Castro Valley ... Two Questions

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by NekkidFish

I asked because we were in the area yesterday, just driving around ... And we never found a little downtown area, it just seemed more sprawling out like. If that makes sense.

We just want to make sure we really check out all of our options before beginning the search for a house. We are renting close to downtown Livermore, which we love, but we want to make sure we're not missing out on any other areas that might also have that small town feel, with a charming downtown area.

I thought you just wanted to check out other downtowns nearby. All the places mentioned except San Leandro and Hayward will be more expensive to rent, some places by quite a bit.
But San Leandro and Hayward could be cheaper to rent than Livermore . .there's a reason why.

[NekkidFish]

Originally Posted by aslowdodge

I thought you just wanted to check out other downtowns nearby. All the places mentioned except San Leandro and Hayward will be more expensive to rent, some places by quite a bit.
But San Leandro and Hayward could be cheaper to rent than Livermore . .there's a reason why.

To clarify, we are currently renting, but are thinking about where we want to buy.

[Hemlock140]

We lived in Castro Valley for about 15 years. Do you have kids in school? If so be careful. Parts of Castro Valley are in the Hayward school district, mostly below Norbridge/580. The Castro Valley District is good but Hayward is not and that makes a big difference in resale value. We still have friends and family there, in fact my daughter is there for a vacation right now. It's a good reasonably priced alternative to Pleasanton/Livermore, and we liked it there. I was involved in School board Committees and youth sports, and being unincorporated still seemed an advantage there. I just wonder if Hayward and San Leandro get much worse, if that will work it's way into CV.

[NekkidFish]

We don't have kids in school, but we do care about resale value.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I just wonder if Hayward and San Leandro get much worse, if that will work it's way into CV.

Surprisingly not as much as you would think. I had the same thoughts myself as I watched San Leandro become Oakland south (not the good element of Oakland either). If you hang out in Castro Valley you will definitely notice some not so desirable people here and there. But considering how close it is to Hayward and San Leandro it has held up pretty well. I know several people that live in Castro Valley and while they say it's no Pleasanton, they are very happy there.