How would tree hugging, vegetarian liberals fair in Pleasanton, Danvile or San Ramon? (San Diego: hardwood floors, fit in)

[tstieber]

I grew up in Walnut Creek and know Danville/San Ramon/Pleasanton pretty well. If you're a tree-hugging liberal, then it's not the area for you. You'll feel a lot like you're in Irvine. Here are a few photos of typical suburban shopping centers in the area:

http://www.raydiate.com/images/listi.../hacienda1.jpg
http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarkin...3efff72c37.jpg

If you're a stroller mom who likes to shop at Nordstrom and dine at the Cheesecake Factory, and your husband likes to golf, then it will be perfect. Schools are very good. Nice scenery and weather. Most of the area is new and well manicured, but it's not very diverse and has little personality. For the right person, it's great, but based on your description of your family, it's not the place. This area is completely opposite to Berkeley or San Francisco.

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks for your reply and for saving us a lot of time. I am definitely not a stroller mom. In fact, I don't own one. I wore my babies in carriers and practice attachment parenting. I proudly breastfeed in public and have never cared to keep up with the Joneses. DH has never golfed in his life and never plans to. We are very active with environmental, animal and human rights causes. What area would you direct us to?

[clongirl]

How 'bout Albany? This town sounds right up your alley..I can't comment on the house prices/schools though. I think I've read really good things on these boards and it's right next to Berkeley.

[jaynetarzana]

I was just thinking that I need to look into Albany more. It also has great schools.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

I was just thinking that I need to look into Albany more. It also has great schools.

sounds like you need to stay somewhat near a major city, othewise I would suggest Humbolt or Mendacino County..maybe even Sonoma County..

Nita

[jaynetarzana]

Albany is near a large city, San Francisco.

[18Montclair]

I think that you shouldnt stay away from there just because your political leanings differ from many of your would-be-neighbors.

Not only that, but this is the Bay Area, even if there are many conservative folks in that area, there are still going to be a fair number of liberals too.

That's a really nice area btw.

[18Montclair]

Oh, instead of Albany, take a look at Kensington-its in the hills above Albany and is very desirable.

[jaynetarzana]

Which is a really nice area? Albany or the others I mentioned? Like I've said, I really prefer to be in a place with more like minded people than not. It is important to me that my children grow up around people who share our core values.

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

Oh, instead of Albany, take a look at Kensington-its in the hills above Albany and is very desirable.

Thank you 18 Montclair. That is funny it is called Kensington because my favorite place I have ever lived was Kensington San Diego. Perhaps it is meant to be. By very desirable, you probably also mean expensive too right? How do I search for real estate in that area? When I looked it up on Trulia it just said Albany. On Realtor.com it comes up with houses in Albany and Berkeley.