, and you are still close enough to LA.

As far as liberal-leaning, maybe a little less so right in the neighborhoods, but definitely Pasadena is pretty liberal. I think overall So Cal is pretty liberal, anyway. You'll hardly find a place unless you go inland pretty far that is very conservative. Even generally conservative Orange County is changing, same for Ventura. I think in the 10 years I've lived in Thousand Oaks I've seen it move more blue in the voting.

So unless you're looking for a Berkeley-liberal atmosphere, I wouldn't worry about most upscale places in California being too conservative.

Anyway, that's my take on it.

[forcestream]

I appreciate all the posts here from everyone. As it turns out, (and I hope I don't jinx things by posting this) I am in the final negotiations for a position in Redwood City, CA.

I would like to go back to my original post and revisit my criteria and get some opinion on some good places to settle, assuming I take this position.

Here is my original post and then the followup I posted a bit later:

We are looking to move to paradise. But our definition of paradise is pretty specific. Where should we look in California for this place?:

1. Mid to Upper middle class
2. Excellent schools
3. Near a bigger city, 30-40 minutes is ok. (theatre, arts, culture)
4. Liberal leaning
5. Awesome weather
6. Community feeling

Tall order? Maybe. But this place must exist in CA.

We are in Chicago. So we have all of that stuff but the awesome weather. People here are very friendly.
I am an internet marketing whiz. So I can work most anywhere.
We would be looking to purchase in the range of $750k-950k.
Schools are extremely important. 4 kids
We would probably look to move within the next 2 years.

I am now realizing I may need to spend more on a house in this area, but maybe not.

Other than that, how well does this area hit the criteria? Any comments about this?

Thanks again for your comments.

Jeff

[Charles]

Originally Posted by forcestream

I am in the final negotiations for a position in Redwood City, CA.

Might want to post this in the Bay Area forums?

[ElleBebe]

Palo Alto, although the housing can be expensive there, but definitely middle to upper class, very nice weather, liberal, good schools and close to big city. I also second the vote for Los Altos.

Actually, Redwood Shores might work as well; it's an upper class area of Redwood City.

And yes, you probably will have to increase your housing budget. Homes on the peninsula get expensive.

If you really have a lot of moola, I'd highly recommend Ladera; it's where I grew up. It's a small neighborhood between Menlo Park and Portola Valley and it's an extremely close-knit community. Plus, it's a gorgeous area, lots of hills and nature, but still in the Bay Area so close to lots of other cities. 30 minutes south of SF, 30 minutes north of San Jose (smack dab in the middle of the peninsula). Plus, good school system in Menlo Park.