Concord or Pittsburg? (San Francisco, Antioch, Walnut Creek: section 8, for sale, real estate market)

[Steeplechase2000]

I'm going to be starting a new job in Concord this summer, and I'd like to buy a home in either Concord or Pittsburg somewhere in the 300s. I've heard lots about the ghetto of Pittsburg, but the Oak Hills neighborhood seems to be a nice area. Does anyone have information about living in Oak Hills, or should I just steer clear of Pittsburg and get a home in Concord?

[northbayeric]

I'm not real familiar with this part of the Bay Area, but I think if you're able to find a good place in Concord, that would be the way to go. The traffic on Highway 4 is just brutal, and I would avoid this commute if at all possible. Even if the commute wasn't this bad, who knows HOW much a gallon of gas will cost next year--or in six weeks! Hopefully Concord will be in your price range, or you can try to talk a seller down in price, given the crummy real estate market and multitude of foreclosures.

Very best of luck to you!

[TLova]

Concord definitely. I have family in Pittsburg. It's one of those cities where there are only pockets of decency. Concord is way nicer than Pittsburg.

[hotornot]

Not sure if you're a couch potato or a live wire. If you're the latter, move to Concord. Lots more to do there, option-wise. Concords better for me because it's closer to San Francisco. It's right next to Walnut Creek, which could also come in handy. I also like the fact that it's close to Martinez. Concord has more gyms, stores, bars, bike trails, etc.

There are some good areas of Pittsburg. It's not all section 8 like some people would tell you. If you're more of a shut-in, someone whose more into TV and the Internet or computer games, Pittsburg will do just fine. I could easily see myself living in Pittsburg if I was confined to a wheelchair. For a live wire like me Pittsburg is too remote. And if you work in Concord (which is great because that puts you close to the East County) and you're considering Pittsburg, you might as well take a long, hard look at Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley.

[Steeplechase2000]

Pittsburg intrigued me because of some of the newer homes really falling in price. As far as activities and getting out of the house, I like to mountain bike, run, and go to parks and out to eat with my family, and it seems like Concord has more to do there. My wife and I are also trying to figure out things so she can take care of our kids at home and not have to work, which makes things financially kind of tight.

[Crazykasim]

Go with Pittsburg, it's not that bad there it has it's areas, If they build BART to the other end of Pittsburg/Antioch then watch for house prices to jump and become like Concord which is nicer because the families there want the easy access to other parts of the Bay which Pittsburg currently doesn't offer, maybe even cut the difference and consider Bay Point? Pittburg is the better value for the buck and has potential to become better Concord is where it is and really don't see a difference. Look out for you future and consider the investment potential.

[atlmburns]

We currently live in Pleasant Hill next to Concord and I would say buy in Concord if you have to, Pittsburg is not a nice area.

Schools are much better even though Pittsburg and Concord are in the same school district (Mount Diablo School District), If you want safety I would say Walnut Creek or Pleasant Hill and Concord being the last choice.

I would suggest checking out 'sperlings best places' website as this will give you a chance to compare the neighborhoods in relation to crime, education, ecomony etc. Also if you have children you need to check out megans law sex offender website for concord and pittsburg, you will be in for a shock.

Hope this helps.

[Crazykasim]

I've lived in the area for 26 years, Pittsburg has a huge area with a lot of crime, but they have a bigger area which is considered a grood place to raise a family. If you ever really drive around Pittsburg you would notice a definate divide in the good and bad areas which is pretty much divided by Highway 4. If you want you can base all of Concord on just Monument and Solano Blvd and it would seem like the worst place ever. Pittsburg is a great city, for a great price with a great investment potential, and a city whos city council and mayor are taking a aggressive and noticiable approach to fixing the bad areas, and pushing the troublemakers out. Notice the for sale signs and demolation in the bad side (west 13th street area)

[Alisande]

Originally Posted by Steeplechase2000

Pittsburg intrigued me because of some of the newer homes really falling in price. As far as activities and getting out of the house, I like to mountain bike, run, and go to parks and out to eat with my family, and it seems like Concord has more to do there. My wife and I are also trying to figure out things so she can take care of our kids at home and not have to work, which makes things financially kind of tight.

It did me as well. If you are talking about the Lyon homes on the hill. However, I called the police department and had them fax me a crime report for the surrounding area and I was shocked. It is a shame because there is a Bart Station nearby. Maybe in 10 years they'll run the thugs off. To late for us we decided to pay more and move to a safer area.

[Alisande]

Originally Posted by Steeplechase2000

Pittsburg intrigued me because of some of the newer homes really falling in price. As far as activities and getting out of the house, I like to mountain bike, run, and go to parks and out to eat with my family, and it seems like Concord has more to do there. My wife and I are also trying to figure out things so she can take care of our kids at home and not have to work, which makes things financially kind of tight.

One thing I forgot to mention. I visited the schools that the kids would attend. GHETTO. What's the point of buying a nice house on the hill with a handy dandy Bart Station if your kid has to deal with thugs at school.