Schools and Housing in Pleasanton/Dublin/San Ramon

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by dhhgrad

My husband and I are thinking about relocating from the central valley to the East Bay (Pleasanton/Dublin/San Ramon) area. I would like input on specific areas to live (or avoid). What are the pros/cons of the cities listed above? I see that Livermore is less expensive but doesn't seem nearly as nice or have as good of schools.

Our main criteria are:
1- Great schools. We have children ages 6 and 8.
2- Little crime. I want to feel SAFE.

Please share info on schools/locations, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

Dublin - Feels like two cities. The older part seems to have originated as more of a working class community, with not so great housing stock (even that is expensive). The newer housing stock (on the east side) is nicer and more upscale, but is sort of weirdly placed (adjacent to county jail and military base). Dublin doesn't have a downtown and not much character, in my opinion. Schools are decent to great, but I think the high school is not quite as good as the other communities (it is catching up though).


San Ramon - Suburban, also without a downtown. The older housing stock on the west side has a more upscale feel vs Dublin. If you go to the east side, the Gale Ranch area is brand new and feels like an entirely new community. Lots of homes on golf courses, and adjacent to Danville, which is even nicer. Schools are great.


Pleasanton - Suburban, but with a cute little downtown. By and large upscale to wealthy, although there are a few areas near 580 that area older and not as nice (more comparable to Dublin than San Ramon). Great schools.