Affordable (and safe) areas around SF (Oakland, Concord: apartment, neighborhoods, gated communities)

[Locolady]

I'm thinking about applying for a job in Oakland. My housing budget would be $2500/mo for a 2 BR apt, and I'm okay with a half hour commute. I currently live in a small midwestern city, and I prefer a smaller city/suburb/family-friendly feel. Living in a suburb with a BART station would be ideal, but I don't know which cities to avoid.

From looking at apartment websites, my budget seems doable. On weekends I'd be looking to get out into nature (hiking, etc) as opposed to city/nightlife stuff. I've read very mixed reviews about the East Bay area in general. Just looking at a map, the Concord/Pleasant Hill looks like a possibility.

I'm also looking at living further out - maybe Vacaville area - and commuting in on an Amtrak (I can get work done on the train, so a longer commute would be okay).

Thoughts/suggestions? What are places to avoid? What cities should I consider?

Thanks!

[BurnInTheMil]

Originally Posted by Locolady

I'm thinking about applying for a job in Oakland. My housing budget would be $2500/mo for a 2 BR apt, and I'm okay with a half hour commute. I currently live in a small midwestern city, and I prefer a smaller city/suburb/family-friendly feel. Living in a suburb with a BART station would be ideal, but I don't know which cities to avoid.

From looking at apartment websites, my budget seems doable. On weekends I'd be looking to get out into nature (hiking, etc) as opposed to city/nightlife stuff. I've read very mixed reviews about the East Bay area in general. Just looking at a map, the Concord/Pleasant Hill looks like a possibility.

I'm also looking at living further out - maybe Vacaville area - and commuting in on an Amtrak (I can get work done on the train, so a longer commute would be okay).

Thoughts/suggestions? What are places to avoid? What cities should I consider?

Thanks!

I live in Pleasant Hill, right on the border of Walnut Creek. I have a 2 bed 1 bath apartment (approx.750 sq.ft) and pay $2150 for it. There is a BART Station, although I don't use it. Pleasant Hill is a decent area, but as with most areas, a lot of car break ins do unfortunately happen if you're stuck with street parking.

Concord has decent parts, but also had some really bad parts as well. Stay away from Detroit Ave & Monument Blvd if you choose Concord.

My commute to Oakland ranges from 20-35 minutes depending on traffic

[sav858]

You don't really need to live all the way out in Vacaville, unless you want to for some reason. Your budget can afford you somewhere nice and much closer. Also just know the new Amtrak station there won't open until October at the earliest.

[Ruth4Truth]

Walnut Creek would be perfect for you, IMO. People go hiking on Mt. Diablo, and there are walking/biking trails in some parts of town. The commute to Oakland is a little over 20 mins.

[Locolady]

Thanks for the replies! I wasn't looking at Walnut Creek - I'll check it out. Nice to hear about nearby hiking and walking trails. That sounds wonderful.

I had seen a couple of remarks about car break-ins, but hadn't given it much thought. Are there many gated communities around? Would that help?

I'm thinking about further out mainly to be away from city congestion. I'm used to smaller cities with no traffic problems, and I'm thinking my transition to CA might be easier if I'm out in the sticks a little. I'm just weighing the different options.

[sav858]

If you're worried about congestion definitely avoid Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill for that matter. Though it's pretty hard to avoid overall anywhere in the region. In-town congestion probably isn't as bad in Vacaville but there is freeway congestion.

[ketch89]

There's traffic everywhere. If you think you're going to avoid "city congestion" in the "sticks" you're fooling yourself. The only way to have a relatively stress-free commute is to live within walking distance of a BART station.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by ketch89

The only way to have a relatively stress-free commute is to live within walking distance of a BART station.

Being packed into a very overcrowded human cattle car like the Bart train at rush hour is even more stressful than driving in heavy traffic. At least if I am stuck in a traffic jam I am enjoying the cool air conditioned comfort of my car while listening to an uplifting educational program or great music.

[Ruth4Truth]

I think the OP could handle 20 mins. on BART from WC through Orinda to Rockridge, and on to downtown Oakland. Not a bad route, as far as BART routes go. Depending on where her job location turns out to be.

[beb0p]

I'd suggest Alameda, Castro Valley, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, and Walnut Creek for the suburban feel.

Since you sound like you're really into mountains and forests, Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda) may be your cup of tea since you are practically living right inside nature. There are two BART stations that serve this area.

Oakland and Berkeley for a little more urban environment. For Oakland, stay north of 580; check out neighborhoods of Monclair, Claremont, etc.

There will be no shortage of places for you to hike. I don't like hiking but I hear Mt. Diablo in the East Bay is quite good.
.