What's it like living in Brisbane, CA (San Francisco, Daly City: apartment, condos)

[Geordie]

My husband has found a home for us in Brisbane. Before we commit I was wondering if anyone has any insight into this community. We have two children who are Elementary school age so any information about the school system in Brisbane would be helpful too.

I live in the Eastern U.S. and unfortunately couldn't make it out for the decision making process and to become familiar with the different communities surrounding San Francisco. In fact, I have never been there at all so will be moving to the area without having seen it! It sounds lovely though and I am thrilled to be moving to such an interesting place!

Thanks for taking time to read my post. I look forward to hearing any information anyone has to offer about the Brisbane community.

Geordie

[gizmo980]

Brisbane is a really cute little town, right on the Bay just south of San Francisco... very convenient to the city, airport (SFO), ballparks, Peninsula, etc. It's somewhat close to the beach too, but not technically on the coast - about a 15-20 minute drive up to 280/1. I honestly haven't spent much time there, though I almost rented an apartment in Brisbane last year. I really liked the neighborhood and price, but decided the unit was too small for my dog. Anyway, sorry I can't offer any more detailed info, but good luck!! This is a great area if you can afford it, and I hope you and your family will be happy.

P.S. I don't think Brisbane has its own school district, so I'm guessing your kids would attend Daly City or SSF schools - not sure how great they are.

[gizmo980]

One more thing I thought of... the weather in Brisbane is very pleasant, as it sits just below the "fog line" over the hills. You will get fog if your house is way up there, but the parts closer to the bay are usually quite sunny. You do get a lot of wind from the bay, which is probably what keeps the fog out - and even with the sunnier weather, it's still cool & comfortable like the city. I live right above Brisbane in southeast SF, and get to wear light jackets & jeans all year long. Ahhhhhhh.

[sonarrat]

It's a tiny tiny little town of less than 4,000 people. You're not likely to meet anyone who lives there! I think the population doubles during the day because of commuters. It's basically two little developments, one of which is surrounded by corporate buildings.. Monster Cable, Expeditors, DHL Global Forwarding. The apartment buildings I've seen there are in pitiful shape.. they looked like the projects in Visitacion Valley. But there are some newer condos which seem nifty.

[twins4lynn]

My daughter had a school friend who lived in Brisbane for about a year. For whatever reason they chose not to have their dd attend school in Brisbane and interdistrict transfered to our school district down on the peninsula.

Brisbane has a couple of elementary schools and one middle school. Here are a couple of links to their api scores (none are yet reaching 800, the target for all schools in California).
Greatschools.net Search: brisbane

California schools - CA elementary, middle and high school information

I don't know what high school Brisbane kids attend - possibly the one used by those living in Daly City (Jefferson?).

[Geordie]

Thank you everyone for your responses to my questions. We are still pondering if this is the place for us. You made it sound lovely, Gizmo. The weather sounds like a dream! Do you think you would have moved there had the apartment been large enough for your dog? The town does sound a bit small. I am wondering if grocery shopping and shopping in general will be a hassle. I am used to living very near to our local grocery store and market. I suppose you just have to plan a bit better being farther out.

Thank you Twins4lynn for the school information links. Those were very useful!

Thank you Sonarrat for the information you provided. Your post helped give me a sense for just how small Brisbane actually is.

Lots to think about! We must decide by tomorrow. I will post and let everyone know what decision we made.

Thanks again for your replies! City Data Forum is a great resource!

Take Care,
Geordie

[MichaelinWA]

The town is small, but it's not that isolated. It can't be more than a couple of miles from South San Francisco, for example. I like the town and love the location, but I remember it being kinda windy at times.

Originally Posted by Geordie

The town does sound a bit small. I am wondering if grocery shopping and shopping in general will be a hassle. I am used to living very near to our local grocery store and market. I suppose you just have to plan a bit better being farther out.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by MichaelinWA

The town is small, but it's not that isolated. It can't be more than a couple of miles from South San Francisco, for example. I like the town and love the location, but I remember it being kinda windy at times.

It's close to SSF and also to SF itself, but it's also geographically separated on all sides. The only roads connecting it to any of its neighboring cities are 101, Bayshore Blvd and the starkly beautiful Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, all of which are forbidding for someone on foot. It is extraordinarily isolated for where it is.