First Time Move from WI to SF/area...help? (Vallejo: condos, house)

[CocoaBeanLover]

Hi ~ Hubby already moved out to SF for new job (in temp housing); we both were born/raised here in WI - have 5 children (5-14) and live in quaint village here (pop. 2565) Can relo anywhere want in North Cal., but are finding almost TOO many choices ~ Very overwhelming for a midwestern girl! Don't want husband to have TOO long of daily commute to South SF because it would take away from family time, but seems (from all I've been reading) that area's that would seem to "fit" us well are quite a bit further east...flew out to scout around B4 accepted job and liked the cows we saw in San Ramon - much like here! But commute seems to be at least an hour 10 or an hour 20 - is that what people have to do in CA?? (We're used to 20 min. to get nearly anywhere we want to go...) The cities we felt "comfortable" in were Danville, San Ramon, Wal. Creek, Pleasanton ~ heard we should stay away from Vallejo (?) LOVED Pacifica, but the tiny bit we saw seemed more urban and not really a "neighborhood" feel to it...? Had some "ideas" about what CA would be like - #1: Pools (haven't seen too many actually and would LOVE one...are they not practical in the North?) Am hoping for a large yard for kids and to get a dog...lots seem extraordinarily small, but maybe space to run elsewhere that we didn't see yet? I guess if I had to prioritize would say 1. shorter commute 2. enough square footage for family of 7 (plus dog!) and 3. good schools - we send to private here, but don't know if we'll be able to afford that anymore!

Any help/perspective offered would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[gizmo980]

Can I ask what your budget is? I can't really give advice until I know that, since you're asking for a LOT in this area...

[CocoaBeanLover]

Oh - sure - sorry (new to this "chat stuff") - we can afford about 800-900K; of course, to be able to afford private school as well out there we would prefer lower 800's. Thanks for any advice!

[twins4lynn]

Millbrae is nice, close to SSF, excellent schools all the way through (elementary through high school). Closer to the Burlingame city line will be warmer. Some homes have pools (probably about 8 on our street alone).

[CocoaBeanLover]

Thanks! Will check that area out!

[humboldtrat]

If you liked Pacifica, you would really like Half Moon Bay. The problem with living along the coast is the wind and fog, which can get depressing if you like the sun. As for a family of 7 (plus dog), finding a house big enough for $800 - $900K might be difficult.

[sonarrat]

I agree with Millbrae, love the town. I live in SSF and commute to there, and I find myself drooling at those condos at 88 S Broadway on a daily basis since you can see them from El Camino.. :P

[at507]

Don't you hear the airplane around those condos in Millbrae? I think that is a big sticking point about Millbrae in general that would prevent me from moving there.

[twins4lynn]

West of El Camino you don't get airport noise. I don't know about the east side. Planes take off over San Bruno, not Millbrae. It's just not an issue.

[mburns]

Welcome to the west coast! Have you considered the Lamorinda area? (Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda) The schools are highly rated and there are some great close-knit neighborhoods. The commute with BART to SF from Orinda is only about 30 minutes.

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