Vallejo "bad" neighborhood? (Vacaville, Benicia: short sales, condo, crime rate)

[lovale]

I'm considering moving to the bay area from Minneapolis. Vallejo seems to have many advantages, but I keep reading that it has a high crime rate. Statistically it actually has a lower crime rate than Minneapolis, but it's hard to know what that means. Minneapolis, after all, is a much larger city. Does bad neighborhood mean condoms and crack vials in your front yard every day? Thumping bass and gunshots from passing cars every night? Or does it just mean a family living next door that doesn't share your language? I've also noted that Vallejo is one of the few Bay area cities that is built on bedrock, at least the older part of the city is (94590 zip code). The "better" areas like Benicia seem to be seismically much more dangerous. This issue doesn't seem to be discussed much here. Is it a non-issue for bay area residents? Why? Precisely where are the good neighborhoods in Vallejo?

[addisonbaby]

If your considering Vallejo then Hiddenbrook is a considerably nice neighborhood.
As far as Benicia, its a quiet town and the people seem nice enough. Also consider Amiercan Canyon.

If you dont mind going a little bit further I also suggest Vacaville. Its a very nice place to raise children and the town is very well cared for.

Hope that helps

[vjasenjo]

Well depends on your style - do you like modern houses with Suburban feel - well then American Canyon. Heritage District in Vallejo - Victorians & craftsmen.

[Puddy4LyF]

Sorry I didn't see this thread until now.

1. Benicia's downtown marina district has areas in which it is actually sinking into the Carquinez. I found a condo there for 299,000 - absolutely gorgeous, within walking distance to downtown. Problem? the foundation is sinking and there are lawsuits everywhere. It's now 250,000 but I can't see anyone buying it. I don't know how widespread the problem is, but I know it's a problem.

2. Vallejo is a terrific buy right now. Everyone is so scared to move there that they totally miss out on some amazing deals. I'd go look in Glencove (borders Benicia), Hiddenbrooke (for really scared folks), Mare Island has some new development but it still looks like a ghosttown, and anything over near Blue Rock on the Automall Parkway and extension is nice. I'd also feel confident within the neighrborhoods off Columbus.

As another poster said, American Canyon, and that's priced well too.

P.S. I'd totally move to any of the locations I mentioned. They're not just fine, they're priced really well and crime happens anywhere. If I had to pick, with price in mind, it would probably be Glencove. I put 2 offers on short sales in that neighborhood in the past 6 months - they just didn't work out, or I'd definitely be there.