Marin County or Contra Costa County..where would you move?

[sav858]

Contra Costa offers more overall diversity and just more of everything imo; it's not as homogeneous as Marin County. I like Marin County, its a VERY SCENIC county and more green and lush it seems than CoCo County but it is just too white, limousine liberal, and snooty to me. Not that Central CoCo County doesn't have its fair share of those types I just don't think its as bad. I think with BART and more freeways CoCo County has better access to the rest of the Bay Area and state too.

Downtown Walnut Creek beats out anything in Marin County imo. For a suburb its size it has a large and very nice downtown with tons of restuarants, shops, cultural activities, etc..

Having grown up in Walnut Creek I am biased of course but I really do feel lucky to have been able to grow up in a such a nice place.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by sav858

Contra Costa offers more overall diversity and just more of everything imo; it's not as homogeneous as Marin County. I like Marin County, its a VERY SCENIC county and more green and lush it seems than CoCo County but it is just too white, limousine liberal, and snooty to me. Not that Central CoCo County doesn't have its fair share of those types I just don't think its as bad. I think with BART and more freeways CoCo County has better access to the rest of the Bay Area and state too.

Downtown Walnut Creek beats out anything in Marin County imo. For a suburb its size it has a large and very nice downtown with tons of restuarants, shops, cultural activities, etc..

Having grown up in Walnut Creek I am biased of course but I really do feel lucky to have been able to grow up in a such a nice place.

Walnut Creek is definitely better than San Rafael and Novato as far as amenities. WC even feels more upscale.

[Ceece]

Walnut Creek, Danville, even San Ramon...you really can't go wrong there.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Marin in terms of overall look and feel.

However, for getting to SFO / the City, Marin is more or less car dependent. Contra Costa has BART.

However, time wise, the GG Bridge is usually not all that bad.

So, still, if money were no object, I'd go for Marin.

[SayonaraMidwest]

First of all, THANKS for writing back. Great information! If your responses are any indicator of how friendly the people are in CoCo (love that name btw) I think we are going to like it there. Would you mind if I asked you a few more questions? We have been getting most of our info from a couple of realtors. Both of them obviously have a financial stake in the outcome of where we buy. So we are seeking more unbiased opinions, such as yours.

I definitely got the impression that CoCo was more 'balanced' politically. We took a trip out to Marin recently to look at homes. Hmmmmmmm....how can I say this delicately?.........It seemed as though the Moms I saw were about as far from the "O.C." as one could possibly imagine. Heck, I'm no SoCal Barbie, but I do like to dress up once in a while, wear makeup and get my nails done! Not saying they don't. Guess I am looking for a place that is good for our kids, but will still hold some hope of finding like-minded FUN people for us as well. We are not snobs, and that aspect does cause me some concern.

We are definitely interested in Walnut Creek. I've heard Danville and LaFayette are nice. What is Blackhawk? Is that a suburb or a subdivision? Do all these areas attend the same school districts? My hubby won't have to commute to San Fran very often, only once in a while. So that is not an issue. I guess what I am asking is, if you were heading out there to look at homes, which towns would you consider first?

As for the costs, you might be surprised to hear that there are some places in the Midwest (especially north shore area outside Chicago) that are at or near the cost of living in Marin or CoCo. Seriously. At least in California there is a cap on the real estate tax. Not so, where we live. For example, a home priced at 1.5 million would have a tax bill of almost $30,000 per year. And for what? At least you get an ocean nearby.

Sorry for so many questions. This is an exciting move for us. But SCARY as well.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

However, time wise, the GG Bridge is usually not all that bad.

101 through Marin is one of the worst bottlenecks in the whole Bay Area. Much more bogged down than 24.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by SayonaraMidwest

First of all, THANKS for writing back. Great information! If your responses are any indicator of how friendly the people are in CoCo (love that name btw) I think we are going to like it there. Would you mind if I asked you a few more questions? We have been getting most of our info from a couple of realtors. Both of them obviously have a financial stake in the outcome of where we buy. So we are seeking more unbiased opinions, such as yours.

I definitely got the impression that CoCo was more 'balanced' politically. We took a trip out to Marin recently to look at homes. Hmmmmmmm....how can I say this delicately?.........It seemed as though the Moms I saw were about as far from the "O.C." as one could possibly imagine. Heck, I'm no SoCal Barbie, but I do like to dress up once in a while, wear makeup and get my nails done! Not saying they don't. Guess I am looking for a place that is good for our kids, but will still hold some hope of finding like-minded FUN people for us as well. We are not snobs, and that aspect does cause me some concern.

We are definitely interested in Walnut Creek. I've heard Danville and LaFayette are nice. What is Blackhawk? Is that a suburb or a subdivision? Do all these areas attend the same school districts? My hubby won't have to commute to San Fran very often, only once in a while. So that is not an issue. I guess what I am asking is, if you were heading out there to look at homes, which towns would you consider first?

As for the costs, you might be surprised to hear that there are some places in the Midwest (especially north shore area outside Chicago) that are at or near the cost of living in Marin or CoCo. Seriously. At least in California there is a cap on the real estate tax. Not so, where we live. For example, a home priced at 1.5 million would have a tax bill of almost $30,000 per year. And for what? At least you get an ocean nearby.

Sorry for so many questions. This is an exciting move for us. But SCARY as well.

If you will not feel comfortable in a really liberal, earthy area, Marin County certainly isn't for you and as someone mentioned, it is a reall ***** to get to the city. Marin county is beautiful, much prettier than the East Bay area and there are a few more conservative areas, like Loma Verde and parts of Novato, but overall liberal is what the county is.

Coco, I have never heard that before is going to give you a better balance and a little more diversity, just not the same charm. We loved living in Marin county way back when, even then, though it was really left wing. I also like the home prices better in the WAlnut Creek area, add BART and it would be my choice if I were moving there with a family right now.

Good luck and enjoy your near adventure.

Nita