Where do tree hugging, vegetarian liberals belong in Marin? (San Francisco: home, theater)

[redwoodlvr]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

I remember researching Berkeley pretty heavily before as we know it is a liberal area, but I couldn't remember what turned us off (as I have researched so many places it is difficult to keep them straight). But I just did a little looking and realized that it was the schools and the crime in the area. Albany seems to have good schools though.

You saved me from writing my little summary. I think you should check out Albany if it appeals to you.

Good luck!

[forcestream]

Do Fairfax or San Anselmo get very foggy and cool? How is the weather generally?
Does anyone know how schools are in these areas?
Thanks

[Colingsworth]

Hi! okay, so fairfax, is absolutely, hands down, the right place for you. Marin is a beautiful, wonderful county. And fairfax is a quiet town tucked away, just a few miles west of san rafael and San Anselmo. It is a very safe town, good schools, and maybe a little out of your price range, but relatively less expensive than the majority of Marin. Its also inland, so it doesn't get a lot of fog. There is a local health food store, and a darling downtown; and isn't a far drive to the whole foods and trader Joes in San Rafael. TRUST ME. Move to Fairfax, it's my favorite town on earth.

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks everyone! We were pretty focused on Scotts Valley, but since so many of you are telling me Fairfax, I am intrigued. I told DH today that we shouldn't commit ourselves to a rental in Scotts Valley until we have had a chance to go to Fairfax. He agrees. If anyone has anymore detailed info about it, please share!

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by forcestream

Do Fairfax or San Anselmo get very foggy and cool? How is the weather generally?
Does anyone know how schools are in these areas?
Thanks

I was hoping someone would answer your questions so I am bumping this thread.

[forcestream]

Thank you. Does anyone know about the fog, weather and schools in Fairfax or San Anselmo?

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by eightiesfan

Again, check out Fairfax in the North Bay area, or San Anselmo and San Rafael.

Maybe try Campbell or Willow Glen in the SJ area?

If you've written off the Santa Cruz area it's going to be tough to find everything you are looking for in 1 place. Best of luck to you.

I was looking at pictures of Fairfax today and it looks like it might be a little too Bohemian for us. I will still check it out in person. But we're hippies at heart, but not the Birkenstock wearing, super laid back types. Also, it looks like we'd have to drive to other towns for Whole Foods and Trader Joes. I am coming there in 24 days () to check it out while DH drives cross country. Do most people think that Fairfax is the only place worth looking at for us? What about San Anselmo and San Rafael? I definitely don't want to be anywhere near gangs with my children.

[redwoodlvr]

Do you really want to move out here? No place is "perfect".

[jaynetarzana]

I know that no place is perfect. We lived in CA for 13 years and it is as close to perfect as you can get in this country in our opinion.

[G Grasshopper]

There tends to be some gang activity in central/eastern San Rafael, mostly hispanic youths, I think, although I am no expert. I live in norther San Rafael, and you don't see that, except occasional graffiti. We are in the Dixie school district, which is one of the best in the area. We have friends who have lived in Fairfax for 25 years, and who are not hippies. You don't have to wear birkenstocks and tie-dye to fit in. Maybe the pictures you saw emphasize that side of Fairfax.