Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord (San Ramon, Dublin: apartments, rental, condo)

[changemylife1]

Hi There,

moving in soon from the east coast without much knowledge of this area;

We're looking to rent at $1500-$1900, two kids, so public schools are important;

Which of these areas is better and has a better quality of life in general? looking at these vicinities, other nearby areas?

thanks!

[Ultrarunner]

Lots of news about the Mount Diablo School District Financial troubles and possible take over by the State which is also in trouble...

Diablo covers several of the areas you mentioned...

[Strigoi]

With schools being important, I'd look into the Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda (known as Lamorinda area). The Acalanes school district is better than MDUSD.

Lafayette borders Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill.

[kenrobin]

I agree with Strigol, the better schools are in the Lamorinda area. San Ramon also has strong schools but its farther away from the cities that you're targeting. Of those 3, Walnut Creek probably has the best schools but it can get dicey as parts of the city are covered by the Mount Diablo School District which has its challenges. You probably want to avoid Concord as there aren't many strong public schools there.

[sanmik]

We are an older couple who recently bought a condo in southbury ct which is beautiful country. however, I am not that happy here and am looking to relocate to Walnut or pleasant hill because I like the idea of public transportation and being near a large city. We have family living in folsom. any suggestions. i would move to nyc in a heartbeat but cant afford it. any suggestions?

[Zachj7]

LaMOrinda is more expensive but has far better schools. You have to actually live in one of the 3 cities, Orinda, Lafayette, or Moraga to have your kids attend one of these schools. I recently graduated from Miramonte HS in Orinda, and I am in college. I would say Lafayette or Orinda only because of the convenience of being close to the freeway. I am not sure about Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, or Concord. Walnut Creek is closer and from a couple of friends I know, has better schools. Lamorinda has the best in the immediate vicinity. Of course I am full of bias though having lived in Orinda.

[captwalrus]

Walnut Creek has more to offer you and your children. Better and safer public schools, libraries, parks, shopping, downtown, etc. I've lived in Concord for more than 25 years and would choose Walnut Creek without hesitation if I were you (besides LaMorinda, of course).

[tstieber]

Lamorinda area is great, but you'll not find the rental in the price range you're looking for. Walnut Creek has a lot of denser housing such as apartments, townhomes, etc in its downtown area, and is the best of the three areas for schools. All three cities are family friendly, but parts of Concord are dicey while others are nice (it's got 120,000 people, so that's to be expected).

You'll find good infrastructure, low crime, beautiful scenery, and nice weather in the entire region!

[ttocs99]

Couldn't agree more. I lived in WC for 7 years, from 1999-2006, and had a 2 bedroom apartment for 1300 a month. It was the best years of my life. I'm back living in NYC, and I miss it terribly. Whenever I go back to the SF Bay area on vacation, I make sure to go back to WC. Love that area, and love Pleasant Hill which is the next town over.

[aslowdodge]

I think at the price you are looking at only Concord is an option, but it is the worse of the 3. If you can pony up $2500 to $2800 you can rent a house in the area of san ramon which has very good schools. At $1800 to $2000 the flats in Dublin where the schools aren't as good, but getting better. Still they are better than Concord.