Need East Bay Highschool recommendations (San Jose, San Francisco: where to stay, safe neighborhood, high school)

[Seadust]

I’ve been pouring over this forum for a few weeks and now that things are moving forward at an accelerated pace, I would love any input anyone has regarding my situation.

Employment relocating to Financial District in San Francisco. After doing some searching (love that Padmappper site) realized all the advice is correct, I think I need to focus on the East Bay. It's been suggested to me that Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Union City, Walnut Creek and Concord are good possibilities. Specifics: 50 yo woman with 16yo athletic son, so my 1st priority is a very GOOD high school. 2 bedroom (1300 to 1500 a month), SAFE neighborhood (need somewhere to jog/walk on a regular basis), close to BART and a Pacific Islander presence would be a nice perk (just need a VERY diverse mix as it's what we are used to and most comfortable with). I'm pretty spoiled weather wise as I come from the Carmel area so I'm afraid to go too far inland (I really HATE the heat!). We aren't interested in an urban setting, we are pretty small town so anything with a small town feel would be great (and alot to ask I know). Did I mention safety is a priority?

It was also suggested that Albany & El Cerrito (further north I realize but I'm trying to keep all my options open) may have a better high school environment than the other towns listed. My son's current highschool has 600 students total (yes, I live in a very quiet small town) and he'll be starting his junior year. I'm trying to make this transition as painless as possible (realistically it's going to be a HUGE change for both of us). Thank you all for any suggestions you may have.

[bmw335xi]

greatschools.org

[Cruithne]

I hear Alameda has a good High School.
Apart from proximity to the BART, Alameda would fit all your other criteria.

I spent the day in Alameda with my family at the weekend. Just for general 'family friendliness' and diversity and things to do I don't think you can go wrong with Alameda. It feel very, very safe. Tons of families out this weekend in the parks and on the beach. (IMO the best, most useable beach in the Bay area).

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by Seadust

Employment relocating to Financial District in San Francisco. After doing some searching (love that Padmappper site) realized all the advice is correct, I think I need to focus on the East Bay. It's been suggested to me that Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Union City, Walnut Creek and Concord are good possibilities. Specifics: 50 yo woman with 16yo athletic son, so my 1st priority is a very GOOD high school. 2 bedroom (1300 to 1500 a month), SAFE neighborhood (need somewhere to jog/walk on a regular basis), close to BART and a Pacific Islander presence would be a nice perk (just need a VERY diverse mix as it's what we are used to and most comfortable with). I'm pretty spoiled weather wise as I come from the Carmel area so I'm afraid to go too far inland (I really HATE the heat!). We aren't interested in an urban setting, we are pretty small town so anything with a small town feel would be great (and alot to ask I know). Did I mention safety is a priority?

Access to Bart + Pacifica Islander presence + decent high school(though not as good as WC) + {Hate the Heat} + small town feel + safety + [nice walking trails near the ocean] = Pacifica

[fizbin]

Originally Posted by Kentmum

Apart from proximity to the BART, Alameda would fit all your other criteria.

There is a free shuttle bus from Alameda to the Lake Merritt BART station. You can also commute from Alameda to SF via ferry.

[Ruth4Truth]

Acalanes HS in Lafayette. Bart to the City. Orinda also has a good highschool. Both are wonderful, family communities full of professionals. Many work in the City, or teach at Cal Berkeley.

[mayorhaggar]

California School Performance Maps

[Seadust]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I think that I've decided on Fremont (economically it's what I can afford and it's not too long a drive back & forth to Monterey for my daughter & grandbaby) and appreciate the links to help me assess the schools in the area. Any local Fremont people with advice on where to stay away from would be appreciated. :-)

[mstnghu2]

Originally Posted by Seadust

Thank you all for the suggestions. I think that I've decided on Fremont (economically it's what I can afford and it's not too long a drive back & forth to Monterey for my daughter & grandbaby) and appreciate the links to help me assess the schools in the area. Any local Fremont people with advice on where to stay away from would be appreciated. :-)

There aren't really any parts of Fremont to avoid. Most of the city is safe. There are some pockets in the Irvington and Centerville areas that are a bit sketchy, but are still very tame by most peoples' standards. The most upscale part of Fremont is Mission San Jose/Warm Springs which is also very expensive. My personal favorite part of the city is the Niles district which has an old town feel and has a strong sense of community. There are plenty of good parts of town, so feel free to ask any questions about specific neighborhoods for advice.

[Seadust]

I'm being fickle...sue me...it's a woman's perogative. LOL Anyone with knowledge of Castro Valley area versus Fremont? I'm planning a trip up there with the boy so we can both see what we may be getting into. The high school looks good, just wondering about the quality of life. Thanks in advance for every and all opinions. :- )