Pacifica (Oakland, Alameda, Santa Cruz: live, vs., beach)

[dragontales]

We almost bought a house in Pacifica but got outbid. We ended up in a different city, which definitely worked out better. Here is my observations while browsing in that city. Pacifica is an older town very close to the beach. It's pretty laid back. The median age is on the higher side. The weather is mostly cold and foggy. It could get quite depressing if you are a sunshine person. The plus side is that the homes are not too expensive compared to the rest of the bay area. Most of the homes are detached. And it's only about 20 minutes drive to downtown SF, but no access to public transportation.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by dragontales

And it's only about 20 minutes drive to downtown SF, but no access to public transportation.

Pacifica has 5 Samtrans bus routes. They go to Colma Bart,Daly City Bart and Serramonte Mall. Bus lines 14,16,110,112 &118.

[NorCal44]

Originally Posted by capoeira

Pacifica has 5 Samtrans bus routes. They go to Colma Bart,Daly City Bart and Serramonte Mall. Bus lines 14,16,110,112 &118.

Exactly. I take the bus to San Bruno Bart/SFO all the time. Much cheaper than a cab. You can get a lot of other places too.

[mayorhaggar]

I guess they cancelled the line from Pacifica to downtown SF? What do people do now instead, ride to Daly City or Colma BART and take that? Is that about as convenient as the old direct bus line?

[Bulldogdad]

You people crack me up. Gee lets see in what side of Paradise is nicer to live. LOL

I used to live in the Sunset next to lake merced for a few years. I loved going to Pacific all the time.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

I guess they cancelled the line from Pacifica to downtown SF? What do people do now instead, ride to Daly City or Colma BART and take that? Is that about as convenient as the old direct bus line?

The DX Express bus was eliminated as part of the Samtrans budget cuts in 2009. In most cases a direct route without a transfer is more convenient and Bart is more expensive too.

[lrtosto]

Thanks everyone for all the information. I'll definitely use all your advice and information when making my decision.
Thanks!

[veganwriter]

Pacifica is paradise?

That's a joke if I ever heard one.
It LOOKS like paradise, but it's basically and working class, gritty "White Ghetto" where people fear change.

It's really a weird place with a strong pull at conformity.

Why not just live in Colma?
It's closer and a much easier commute to S.F.
But you sound like you enjoy living on the water?

I agree with mayorhaggar.

Pacifica is definitely unique...and very close to SF for a suburb...but it's still kind of a love it or hate it kind of place.

The ignorance factor is high in Pacifica. It's very much its own culture. All those little families traumatized by alcohol and domestic violence.

I disagree that it's a great place to raise your kids. The schools are full of bullies, and the education is not that great. There seems to be a small margin of conformity. If you fit in, that's great. If not... it's hell.

There's a lot of ugly stuff going on after dark.

[ImRandy]

Did Pacifica bite you on the butt or steal your wooby? Dragging up all these old Pacifica threads just to rip on it makes it seem so.

[andyadhi01]

Originally Posted by lrtosto

Can anyone give me some information on Pacifica? I'm a single, 30-something female looking to move to the bay area, and am just curious about this area. It seems like apartments aren't as pricey as San Fran, even though it's so close to the ocean. Is it a good place to live? Safe? Good restaurants and shops? Any information would be helpful. I appreciate it.

If some place in bay area is cheaper than the rest then there is good reason for it. Pacifica has horrendous depressing weather and basically have nothing other than a strip mall!

The only reason you should live there is if that's the only place you can afford to live!