Help a Dad decide where move his family in the Bay Area (Irvine: transplants, foreclosure)

[kristin1]

Originally Posted by doho95fu

I thought there were a fair amount of Catholic schools in the Easy Bay. St. Isidore in Danville, St. Mary in Walnut Creek, I think another in Dublin. Also, there are at least 3 in Marin County that I know of. If you want the names, please let me know. Where are you in CT?

We are on the shoreline in CT. I'm guessing you are coming from Fairfield County? We really love it here, and I am heartbroken to be leaving. But since we do not have family here, it was hard to say no to a great opportunity.

There are a number of Catholic Schools in the Bay area, but the student teacher ratios are unacceptable to me, most of them being 30-35:1. I find that unbelievable for kindergarten! We have nothing against public schools, we were just hoping to supplement our kids education with religion in the classroom. But not at the expense of their education. The Catholic schools in Marin have better ratios, but we just could not picture ourselves in Marin when we visited - homes are really close together, everthing just seems so packed in. We spotted alot of Toyota Prius around (tons actually), but no minivans .

My husband just came home for the holidays, and we decided we'd be happy anywhere in the Lamorinda area, although he prefers Orinda for a short commute.

I'd be happy to share any info I can find as I stumble across it. I am thouroughly enjoying what will probably be the last snowstorm I will see in a long time, but FYI - the 10 day weather forecast in SF calls for rain everyday in the foreseeable future .

[doho95fu]

Bump - Some more opinions please.

[Nanu_Nanu]

Go for Lafayette/Orinda. I would implore you to check further into these.

[kristin1]

OP - Did you wind up finding a place?

[Taboo2]

My thoughts,
You want good schools, no rain or fog or cold, that is east bay 680 corridor. I love Marin but it's cold. Schools are good and fun locals and they do have the beaches, but nowhere near to Oakland Airport.

Alarmo/Danville/The creek, Ptown are all warmer and have swimming areas. Nice little downtowns as well.

Originally Posted by doho95fu

Towns/Cities

Tiburon
Mill Valley
Larkspur
San Anselmo
San Rafael
Orinda
Larkspur
Moraga
Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville
Piedmont
If there are others I should consider, please tell me where and why.

Factors to consider:

Schools and Daycare - Most likely want to do public, but would consider a Catholic parochial school or straight private. Although the assignment is initially for 2 years, would like to have a comprehensively strong district (i.e. all grades are good). Also, where are good daycares - some suggestions would be greatly appreciated if you have experience.

Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville
Tiburon

Weather - We hate fog, cold and rain. Where has the best weather?

Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville

Commutes - as far as time and pleasantness. The ferry from Marin sounds great. Any insights? Also, I can see the trains times on Bart's website but are there some more factors to consider? Also, I will need to fly to LA (burbank preferably) about 7-10 times a month for the day so access to Oakland is a factor.

Piedmont
Moraga
Pleasanton
Orinda

Safety - Although it seems Piedmont itself is safe, the idea of Oakland is disconcerting. I have lived in bad areas, but I would rather my kids be sheltered as far as crimes goes. What towns are the most safe?.

Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville
Moraga

Community - Activities, Restaurants, Outdoor activities, Beaches, shopping.

Tiburon
Mill valley
Piedmont
Orinda
San Anselmo

[J&A'sMOM]

Wow - Great thread!!! We also live in CT and DH has been in discussions w/ SF, Philly, and NJ for a new job. Very interested in what you end up doing. I think I'd actually stay in SF city and go with a great private school. I found one great PS out of SF that was too far of a commute in wine country. Also looked into Oakland and there are some very intersesting/great neighborhoods there. PM me I'd love to hear where you end up. We have friends that live in Novato w/ kids and love it and commute to the financial dist. - he uses the ferry, and also friends that live in SF proper - they love it too.

[redwoodlvr]

I've moved out of state and out of the country several times and always find myself back in the Bay Area. It's like a magnet pulling me back in.

The grass is always greener you know.

[redwoodlvr]

I think I need to stop posting for awhile. The above comments ^^^^ were for another thread. Just ignore! Thank you very much.

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Taboo2

My thoughts,
You want good schools, no rain or fog or cold, that is east bay 680 corridor. I love Marin but it's cold. Schools are good and fun locals and they do have the beaches, but nowhere near to Oakland Airport.

Alarmo/Danville/The creek, Ptown are all warmer and have swimming areas. Nice little downtowns as well.

Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville
Tiburon


Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville


Piedmont
Moraga
Pleasanton
Orinda


Pleasanton
Alamo
Walnut Creek
Danville
Moraga

Tiburon
Mill valley
Piedmont
Orinda
San Anselmo

Taboo2 - We are considering both Marin and the peninsula. You mentioned that Marin is too cold. We prefer warmer climates so it sounds like maybe we should be focusing more on the Pleasanton/San Ramon/Walnut Creek/Danville areas.

[sonarrat]

I just wanted to chime in since you express concerns about Piedmont. Piedmont is safe, and while you do have to go through Oakland to get to the freeways, you don't have to go through any bad neighborhoods. Even if you need to get to the Nimitz you can just take 24 to 980.