Need Advice - moving to Bay area

FirstTyMom · September 2011

I hoping you ladies can shed some light on our forthcoming move to the Bay area.

My husband's office will be on Berry Street, in China Basin (adjacent to CalTrain stop). We are a family of four (me, hubby, 2 year old son, large dog). For the first 6 mos/year we will rent a house to get a feel for the area, and then hopefully purchase a home after that.

So eventually I want to be somewhere that meets the following criteria:

easily commutable to the office (drive, ferry, train <45 mins), a decent yard for the boys, close to parks/hiking, warmer weather than the city, great schools, family homes (3+ beds) for under $1 mil., close downtown area with shopping.

Any great towns some to mind? I hope this is not unrealistic! We are visiting in October, so I'd like to have a good list of places to explore. I can't wait to be in CA!

TIA!!

alibee09 · September 2011

The Peninsula or Marin/East Bay are all going to work for you.

Marin: You could try out Larkspur if you want to take the ferry from there. Greenbrae and Ross are also nearby.

East Bay: Albany and Berkeley are very nice and it's very easy to get to SF via BART.

Peninsula: Belmont/San Carlos/Redwood City all have easy Caltrain access and great weather, and good schools.

House price-wise, you're going to see variable costs depending on neighborhood/school district. You're not unrealistic with that price point but it may be difficult to find what you want; happily the market is still falling, though.

FirstTyMom · September 2011

Thank you - these were new suggestions, so I'll check them out! Seriously, the price per square feet in the Bay area is ridiculous. So depressing how much a nice home can cost :-(

fjaril · September 2011

we moved from Austin TX and seriously, it's sticker shock here.

We live in Belmont and it's very convenient to lots of places

My son and I hope on the train and head to the city fairly regularly (or we did before school started)

NorcalLinds · September 2011

We moved from the peninsula to the east bay recently. My husband barts into the city, it's about an hour. We are able to get more for our money out here. I don't think you can find something on the peninsula for 3+ bedrooms for less than a million.

FirstTyMom · September 2011

Thank you all!

Walnut Creek has been recommended as well. Does anyone know how long that commute would be? What kind of community is it?

scrapmama2201 · September 2011

You should check out Orinda, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek if the East Bay is an option for you. All are very close to Bart and the freeway, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods. Walnut Creek has a much bigger downtown area, lots of shopping, bigger city overall. You'll have to be careful where you look for a house as some schools are zoned for non-walnut creek schools. Orinda has the best schools in the area, a little bit more expensive house wise, smaller downtown area- you'd likely drive into Walnut Creek or Lafayette to get your shopping done. Lafayette has excellent schools, walking trails, a great downtown/shopping area. You really couldn't go wrong with any of them, imo.

FirstTyMom · September 2011

scrapmama2201:
You should check out Orinda, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek if the East Bay is an option for you. All are very close to Bart and the freeway, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods. Walnut Creek has a much bigger downtown area, lots of shopping, bigger city overall. You'll have to be careful where you look for a house as some schools are zoned for non-walnut creek schools. Orinda has the best schools in the area, a little bit more expensive house wise, smaller downtown area- you'd likely drive into Walnut Creek or Lafayette to get your shopping done. Lafayette has excellent schools, walking trails, a great downtown/shopping area. You really couldn't go wrong with any of them, imo.

Thank you - great info!!!

junejardin · September 2011

I would be more than happy to help you decide where it may be best for you to move in the bay area. I have lived in the bay area all my life and help people all the time. Every ones needs are different and is good to discuss pros and cons of different areas. I am a local realtor and may be able to help to buy a home but for now can help you a lot with areas. I invite you to visit my website at www.junejardin.com I help a lot of relocation clients am working with 3 as we speak. We spend a lot of time making sure your needs fit every thing you are wanting. Price, Schools, Commute etc..Love to help.

Thanks June

alibee09 · September 2011

dupe

alibee09 · September 2011

junejardin:
I would be more than happy to help you decide where it may be best for you to move in the bay area. I have lived in the bay area all my life and help people all the time. Every ones needs are different and is good to discuss pros and cons of different areas. I am a local realtor and may be able to help to buy a home but for now can help you a lot with areas. I invite you to visit my website at www.junejardin.com I help a lot of relocation clients am working with 3 as we speak. We spend a lot of time making sure your needs fit every thing you are wanting. Price, Schools, Commute etc..Love to help.

Thanks June

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