Move to Petaluma or Walnut Creek? Will commute 1–4x/month to Lake Merced in SF. (Berkeley: houses, neighborhood)

[sav858]

I think Walnut Creek has more to offer but it's not as walkable as Petaluma, which is flatter and has a more traditional street grid. A lot of WC neighborhoods near downtown don't have sidewalks. Also by Bay Area standards WC isn't that liberal or artsy.

[mamabutterfly]

Thanks again, all. Really appreciating this info. We are starting to understand the commute differences. It's hard to get a sense of each place's personality during the quarantine, so I especially appreciate those insights. I'll put Alameda on the list to investigate, though it looks like we'll be priced out for the size house/yard we'd like. This is still very much an open question for us, so please do chime in if you're reading. <3

[gone down south]

Why not look down the Peninsula? San Mateo and San Carlos have nice downtown areas, and you can jet straight up 280 most of the way to Lake Merced

[mamabutterfly]

That would be so nice! I love San Carlos in particular. Alas, we are SUPER priced out of the Peninsula for the space we need. Learned that fact right away, ha.

[gone down south]

Originally Posted by mamabutterfly

That would be so nice! I love San Carlos in particular. Alas, we are SUPER priced out of the Peninsula for the space we need. Learned that fact right away, ha.

Sorry

[TheseGoTo11]

Walnut Creek is a lot less cookie cutter than Livermore/Pleasanton. The downtown is easily the best in the East Bay outside of Oakland or Berkeley. The Lesher Arts Center has plenty of quality theatre/arts, etc.

One thing about WC is you want to look at the zip codes. 94598 on the east side has sidewalks and a lot of homes with pools, but some people don't like that it's not Acalanes Schools. Still not more than a 5-10 minute drive to downtown WC, and Northgate HS is still a reasonably good school. Lots are bigger in that zip than in 94595, 94596, and 94597 but it's slightly further out.

Plenty of good options for 1-1.2M, rule of thumb is about $500-$700 per sq ft, the homes in 94598 WITHOUT pools tend to be a little less per sq ft.

[sav858]

^Northgate is just as good as a high school as Las Lomas. My biggest grip about 94598/eastern WC would be having to drive down Ygnacio Valley Rd.

[MechAndy]

Southern Walnut Creek has some gems and good schools.

[TheStat]

Yeah there's not really that much difference between Northgate and Acalanes, either school will be superb for your kids.

[stava]

Petaluma is a completely different world from Walnut Creek, to the point where I'd never even think to compare the two. Petaluma is predominantly rural, while Walnut Creek is predominantly suburban. Petaluma is slower, while Walnut Creek is much more "happening". Petaluma is a bit behind the times, while Walnut Creek is a trendsetter.

I would personally choose Walnut Creek in a heartbeat over Petaluma. Yes, it's going to be more expensive, but everything you're going to need is there. Plus, there's a vibrant downtown that's perfect for nights out. Keep in mind that Walnut Creek is inland so summers can get very hot.

I think if you're going to live in the North Bay, you'd be best off south of Petaluma, somewhere in Marin (Mill Valley specifically). But nothing further north than San Rafael.