El Sobrante (Fremont, Hayward, Richmond: sex offenders, crime rate, house)

[wordzy1]

We're relocating to SF from Phoenix. Had planned on heading to WC, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, even San Ramon or Moraga if we could afford it. My husband will BART to downtown, so I've expanded my search... what can you tell me about El Sobrante? Found some killer homes, even with land, and they're under $600,000. What gives? Blue collar, white? Schools? Commute?

[bhanu]

we are too moving to california bay area side. Looking to buy house in Escalon Cir, El Sobrante, CA 94803. let me know your thoughts. Is this area safe. what are the school districts near by. Which bart station is near to this area. Appreciated for a prompt reply.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by wordzy1

Found some killer homes, even with land, and they're under $600,000. What gives? Blue collar, white? Schools? Commute?

There is a reason for the lower prices - A couple of oil refineries along the bay and a high crime rate in the area including the towns of Richmond and Pinole. Your first choices, such as Walnut Creek, Clayton, Pleasanton, etc. were better. If that's too expensive, check out Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro or as far south as Fremont (all along the BART line).

[ecvMatt]

Where you are looking isn't too bad. I lived in El Sob for a few years, it has a few places that aren't so pretty, but as long as you stay away from bars and shady liquor stores, you'll be fine. I thought it was a pretty nice little town, and the taqueria next to Big 5 has some of the biggest quesadillas ever, so tasty too!!! MMMM I might have to head over there one of these days, see my friends and have a burrito!!!

[camaroman7d]

I know this post is failry old, but I see some information that is not very accurate and posted from people that don't really know El Sobrante. I was born and raised in El Sobrante. I lived there for the first 25 years of my life. It has changed a bit since I moved away, but I still visit friends from time to time.

It is a safe place to live. It's not the best place to raise kids, only because of the drug issues (lots of meth). If you are a good parent and stay involved you can raise kids there with success. People are about as friendly as you will find anywhere in the Bay Area. Just be aware the Bay Area is not like other parts of the country and people aren't to quick to make friends until they get to know you. Once you make a true friend from El Sobrante, they are friends for life.

It is an older town (not really even a city). It hasn't grown a lot in the past 10-12 years. For the most part if you mind your business and don't look for trouble you won't have any problems. There are no real gang issues.

I would take El Sobrante over Hayward, San Leandro, or Castro Valley. It's a much smaller town and not over crowded.

There is no BART station in El Sobrante, the nearest stations would be Richmond, Orinda, and El Cerrito.

There is no real "bad" area in El Sobrante. I grew up and lived in the area people would probably think was bad. It is not nearly like it was all of us knuckleheads have grown up and moved away and those that remain behind are harmless.

[18Montclair]

I like El Sobrante. My aunt lives off of Appian Way high up in the hills. Its pretty nice and very quiet. I like how its close to all that shopping in Pinole and Hilltop but it feels removed and almost rural.

[NorCal Dude]

El sobrante is really not regarded as not good or really bad. Not as dangerous as richmond so relative to the east bay it is safe. Schools are crappy. Id look on the other side of the hill if I were you.

[bayarea-girl]

The schools are HORRIBLE, even the private schools. Being a former resident I can't say I've never noticed or heard of a meth problem there. The crime is up and down (there aren't a big section of sex offenders or shootings). Don't miss the traffic on 80. But I wouldn't take the area over San Leandro, or Castro Valley (I'd prefer El Sobrante over Hayward). The weather is nice. Wish they had more restaurants and or shopping centers.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

El Sob in days of yore was sort of an Okie town. And that's a compliment.

It's gotten worn around the edges a bit but is still far, far superior to places like San Pablo and Richmond. And less plastic than Hercules. Not as much of a hard core SF / Cal commuter town such as El Cerrito or Albany. Not as yupped out as Rockridge.