Young Single Mother Relocating (Richmond, San Mateo: employment, neighborhoods, school districts)

[user376]

A few thoughts:

Why do you want to leave Richmond? Isn't your family there?

Since you have a small child, living in a big city seems impractical.

The only good reasons to move to an expensive place like the bay area (or, IMO, any place for that matter) are family/friends and employment. Moving to a new place is an *enormous* change in your life--think about being in a big city and not knowing a soul, not having a job. If you're going to relocate, you should have something waiting for you when you arrive, whether that be family, friends or a job.

[norcalmom101]

I love SF. SF is a wonderful place to live. Everyone that I know who grew up in SF loved it. I have never met a San Franciscan who did not like growing up there! And I lived there for 12 years!

[gizmo980]

Can I ask what your field of employment will (most likely) be? Finding neighborhoods in SF with your criteria isn't hard, but will cost you a pretty penny. Without knowing your budget, I'd say that the Sunset & Richmond districts would be possibilities... they're a little far from downtown, but have plenty of bus/rail lines to get you there. They are both very safe and family-friendly, with nice cool weather, good restaurants and plenty of stuff for kids - SF Zoo, GG Park, ocean, etc. Noe Valley and Bernal Heights are also great for families, particularly gay families & single parents, but both are rather expensive (esp Noe Valley).

As for the schools, they're rather hit & miss in the city... plus I believe it's a lottery system, so your neighborhood doesn't necessarily determine the schools. There are better school districts in the suburbs, like San Mateo & Burlingame, which are both highly rated. Anyway, I hope this helps and good luck!