How would tree hugging, vegetarian liberals fair in Pleasanton, Danvile or San Ramon? (San Francisco: low crime, new house)

[jaynetarzana]

We're moving back to California in less than 3 weeks and we're still undecided about where exactly we want to be. We have friends who live in Fremont and they suggested that we consider Pleasanton, Danville or San Ramon stating that these places are clean, safe, family oriented with great public schools. Can anyone comment on how a tree hugging, liberal, ethical vegetarian family would fair in those places? Thanks in advance!

[City Boy]

That area is more conservative and is pretty expensive. It's hard to say how you'd like it because I don't know you but I couldn't live there. Look at Piedmont or Montclaire if you can afford san ramon etc you can afford those area's.

[clongirl]

Those places are all fine..This is Northern California and most people here have some element of tree hugging, vegetarian, and liberal to them. Those towns are pretty suburban/sprawlish/somewhat blah, but Pleasanton has a really good, very big farmer's market on Saturdays and a few nice restaurants/shops in the downtown area. You will see more fancy cars, Stepford wives, and a bit more conservative types in these areas but schools are good and it's safe and family oriented. Pleasanton and Danville would be a better choice of the three..I really don't like San Ramon and all the giant, fancy new houses, and lack of any culture. Generally, if you want to be around "obvious" tree huggers/vegetarians etc, then the closer you move towards San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland you will find more of that.

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks for your reply CityBoy. Can you shed some light on the reasons why you would recommend Piedmont and Montclair over the cities I mentioned?

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks clongirl, you reply was very helpful. Being near like minded people is very important to us, but so is having access is great public schools. The California performance map shows that whole corridor from Pleasant Hill all the way down to Pleasanton to have school ratings of 10 out of 10.
California School Performance Maps

Suburban boring is okay for this era of our lives. We are raising little ones and our priorites lie in clean air, safety, education, clean neighborhoods with low crime.

[City Boy]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

Thanks for your reply CityBoy. Can you shed some light on the reasons why you would recommend Piedmont and Montclare over the cities I mentioned? The median age in Piedmont is 43.7 and we're in our early 30's. Montclair appears to be 60% Hispanic (according to city data). We have no problem living in a diverse community, but this isn't exactly what we had in mind.

No problem, I like Piedmont and Montclaire because they are close to everything (SF,Oak,Etc). They are like small towns tucked away in an urban area. They are not as cookie cutter suburban as San Ramon etc. I hate area's like that and they have no diversity around there. It's just boring. I work with some people form San Ramon and it's very keep up with the jonesish according to them and they are that way themselves.

The Montclaire you're looking at is in LA.

[jaynetarzana]

I will check out those areas too City Boy thanks very much for the suggestions.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

We're moving back to California in less than 3 weeks and we're still undecided about where exactly we want to be. We have friends who live in Fremont and they suggested that we consider Pleasanton, Danville or San Ramon stating that these places are clean, safe, family oriented with great public schools. Can anyone comment on how a tree hugging, liberal, ethical vegetarian family would fair in those places? Thanks in advance!

I hope you can find what you want in these areas. I am sure they will come closer than Orange County would, but even then, you are not going to find the total liberal life style you are seeking I don't think. GOod luck

[jaynetarzana]

Can anyone tell me more about Piedmont? From what I read it has fantastic schools and great air quality which are my top priorities. Thanks!

[jaynetarzana]

Never mind! I just looked up housing in the area and it is WAY too rich for our blood.