Relocating to Cali, but want to breathe free, where to go? (San Jose: 2009, buy)

[mommabird]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can clue me into the smog issues in the CA cities. We're relocating to the state, and have the choice to go to any Northern city we want. We're coming from Tampa, FL, which was rated one of the most environmentally safe cities, with clean air and water. I can buy bottled water, but I need to be able to breathe fresh air (several health concerns) and young children.

I've read San Jose actually rates top 10 nationwide for major metro areas with regard to fresh air, but with a family income of about 175K, we can't maintain the standard of living we're accustomed to housing-wise in San Jose.

So we've looked into Pleasanton...seems like the perfect place for us, affordable, modern, quiet, and kid friendly. But can anybody clue me in to the smog situation there? To what Cali city is it most comprable? San Jose, Frisco? LA?

Also, any other info about Pleasanton that anyone can give, such as toddler activities, cultural sites, housing, diversity would be appreciated...but my major concern is smog. Or if anyone can suggest another smog-free or smog-light area, please do! thanks so much.

[rkb0305]

visit airnow.gov and check air quality in specific locations. By all means, stay out of the San Joaquin Valley!

[bellalunatic]

Pretty much coastal towns with fog and all would be your best bet...

[Clarks]

smog and air quality is not much of an issue in the bay area. It is an issue in the Central Valley, and in southern California.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by bellalunatic

Pretty much coastal towns with fog and all would be your best bet...

Yes, I would say anywhere along the North or Central Cal coast is better even than San Jose for clean fresh air. The proximity to coastal breezes is what does it.

We live in Monterey and it is great here. And there are tons of things to do for families in Monterey. With regards to housing prices they are dropping. For a little more affordability check out Del Rey Oaks, Oak Hills and the nicer sections of Seaside and Marina.

We considered Pleasanton but prefer to be a bit closer to the coast. Livermore is just east of there which is also more affordable. For more details on these specific areas it is better to ask in the sub forums.

Derek

[Adriatica]

You might look into cities in Sonoma County: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, etc. Or if you want to be further north, Chico or Redding.

[buckeyenative01]

Anywhere relatively close to the Pacific where you can get the ocean breezes and salt water in the air should work. Like others already said, stay the heck out of the San Joaquin Valley and I'd even go so far as to advise against the Inland Empire in Southern California. When the winds are blowing east off the ocean, all the crap in the air gets blown into Riverside and San Bernardino counties. I moved out west years ago because of severe mold/pollen allergies in Ohio and have done great since (no asthma attacks in over thirteen years after living in both Arizona and California). If you can't do the coast, look for dry desert environments (Coachella Valley comes to mind). The only problem with the desert is that there aren't any big towns per se and you're kind of isolated from the bigger cities on the coast.

[phloxy]

I am likely destined for the San Joaquin Valley because of work or school. I'm a runner and have some serious concerns about how this will affect my opportunities and ability to run outdoors. I spent a couple months in Claremont about 5 years ago--I know that's a different region, but it's often mentioned in the same breath as the San Joaquin Valley, so I am assuming that they are comparable--and I distinctly remember one warm day of running when the air didn't seem so pleasant. Later that night, my chest hurt so badly I could barely breathe. This wasn't every day, of course, but it's still pretty disconcerting for a runner.

I have a high-end treadmill that I have considered keeping because the summer heat may keep me off the roads some days. I'm thinking now that the pollution might keep me indoors as well.

Any runners out there who can shed some light on this? (Hope it doesn't seem like a threadjack. If so, I'll start a new thread.)

[buckeyenative01]

Treadmills in air conditioned gyms (or your living room) might be your best bet if you're just looking for a workout on particularly awful days. Runners would probably have better advice though.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by phloxy

I am likely destined for the San Joaquin Valley because of work or school. I'm a runner and have some serious concerns about how this will affect my opportunities and ability to run outdoors. I spent a couple months in Claremont about 5 years ago..

The San Joaquin Valley can get a lot worse than Claremont. Where in that area might you be working? I have heard of a lot of children and adults as well having resperatory problems after living there.

Here is a recent quote form the Environment News Service "Surrounded by mountains and with few winds to disperse air pollution, the San Joaquin Valley has long registered some of the worst air pollution in the country... According to the California Air Resources Board, particulate matter is the most deadly air pollutant, estimated to kill more than 1,200 valley residents each year. " You can see the full article here: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Back in Court

I have a high-end treadmill that I have considered keeping because the summer heat may keep me off the roads some days. I'm thinking now that the pollution might keep me indoors as well.

Any runners out there who can shed some light on this? (Hope it doesn't seem like a threadjack. If so, I'll start a new thread.)

Maybe you can live in the Sierra Foothills and commute in to work. That might be an option depending on where you work.

Derek