Working in San Ramon-is Alameda reasonable to commute from (San Diego: quality of life, living in)

[jennynats]

Hello-I may be offered a job in San Ramon and relocating to the Bay Area from San Diego. I am considering living in Alameda because I want to be close to San Fran, I like being near the water and don't want to live anywhere in the East Bay that would be too hot.
Is this is a reasonable commute? (Alameda to San Ramon) If not, are there any other suggested options. Being near bays, beaches or parks is important to me as well as being centrally located-my boyfriend is moving with me and has to look for jobs...so we need to be somewhere that he can commute from as well-not sure where yet he will be working.
Any suggestions/experiences would be appreciated!! Thanks!!

[sonarrat]

That's pretty bad, but at least it's not excessively long. Both 880 and 680 will be terrible, and 238 gets gunked up easily just because of how it's designed. You can cut a few miles off, and avoid any problems on 680, by taking Crow Canyon Road.

[AcousticGarden]

I wouldn't do that commute. Not at these gas prices.

I'd try Fremont maybe. I think they have some coastal access, and that would put you a little closer to San Ramon.

For the best overall quality of life, I'd move to Pleasanton, Dublin, or San Ramon. It may not make sense to you now, but it will once you've lived here awhile. I love the ocean, but since I've lived in the Bay Area, I've pretty much given it up. It takes way too long to drive to a reasonable beach. You're better off just skipping it. San Francisco is also a draw, but it'll be much more occasional than you probably imagine. It's better to have to commute into San Francisco occasionally, than live in proximity of San Francisco, and deal with a daily commute to where you work.

Pleasanton, Dublin, and San Ramon all have lots of parks, and you'll be safer enjoying them than you would be in Alameda or the surrounding areas.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by AcousticGarden

I wouldn't do that commute. Not at these gas prices.

I'd try Fremont maybe. I think they have some coastal access, and that would put you a little closer to San Ramon.

Fremont is farther away, and the commute would be even worse.

For the best overall quality of life, I'd move to Pleasanton, Dublin, or San Ramon.

That's more like it.

[humboldtrat]

It's a lousy commute between Alameda and Pleasanton and with gas prices heading to $4 this summer, it will be an expensive commute. I agree with the others who say live and work in Pleasanton or Dublin. You can always drive to the beach on your off days.

[jennynats]

Thanks for all your advice. I've heard some positive things from some friends about Pleasanton also. How hot does it get there in the summer? I'm a little spoiled down here in San Diego where our summers are pretty mild and I don't like super hot weather. Thanks again!!

[AcousticGarden]

Pleasanton, CA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 89.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 36.90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Pleasanton is 14.82 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is January with an average rainfall of 2.99 Inches.
Pleasanton Weather | Pleasanton CA

[jennynats]

That's great info. The more I hear, the more it seems like I will be staying away from Alameda, at least if I wind up working in San Ramon. I am looking forward to getting up to your area!!

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by jennynats

Thanks for all your advice. I've heard some positive things from some friends about Pleasanton also. How hot does it get there in the summer? I'm a little spoiled down here in San Diego where our summers are pretty mild and I don't like super hot weather. Thanks again!!

Alameda is pleasant weather central.

Castro Valley is kinduva "cooler weather" town that is connected to San Ramon through Crow Canyon Rd that winds through rolling hills and wooded areaas and might not even have to take the freeway-which would be awesome. Or you can take BART(CV has a station) and most San Ramon office parks have shuttles that take you back and forth between the station and the office.

[AcousticGarden]

San Ramon, Pleasanton, and Dublin all beat Castro Valley overall in my estimation. I know it was probably suggested for weather reasons, but so much of that town is so run down I wouldn't even consider it if you can live in any of the cities I mentioned. There are supposed to be nicer areas of Castro Valley (I think in the hills towards Dublin), but I haven't really seen them for myself yet.

Bishop Ranch (big business park in San Ramon) does have free bus passes to the Pleasanton and Walnut Creek BART stations.