Where to live between SF and Brentwood (San Francisco, Oakland: to rent, safe neighborhood)

[ggbby]

Hi everyone!

First, thanks for taking the time to read this!

My husband and I are planning on moving out to CA from the east coast. (Please- bear with me... I have no idea about the geography, and can only go off of what Google Maps seems to say!) He will be working about 3(?) blocks away from 80 and I will be working in Brentwood, off of 4.

I'm wondering where we should begin looking for housing and we'd like to rent for the first year, at least. It seems that traffic into SF is worse than toward Brentwood- so would it make more sense to live closer to SF? I'd like for the commute to be no longer than 1 hour to Brentwood (I'd really prefer 30min, but I'm trying to be realistic) and 30min max to SF.

As far as neighborhood: we don't have children, as of yet, so school districts, are not too important. I personally enjoy things (doctor's offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc) within walking distance, but he like more space- places with a yard- so I'd be interested to hear about both types of areas. Budget is tricky- we're willing to pay for safety. I don't think we'd be able to go passed $3500-$4000 BUT if we could stay in the $2500s that would be preferred. Safety is first and foremost, though. Some type of night life, restaurants, bars would be appreciated... but we're not looking to live in an area surrounded by nothing but college students. Finally, I'm not sure how the pet policies are in the area, but we have a small dog that must come with us.

Whatever advice you can share is VERY appreciated. I'd just like to find the most reasonable/realistic mix of everything we're looking for.

Thank you!

[ccm123]

Walnut Creek is a great area and safe. It has a BART station, for commuting to San Francisco and the drive out to Brentwood is lighter than the commute to San Francisco. Look at Orinda, Lafayette, or Moraga also. Avoid Antioch, if at all possible.

[kgbnsf]

I was going to suggest something closer to SF like Alameda or Oakland but Brentwood is really out there and you would have an hour commute. Lafayette to Concord (includes Walnut Creek) is probably your best bet. They are all along BART.

[bracy]

Walnut Creek should be a good choice. It has safe neighborhood and from what I know nice downtown.

[jessemh431]

Definitely Walnut Creek. He can take BART. The drive over the bridge will make a 30 commute to work impossible from anywhere besides Oakland, but then your commute will be very long. Walnut Creek is a good midway point, is very safe, and has a good neighborhood feel with nice restaurants and amenities downtown.