Dublin, pleasanton, walnut creek or san ramon - where to live? (San Francisco: real estate, condos)

[soya]

Hi. I and my husband work in santa clara as of now. We are looking at san ramon, walnut creek, dublin, pleasanton area for buying a home. Some of the reasons for our choice is: good school district, new construction and cheaper homes. We have two daughters and cant afford to send them to private schools if we live in a bad school district. Also, houses in cupertino, palo alto, fremont mission are very old and expensive. We are currently contracting and can change jobs based on our commute. I see a lot of software jobs in walnut creek, Pleasanton, Dublin and San Francisco.
Now back to my questions? commute wise, which is the best area to live in and the school district should also be good - walnut creek, san ramon, dublin or pleasanton? we plan to work in sf, walnut creek, dublin or pleasanton

[sav858]

Pleasanton will probably be your best bet. There are few new construction homes in Walnut Creek and the ones that are tend to be very pricey. I'd probably pick San Ramon as your second choice based on your criteria. But if a brand new home isn't a huge requirement, I think WC offers the most and best commuting options if you're not working in the South Bay.

[jade408]

Dublin added a ton of new condos and townhomes in the eastern part of town over the last five years The schools are good. SLightly lower than Pleasanton, (a few percentage points) and prices are lower. In all honesty, there is no dicernable difference between Dublin, Pleasanton and San Ramon.

Walnut Creek has a bit more going on, but it is the worst option to go to south bay. There is only one route. San Ramon is a better than Walnut Creek, but the last 5-10 miles will be pretty gridlocked -- but it is very common for people to use Crow Canyon Road as a shortcut. Pleasanton and Dublin have better freeway access (it is closer to get to 238/880 as an alternate).

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by jade408

Dublin added a ton of new condos and townhomes in the eastern part of town over the last five years The schools are good. SLightly lower than Pleasanton, (a few percentage points) and prices are lower. In all honesty, there is no dicernable difference between Dublin, Pleasanton and San Ramon.

Walnut Creek has a bit more going on, but it is the worst option to go to south bay. There is only one route. San Ramon is a better than Walnut Creek, but the last 5-10 miles will be pretty gridlocked -- but it is very common for people to use Crow Canyon Road as a shortcut. Pleasanton and Dublin have better freeway access (it is closer to get to 238/880 as an alternate).

They are currently redoing Crow Canyon road at Norris and it is a freaking mess. I went through the other day and regretted it. COPS are everywhere too. I would say Pleasanton first with Walnut Creek a second because schools are both great AND BART is easily accessed.

[bernardg]

If you prefer newer homes, San Ramon would be #1 choice. You get a top-notch school district and good support (shops restaurants etc.). Not a great commute to San Francisco though. Pleasanton is also good but not so many newer homes.

Walnut Creek is a great place to live but you may want to limit yourself to Walnut Creek Schoool District or Northridge Schools. Very few modern homes here though.

I noted a comment that there is little difference between Dublin and San Ramon but I would strongly disagree with that. I am a real estate agent covering all these areas. Most buyers wirh children do not want Dublin schools. Check out the API scores at www.greatschools.net.

Bernard Gibbons

Originally Posted by soya

Hi. I and my husband work in santa clara as of now. We are looking at san ramon, walnut creek, dublin, pleasanton area for buying a home. Some of the reasons for our choice is: good school district, new construction and cheaper homes. We have two daughters and cant afford to send them to private schools if we live in a bad school district. Also, houses in cupertino, palo alto, fremont mission are very old and expensive. We are currently contracting and can change jobs based on our commute. I see a lot of software jobs in walnut creek, Pleasanton, Dublin and San Francisco.
Now back to my questions? commute wise, which is the best area to live in and the school district should also be good - walnut creek, san ramon, dublin or pleasanton? we plan to work in sf, walnut creek, dublin or pleasanton

[bayarea-girl]

If you are looking for newer homes go with San Ramon. If schools are the number 1 priority I'd go with Walnut Creek. If you have to travel to San Francisco Walnut Creek is your best bet. I like both places.

[jade408]

Wow, people here are implying the Dublin School District is like Richmond or something. Gee. It is a typical middle class school district. A few points lower than Pleasanton, but nothing to worry about.

Of course it also depends on your kids level of achievement. Pleasanton school district has more high achievers than Dublin.

The BART ride to SF is about 10 minutes shorter from Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton are much easier commutes to Silicon Valley than Walnut Creek.

New is pretty hard to find in the immediate Bay Area.

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by jade408

Wow, people here are implying the Dublin School District is like Richmond or something. Gee. It is a typical middle class school district. A few points lower than Pleasanton, but nothing to worry about.

Of course it also depends on your kids level of achievement. Pleasanton school district has more high achievers than Dublin.

The BART ride to SF is about 10 minutes shorter from Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton are much easier commutes to Silicon Valley than Walnut Creek.

New is pretty hard to find in the immediate Bay Area.

Dublin is one of the top 10 school districts in the ENTIRE Bay Area. Someone once posted a lovely condensed list of the top 10 Districts.

Here it is. //www.city-data.com/forum/16871800-post1.html

[Ceece]

People only look down at Dublin because the numbers are a bit lower than the surrounding cities. Your kids won't be smarter going to a higher scoring school however. I think you should concentrate on finding a home that fits your need and not worry about the school scores so much. Nothing is "bad" in the places you are considering.

[aslowdodge]

Dublin was a fair amount lower as far as ranking, but many of their schools have really come up in the last few years. So except for a few schools they are getting close to the other Cities.