Is Santa Clara good for families? (Walnut Creek, Santa Cruz: apartments, low crime, homes)

[mia0058]

Currently I live in SF and have been considering moving to the South Bay to be closer to family. I don't mind the change as I'm just looking for a safe, family-friendly place to raise my kids and would prefer warmer weather. Job location is not a problem as I work from home. Specifically I've considered Santa Clara as I heard they have a good school district.

Any thoughts from Santa Clara natives would be appreciated.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I lived in Santa Clara for 10 years, prior to moving north for cheaper senior apartments 3 years ago.

Best schools, I've heard are in Cupertino.

That said, Santa Clara is very safe. Low crime. Great police force that shows up within minutes.

Small farmer's market close to Santa Clara University, in the neighborhood I used to live in.

Depending on which area of SC you live in, the convenience of the freeways and Amtrak and CalTrain stations are great.

By SCU, I could get to downtown SJ in minutes, which includes the Amtrak and lightrail station, could get on 880 to Santa Cruz, in minutes, get onto 680 to Walnut Creek, etc., easily. It's just a really convenient, safe place to live and commute from. Also, great shopping options. Fresh veggie stand year-round at corner of Scott and Homestead, close to all manner of shops, including Costco, a mall, great public library, close to Ranch 99 Asian market in Cupertino, etc.

Also, the county health clinics are great. And you'd be in the same county as Stanford medical center, if your health care is based on which county you live in.

I'm working on moving back there now :-)

[PhoenixSomeday]

I grew up in Santa Clara and moved away only a few years ago. The last time I checked, most schools seemed to be middle of the road in terms of the Great Schools score or whatever website it is. I did fine, but I enjoyed learning, so that may not be representative (I ended up going to college, getting a BA, and becoming a software developer). As with any school and child, the best impact is when you are active in your kids learning. Your kid can go to a school scored as a 5/10, but if you're active in their education, they could come out as if they went to a 10/10. As for schools, I think if you in the southwest corners of Santa Clara, you could end up in the Cupertino school district. My best friend's family moved to the neighborhood just southwest of Lawrence Expressway and Pruneridge Ave while we were in high school. While he continued to go to Santa Clara High, his three younger siblings all went to Cupertino High (similar distance away), so I think it was a case of school districts going across city lines.

Definitely safe. I mean, my particular neighborhood growing was without incident, but I definitely would not suggest anyone deliberately move there if they have the means not to (north of Monroe St on both sides of Los Padres Blvd). But that area is more of an anomaly, most of SC is great, and safe.

[Heidi60]

Which type of school are interested in? There are the standard public and private schools, and the huge islamic school in Santa Clara. Most of my neighbors only use private schools so be sure to research those as well.