Auburn, Grass Valley, or Placerville (Sacramento, Nevada City: home, catholic schools, living)

[elyess77]

We are considering a move up into the foothills from Sacramento. We have two small children, starting school soon. We are more liberal-moderate/progressive minded people but we value being around people from all walks of life.

Where would you choose to live: Auburn, Grass Valley area, or Placerville and why?

Things that are important to us:

1. the schools (especially any public/charters that have Waldorf methods or a heavy emphasis on the arts)

2. feels safe (at least safer than city living)

3. a sense of community

4. ability to meet people and make friends (I understand this depends on our personalities...but I am wondering in general)

Disclaimers:
I am not scared of the snow. I understand that the air quality isn't perfect. Jobs are not an issue for us. Small towns are obviously going to have "hicks" and "rednecks" (no offense to anyone) but I want to make sure that there is some community of like-minded people to myself...a little more worldly, open-minded, progressive (this sounds a little snooty). Hopefully you get the picture.

[elyess77]

I should also mention that a thriving downtown and lots of mom and pop shops/independent vendors would be a big plus as well.

And a natural foods store.

[Idunn]

I haven't spent much time in that area lately, so consider this as much a guess as anything else. Or a hunch.

You might consider Nevada City. It is, or was, a smaller place, with seemingly a fairly nice location and pleasant look, at least at a glance. It is also close to the many more services and options of Grass Valley. Perhaps you would just prefer to be there, although it and the entire region have surely grown of late.

Of the two, I would probably prefer Placerville over Auburn, if for no other reason than US 50 seems less intrusive than I-80. You really are going to have to look, as even if all these communities are in the Sierra foothills, even a short distance can make something of a difference. Just as an aside, if for no more than comparison, you might also visit Sutter Creek.

One advantage of Nevada City is that it enjoys relatively easy access to the Yuba river via CA 49. It was, and surely still is, one of the favorite local swimming spots. Most people tend to congregate near the highway bridge, but the more adventurous will find a short hike rewarding them with more solitude and salubrious environment. The clear mountain water has a green aura in flowing through and around the wild bed of granite boulders. On a warm summer's day it is heaven itself.

[elyess77]

What is the commute like between GV/NC to Auburn...if say we were to live in the GV/NC area and work in Auburn?

[Majin]

Never heard of any of those places.

[skadet]

Grass Valley is a pain. Nothing is close to anything else, and the schools (at least the public schools and the catholic schools) are nothing to write home about. It's super super pretty, but it's too spread out for my tastes and I understand the housing crunch has hit the area pretty hard.

Nevada City is something to consider. Far enough out of town that it doesn't feel like "the city" has the conveniences you'd expect from a town. I can't speak for the schools though.