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Old 07-22-2020, 06:44 PM
 
17 posts, read 17,861 times
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I could use some advice! Like many, my family has recently realized that we are able to work remotely. We currently live in a townhouse in Concord, and my husband works in Oakland. He will still need to be able to work in the office 2 days a week. We are hoping to take advantage of this part time remote working schedule and purchase a single family house. We have two young kids and really value the outdoors, so a decent sized yard has been a dream of ours for years.

So, I am wondering where you might suggest we look. Our budget is small (not to exceed $600K, preferably closer to 550). Safety and a yard are top priorities. Schools are less important, as we plan to homeschool. House doesn't need to be large, as we are fairly minimal. We would love to live somewhere similar to Concord in that we can easily access many hiking and natural areas to explore, but don't mind having to drive a little. Our top choices have been Benicia and Pleasant Hill, but both are out of our price range. We have considered Fairfield and Brentwood. Any insight to these towns, or any new ideas you have would be so appreciated!

Thanks!
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Old 07-22-2020, 08:33 PM
 
Location: San Francisco, CA
1,386 posts, read 1,481,575 times
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What kind of climate would you like? Demographics? You have several options for 3+ bedroom houses with a yard if school quality is not a concern. For example, good homes in decent parts of Richmond (where I live) can be had for under $600k. You can find homes in your price range from Richmond north to Vallejo that meet your requirements. Martinez and Concord also have offerings. There's even a 3/2 with a yard currently listed in Benicia for $540k.

Neighborhood quality varies, of course, so I recommend driving around to get a feel for everything. Your best deals will be in transitional zones like where I live (Park Plaza), which is near El Cerrito and generally safe, although not every home is fixed up because the area was bad 10 years ago. Cheaper is certainly available, but homes won't appreciate in neighborhoods with a truly bad reputation (such as North Richmond or Iron Triangle). I think this is an issue especially in Vallejo, somewhat in Richmond, and less so in Concord.

Traffic can be a real headache once you go north of Vallejo or Benicia. I have several co-workers who make that sacrifice and live in Fairfield and Suisun City, but I would not do it personally. The current pandemic may change commute patterns for good, but I know my employer will want me back in the office 5x/week once this is all over. Does your husband run that risk?
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Old 07-22-2020, 09:23 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,092 posts, read 107,180,349 times
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Benicia, from $510K-$598K

https://www.redfin.com/CA/Benicia/Un...0/home/2373062

https://www.redfin.com/CA/Benicia/23...0/home/2372965

https://www.redfin.com/CA/Benicia/31...0/home/2394365 (Note monthly HOA dues on this one)
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Old 07-23-2020, 02:55 AM
 
3,229 posts, read 6,267,145 times
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Those homes might inspire the op to just look at Fairfield, especially the first one.

This one has a nice yard.

https://www.trulia.com/p/ca/fairfiel...33--2083356227

This one is brand new but over 550k and sort of in the middle of nowhere.

https://www.trulia.com/builder-commu...ate/4079017012

American Canyon is just south of Napa and might be an option too.

https://www.trulia.com/p/ca/american...03--2083195074
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Old 07-23-2020, 10:34 AM
 
Location: SF Bay Area
18,965 posts, read 32,487,805 times
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What about North Concord? Fair amount of homes around that price range.

I'd look in Vacaville instead of Fairfield too if you don't really need to commute that much.
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Old 07-23-2020, 12:50 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,092 posts, read 107,180,349 times
Reputation: 115890
Quote:
Originally Posted by capoeira View Post
Those homes might inspire the op to just look at Fairfield, especially the first one.

This one has a nice yard.

https://www.trulia.com/p/ca/fairfiel...33--2083356227

This one is brand new but over 550k and sort of in the middle of nowhere.

https://www.trulia.com/builder-commu...ate/4079017012

American Canyon is just south of Napa and might be an option too.

https://www.trulia.com/p/ca/american...03--2083195074
American Canyon is worth watching. There doesn't seem to be much available there right now.

I didn't post anything from the Vallejo area, because Vallejo is tricky in terms of location. OP would need guidance on that, but it's full of bargains. OP, parts of Vallejo are high crime, other parts--not. East Vallejo, and anything closer to Benicia, are good. Others here could give you more guidance, if you decide you're interested, but I would suggest you look first on the other side of the Carquinez Strait, so you won't have to cross a bridge to get to BART.

Here's something in Vallejo, just FYI:
https://www.trulia.com/p/ca/vallejo/...0#lil-mediaTab

There's transit from Vallejo to El Cerrito BART.

Last edited by Ruth4Truth; 07-23-2020 at 12:59 PM..
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Old 07-23-2020, 01:01 PM
 
Location: San Francisco, CA
1,386 posts, read 1,481,575 times
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American Canyon? Hmm. Although if Fairfield is on the table, I guess anything is an option! Vacaville is "nicer" than Fairfield but quite a ways out.

Here's a decent looking option in Concord itself. I have friends who live half a mile from there and the area seems fine. So really, no need to move out of Concord unless you're looking for a change of scenery. https://www.redfin.com/CA/Concord/14...20/home/680341
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Old 07-23-2020, 01:06 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,092 posts, read 107,180,349 times
Reputation: 115890
Quote:
Originally Posted by davdaven View Post
American Canyon? Hmm. Although if Fairfield is on the table, I guess anything is an option! Vacaville is "nicer" than Fairfield but quite a ways out.

Here's a decent looking option in Concord itself. I have friends who live half a mile from there and the area seems fine. So really, no need to move out of Concord unless you're looking for a change of scenery. https://www.redfin.com/CA/Concord/14...20/home/680341
Great find! I love large lots! This would certainly provide the OP with all the backyard play-space she wants for her kids! Beautiful property with lots of shade trees.
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Old 07-23-2020, 01:43 PM
 
Location: SF Bay Area
18,965 posts, read 32,487,805 times
Reputation: 13615
Quote:
Originally Posted by davdaven View Post
American Canyon? Hmm. Although if Fairfield is on the table, I guess anything is an option! Vacaville is "nicer" than Fairfield but quite a ways out.

Here's a decent looking option in Concord itself. I have friends who live half a mile from there and the area seems fine. So really, no need to move out of Concord unless you're looking for a change of scenery. https://www.redfin.com/CA/Concord/14...20/home/680341
The extra 15 min is worth it imo.

I personally would not live in that area of Concord either. Too close to Monument.
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Old 07-23-2020, 05:01 PM
 
17 posts, read 17,861 times
Reputation: 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by davdaven View Post
What kind of climate would you like? Demographics?
We are in Concord, so heat doesn't bother us much, but cooler would obviously be great! My kids are super fair, so we are always looking for shade as well. These newer developments are really lacking in good tree shade! Demographics-wise, other young families would be amazing. We would prefer a liberal-leaning community, and diversity is always a plus.

And yes, my husband will be able to continue working from home at least half-time. He may be asked to go in a few days a week as needed, so we can't go TOO far out.

Thanks for your suggestion! I honestly am not sure I could be comfortable in Richmond. I've been here in the Bay my whole life and I have never enjoyed Richmond. BUT, to be fair, I haven't been anywhere in Richmond in the last 5 years or so. I will check it out on Redfin and see what's out there. Thanks again!
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