Commute from Walnut Creek to Pleasanton? (Los Angeles, San Francisco: loans, new home, neighborhood) - San Francisco - Oakland - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Mo21 · 07-14-2008, 11:24 AM

Our family might be moving to the bay area anytime soon. The job would be located in Pleasanton. Since the housing there seems to be ridiculously expensive and Walnut Creek sounded less snobby, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how the daily commute would be from there to Pleasanton? What's the traffic like on I-680 during rush hour?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

RandalR · 07-14-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo21

Our family might be moving to the bay area anytime soon. The job would be located in Pleasanton. Since the housing there seems to be ridiculously expensive and Walnut Creek sounded less snobby, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how the daily commute would be from there to Pleasanton? What's the traffic like on I-680 during rush hour?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

Walnut Creek is more expensive than Pleasanton - you have that exactly backwards. To get less expensive you have to go east, to Livermore or over the hill to Tracy.

Nevertheless, the commute from Walnut Creek to Pleasanton is in the opposite direction, so 680 southbound is pretty fast in the morning. You can cover the twenty miles in about 15 minutes.

Mo21 · 07-15-2008, 04:37 AM

Oh my gosh, you are right! I just checked the median house price again. Coming from Georgia, I just couldn't imagine that it could get even more expensive. Thanks for the traffic info too!

sonarrat · 07-15-2008, 10:35 AM

Dublin costs a bit less than Pleasanton even though it's just on the other side of the freeway.

N CA · 07-19-2008, 11:54 PM

I honestly don't think I've seen a snobbier community than Walnut Creek. I'd stay over near Pleasanton. LOOK, LOOK, in San Ramon. It's near Pleasanton, but it's had many of the same problems as East Contra Costa. They've had many unqualified buyers with sketchy loans, and they like to build lots of new homes. I have a friend who is looking there because they've been more affected by the economic downturn than neighboring communities. You'll have a shorter commute, too.

Let us know if you want to expand your search. There are good communities in cities with bad reputations. You can often get a good home, good schools, for a much better price.

clongirl · 07-20-2008, 12:31 AM

I'd really have to disagree with the previous poster. I hated living in Pleasanton and recently moved near Walnut Creek. Both San Ramon and Pleasanton reminded me of a mini Los Angeles in terms of plastic surgery, snobby, nouveau riche, Hummer drivers- oh yeah, it's mostly white. Cookie cutter sprawling new suburb where there is no personality whatsoever.

When I moved my family out there to a "family" neighborhood, not one person introduced themselves. Ever been out to the "Ruby Hill" area N CA? Talk about elitist and ostentatious! Like who needs a 9000 sq ft house?

I now am over the moon to have moved to an area where my neighbors are of all backgrounds/ages/and socioeconomic status. After living near Walnut Creek for only several weeks, I've only got wonderful things to say about this community- Oh yeah, went to the Target here and I was pleasantly surprised at how diverse it is here.

RandalR · 07-20-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clongirl

When I moved my family out there to a "family" neighborhood, not one person introduced themselves.

That's just suburban California - and there is an upside to it: they aren't going to meddle in your business, either. Your neighbors are not your friends in this state. Your friends will live twenty miles away and you'll see them on weekends.

clongirl · 07-20-2008, 11:22 AM

I'm originally from San Francisco and have lived in Sacramento, Ireland, Pleasanton, and now Walnut Creek area. I suppose this sort of unfriendly attitude generally happens all over the Bay Area, but for some reason it was definitely more pronounced in Pleasanton. I LOVE where I'm living now and maybe I've just lucked out, but my neighbors have been really welcoming and friendly. Sadly, I don't have any business to "meddle" in so I guess they'll be out of luck!

Mo21 · 07-20-2008, 02:48 PM

N CA - all right, let's expand my search. What communities would you recommend?

And clongirl, what is this wonderful place called that you are describing? You said you lived now near Walnut Creek.

I am looking for a house up to around $450,000, close to an elementary school, in a nice, safe, family friendly neighborhood. We like places with character, with old trees, with access to public transportation (BART), and like to have some urban amenities (movie theaters, restaurants, events etc.). And of course granite counter tops. Hahaha, as you can see, our demands ought to be easy to accommodate.

N CA · 07-20-2008, 03:23 PM

clongirl,

Do you live in Northgate? Do your kids attend those schools? My husband was raised in Walnut Creek and Alamo. His family is shocked at Walnut Creek's transition from friendly family to snobby. I would say that South WC is less so than North and Northwest, but it is what it is.

We crack up because Walnut Creek claims that it's "the City this side of the Bay." California does not need another Orange County, especially in Northern CA.

These people are all about personal entitlement.