Information on Grass Valley and Castro Valley (San Jose, San Francisco: homes, neighborhoods)

[lterease]

I am interested in knowing which area is the nicer area between Grass Valley and Castro Vally? I've never been to either but was offered a job in both areas. Please provide any insight to paint a good picture for me. THANK YOU beforehand!

[NewToCA]

They are very different from each other.

Castro Valley is an expensive community that is part of the East Bay San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose metropolis. It is a densely populated area wedged in with a bunch of other expensive areas on the south side of the East Bay.

Grass Valley is a small town in the wooded and hilly areas quite a bit north of Sacramento. It is pretty isolated in the immediate area, sharing only Nevada City as part of the immediate area.

Both are nice in very different ways, depends on what you want out of life.

[lterease]

Thank you for your help. :-))

[hd4me]

The only commonality between these two communities is that they share the word Valley in the name.

Castro Valley- urban bedroom community, good schools, relatively safe. Neighborhoods in the flat areas are modest homes on city sized lots. More expensive homes in the hills with views. Best for families not so good for single people. I didn't find it charming. Not much to do but relatively close to Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco for entertainment.

Grass Valley-Woodsy, close to lakes, creeks, lots of pines, scenic surroundings, rural area, retirees, bored youth. Quaint downtown with shops, restaurants, etc. Air quality not as good.



Be prepared for sticker shock as far as home buying.