Commute to Fremont from Pleasanton or San Ramon? (Canyon Lake, Sunol: condo, tech jobs)

[californiacaitlyn]

My husband just got a job in Fremont and I have been researching these two towns extensively. The schools look similiar (San Ramon a little better scores). Pleasanton appears to have more character but the low-income housing just approved there makes me veer towards San Ramon. Any thoughts/opinions on a commute from either of these cities to Fremont? All comments welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[californiacaitlyn]

Also wanted to add that we have two children: entering 1st and 3rd grade.

[Think About It!]

Pleasanton will for obvious reasons have a better commute. I think the biggest deal is you are south of the interchange (580/680). I would venture to say it would be about a 1/2 hour commute.

[tstieber]

I wouldn't worry about Pleasanton having low-income housing somewhere in its city limits. As a whole, it's a highly regarded, safe city with really nice neighborhoods. And, as mentioned, you avoid the interchange. It's a beeline to Fremont down the 680, pretty fast, and a gorgeous drive through the hills of Sunol.

[sonarrat]

Um, sorry, but 680 is hardly "pretty fast" through the Sunol Grade. It's one of the worst commutes in the Bay Area. Even when the construction is picked up and the new HOT lane opens, it's still going to stink getting back over the hill every night.

[Leannec]

I would choose pleasanton, personally, though they are both good cities Although the distance is short, traffic will make the commute longer and SR will only add to that. We live in Fremont and my husband commutes to hayward and it still takes him about 30 minutes each way... and he doesn't have the valley commuters in his way!

Depending on where in Fremont your hubbys job is, he may be able to take 84 through the hills... but if it's in southern fremont (where most of the tech jobs are), than probably not.

[dorthi924]

I commute from San Ramon to Fremont. When the traffic is moving, before 7AM my commute to the Warm Spring area is thirty five minutes. I like my view of the hills from my condo too much to want to move. Though Pleasanton is nice too. I looked there too when I was buying. But I live in Canyon Lakes which has a whole lot of amenities, four pools, four spas, tennis courts, picnic benches, and of course, the Lake. Can't be beat!

[OrangeSunset]

580 is bad during commuting hours. Just make sure you are as close as possible to 680, if you are considering Pleasanton. 680 is not going to be without traffic either, so you know, but you do want to minimize it. Have you considered living in Fremont? The schools are rated quite high.