How would tree hugging, vegetarian liberals fair in Pleasanton, Danvile or San Ramon? (San Diego: rental, neighborhoods)

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by 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.

Albany is one of my favorite places to recommend and Pleasanton-Danville-San Ramon are also nice.

Now that I think about it, I could live in either-of course I dont have kids so I see what you mean about core values.

[gmkarr]

What about Pacific Grove or Monterey? I know Pacific Grove, at least, has good schools, and is beautiful. People who share your core values also seem to love Sebastopol.

-gmkarr

[jaynetarzana]

PG and the whole Monterey area is too cold and foggy for us. No matter how many times I drove down there when we lived in Aptos, I never connected to the area. It just didn't impress me for some reason. Also, I prefer to be closer to my tribal bellydancing world in Santa Cruz/San Francisco/Albany as well as ballroom dancing and the Monterey area doesn't have a that. Sebastopol is much too far for him to commute to Salinas twice a week although I know it is a wonderful place.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

Albany is near a large city, San Francisco.

Oh I know that, we lived in Marin 5 years and Hubby worked in San Fransicso, plus we have many friends in Marin County. I was just trying to give you ideas that would fit into your life style more, even than Albany.

Nita

[jaynetarzana]

I'm not a big city person so places like Albany and Kensington are exactly what I am looking for. I am so excited to get there to check it out in person.

[tstieber]

Hi Jayne, I was one of the anti-Pleasanton people (as far as being a fit for you), and the more you describe yourself, I would say yes, Albany and Kensington are perfect for you. They've got great schools, nice neighborhoods, LOTS of like minded people, and you'll love Solano Avenue's cute shops, restaurants, and independent bookstores.

As I'm thinking about it, I know a couple that recently broke off their engagement and is looking to sell a beautifully restored but smallish house in El Cerrito, right on the Albany border, but in the Albany school district and the schools I believe in walking distance. If you're looking to buy, it's a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with approx. 1300 square feet, nice hardwood floors, beautiful kitchen, a separate downstairs office, and a nicely landscaped yard. Let me know if you want me to put you in touch with them, as they will possibly offer a good deal under the circumstances. It really is a wonderful little home in a great neighborhood.

When are you moving? I'm a licensed real estate broker but am in San Diego through April. If you'd like more help finding additional listings that meet your needs, let me know. Or, I can recommend some agents and offices to you in the area. Man, you are going to love that whole Albany/Kensington area!

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks for your reply tstieber. We are moving in 17 days!

We need a 3 bedroom house since DH works from home and needs a room for his office. But thanks for letting me know about this couple. We're not in a position to buy anything just yet. We lost everything when we sold our house in Aptos (Santa Cruz) last April. So we are working on saving for a down payment. Also, we're not going to do anything until we hear that the market is at the bottom. It is just too risky and we've been burned before so we are obviously as cautious as you can get. Lastly, we want to live in whatever area we choose for at least 6 months so we can make sure it is a good fit. Gone are the days of being able to sell your house a few years later and at least be able to expect to break even. So when we buy, we have to know we are going to stay for at least 5 years.

But we are looking forward to seeing the Albany/Kensington area for ourselves. If it seems like a good fit, we will take some realtor recommendations at that time. Until then, we don't want to waste an agent's time.

[jaynetarzana]

I've already started to look into preschools in Albany for next fall as I know the good ones fill up fast so it helps to at least get your name on a waiting list. I'd love to hear from the locals about their preschools preferences. We're looking for a 3 day a week 2-3 hour play based program that is not religiously affiliated. I like Montessori, but unless this one is different from all of the others I have known, I'm sure it is too expensive.

Thanks in advance!

[Yvonne1207]

Originally Posted by 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?

I grew up in the Pleasanton/Dublin/Livermore Tri-Valley. And from what you are describing, you would not like it at all...

Kensington, Berkeley, areas of Oakland (Lake Merrit) are what you are looking for.

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks for your input Yvonne. I'm curious why you didn't mention Albany. Unfortunately, neither Oakland or Berkeley have good schools according to greatschools.net.