Tell me about Brentwood, CA (Fremont, Concord: appointed, house, buying)

[bayarearelocation]

Hello all,


I recently made a thread about potentially moving to Antioch. My family actually decided that the Antioch area has just a little too much crime. We are looking at Brentwood. We are from Pleasanton but never travel to east Conta Costa county and we don't really know anything about Brentwood. I heard someone say its the next Walnut Creek. I don't think I believe that.

What is the downtown like?
Are there things to do?
Are the residents of the city attractive? (25 year old male)

[llowllevellowll]

If you're actually that close, why don't you go visit the place?

[bayarearelocation]

Originally Posted by llowllevellowll

If you're actually that close, why don't you go visit the place?

I can, I would just like to hear the opinions of people who might be more familiar.

[davdaven]

A close friend of mine has family in Brentwood, and another friend of mine lived in Oakley a few years ago while transitioning between residences (i.e., he lived on his boat). Brentwood looks like Anytown USA and doesn't have much of interest to offer, especially if you are in your 20's. It won't be the next Walnut Creek... That's just wishful thinking! With any luck, Brentwood won't be the next Antioch. Ha.

Brentwood is fine if you can stomach the relatively remote location and don't mind driving to Walnut Creek to see or do anything or meet anyone interesting. Unless you want to pick cherries, I guess. People go to Brentwood for that!

If your family's budget allows, I suggest trying to go further west to good parts of Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez, or Benicia. All four of these have a better mix of amenities, people, and downtowns than what you will find in Eastern Contra Costa. Also, I think homes in these areas will hold value better than those in Antioch or Brentwood if there's an economic downturn because they are closer to job centers and/or have other redeeming characteristics.

[aslowdodge]

Brentwood is better than Antioch, but if you are thinking anything is like Pleasanton you will be very disappointed. Someone who said Brentwood what is the next walnut creek sounds like that someone is a realtor trying to sell your house in Brentwood.
Obviously the problem is there’s not enough money. Is this your parents qualifying for that $500,000 or is it you or everyone combined? I think you will have to give up square footage or location but you can’t have it all

[ccm123]

Brentwood would be relatively quiet (e.g. boring) for a 25 year old male. It’s a nicer area than Antioch though. It’s very hot during the summer months and you’ll be going to Livermore, back to Pleasanton, Concord or Walnut Creek (as others have mentioned) for things to do.

I know a family that moved there from Fremont, and their activities are in Livermore and Dublin.

[ketch89]

The only single women in their 20's (and men for that matter) in Brentwood are struggling commuter-college students still living with their parents.

[bayarearelocation]

Well this thread is now useless because my family has put a bid on a home in Tracy that I believe we are likely to get.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by bayarearelocation

Well this thread is now useless because my family has put a bid on a home in Tracy that I believe we are likely to get.

I think I mentioned Tracy before and really for your situation it was the best option. Going over the altamont pass for commute will be a pita though. Were you able to get the size and price you wanted?

[bayarearelocation]

Originally Posted by aslowdodge

I think I mentioned Tracy before and really for your situation it was the best option. Going over the altamont pass for commute will be a pita though. Were you able to get the size and price you wanted?

We placed a bid. Apparently since the work from home movement many people are buying like crazy in the outer areas. Only time will tell. There is the ACE train if I can get a a job in the handful of tech companies in Pleasanton. That would be amazing.