Danville? (Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette: chapel, cheap home, safe neighborhood)

[2KidsforMe]

Well, my brother-in-law in Concord isn't to thrilled with the traffic and school there. He is going to put his kids in private school. Of course that really adds to your monthly outlay. We figured that we would just add the bucks to our mortgage and not have to worry. Walnut Creek is nice, but seems a bit busy/urban (am I wrong?) when we visited. Just to put it in perspective, we live in a kind of upscale town of 8,000 people here in the woods West of Boston. I guess we are looking for something with that same feel. I hope I don't sound elitist or anything, but wherever we end up, it will be for the long haul and we just want to make sure it's a good fit. Funny that an upscale neighborhhod here 25 miles West of the city wll set you back maybe 650-850k for a pretty nice home. I'm getting the feeling it's a little different up there

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

Would Pleasanton, Dublin or San Ramon be too far from our family in Concord & Walnut Creek? We all have small kids and will probably be at each other's homes several times a week.

Depending on your location Danville you can cross the street and be in San Ramon. Worse case you're looking at around 3 miles difference between those two.

[Lori1961]

Walnut Creek is nice and "bedroomy" away from downtown...check out the area in the 94598 area code (I believe). Good schools and nice homes.

[Ultrarunner]

Or you might consider the town of Pleasant Hill? It is located between Walnut Creek, Concord and Lafayette...

[aslowdodge]

Your best bet is to come out and visit. It's really a small area as it is nestled between the hills so you could see all the cities mentioned in a day easily. Al the areas mentioned are pretty good. I'm not really fond of Dublin-it's probably the most blue collar area and the schools aren't as good. But there is a lot of retail growth and the schools seem to be improving. Concord is not really too good and it woiuld be my last choice.
You said you live in an upscale area, so aren't the attitudes possibly a little snobby there? I think it wouldn't be much different than here. Alamo is nice and it's close to downtown walnut creek. It's more expensive than Danville though. Except for Concord, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the tri valley area. I love it out here.
BTW I completely agree with you brother in law. I would rather spend the money on the mortgage in a nicer area with good schools that a private school in a cheaper less desirable area.

[2KidsforMe]

Thanks for the suggestions. So far, we have narrowed it down to Danville, San Ramon, or parts of Walnut Creek. I'm not familiar with Pleasant Hiill, but I will look into it. actually cringed when I used the term "upscale". I just couldn't think of a better word. What we are looking for is a nice neighborhood, good public schools, safe, clean, quiet, where people are educated, but not elitist or materialistic. From what I'm hearing, I think we would be safe in the towns mentiond above.

[Lori1961]

I live in Pleasant Hill and actually its very nice here. Lots of places to live that seem like you are "away from the hustle and bustle" but yet you are really close to shopping, the freeway and restaurants and only about 10 minutes from Walnut Creek.

[2KidsforMe]

Lori-Pleasant Hill looks promising. Is there a BART station in town? Home prices appear to be more in our comfort level, and the elementary and middle schools look good. It seems like the High School is not rated as well. Do you have any insight on that? We are commited to putting our kids in public school. Thanks.

[tndshaver]

FWIW...I live on the border of Martinez/Pleasant Hill/Lafayette - we have two kids (2nd grade and Kinder) ...love my home, the weather here, and our family lives close by. Since you just mentioned schools, I thought I'd give you my 2cents. Make sure that if this is the move for the long haul, you purchase a home in the right area for the high school, not just a great ele. school. (I don't know how old your kids are)

I am finding myself in that situation right now. We are happy with our ele. school (Sequoia Ele. in Pleasant Hill...the "back to basics" school in the Mt.Diablo school district - you need to be on the waiting list to gain admission), but not thrilled with either the middle or h.s. we are districted in. We facing the dilemma of moving into the better school district (Acalanes), which means spending a million dollars for an 1800 sq. ft. fixer-upper and paying out the nose in property taxes, or putting the kids in private school.

Honestly, we are taking a hard look at moving out of state to a far superior public school system than any in CA, gorgeous homes in the 700's, safe neighborhoods and fairly decent weather most of the time....if you're curious, it's North Carolina!

[tndshaver]

Oh yeah...one more thing. Sorry I forgot - Pleasant Hill does have a BART station. Parking used to be OK, not sure how it is now or whether or not you have to pay. I stopped the SF commute six years ago and I know that BART has changed a lot and fares/ parking fees have gone up!

BTW - Pleasant Hill is a very nice community. My kids grew up at the PHill Park and Rec preschool and the community center has TONS of activities and events for children and families.