Tell me about Brentwood, CA (San Francisco, Oakland: crime, homes, living in)

[USCGmkc]

Brentwood is basically Dublin but 30 miles farther away from everything.

[Ceece]

When I moved to Pleasanton decades ago I met some people who were moving from here to Brentwood because they could afford to buy a house there. At the time everyone was saying that Brentwood was going to be the next Pleasanton, just give it 10-15 years! We went there a few times to visit our friends but I haven't been back in over 20 years and never did find out how it ended up. They also said this about Mountain House, but I don't think that really happened either.

Pleasanton and Livermore really glowed up over the last 50 year but being at the 580/680 exchange and having BART nearby is probably what did it.

[pgk500]

Hi,

We recently moved to SFO and currently renting in San Mateo. Considering purchasing in Brentwood. It’s definetely hot and far from SFO but I work from home and my wife needs to only go couple days to work. Really like the new town feeling and affordability in Brentwood. Haven’t driven to other areas but don’t feel like paying close to 1.5 mil and up. I really like the newer homes and community vibe in Brentwood. Has any one recently purchased on moved in this area who can give some insight ?

[mcp86]

Originally Posted by pgk500

Hi,

We recently moved to SFO and currently renting in San Mateo. Considering purchasing in Brentwood. It’s definetely hot and far from SFO but I work from home and my wife needs to only go couple days to work. Really like the new town feeling and affordability in Brentwood. Haven’t driven to other areas but don’t feel like paying close to 1.5 mil and up. I really like the newer homes and community vibe in Brentwood. Has any one recently purchased on moved in this area who can give some insight ?

We moved to Oakley (neighbor of Brentwood) last yr and previously rented in Walnut Creek. Except for unique restaurants it's good over here.

[General I80]

Originally Posted by pgk500

Hi,

We recently moved to SFO and currently renting in San Mateo. Considering purchasing in Brentwood. It’s definetely hot and far from SFO but I work from home and my wife needs to only go couple days to work. Really like the new town feeling and affordability in Brentwood. Haven’t driven to other areas but don’t feel like paying close to 1.5 mil and up. I really like the newer homes and community vibe in Brentwood. Has any one recently purchased on moved in this area who can give some insight ?

I'd go with Dublin if you can afford it. Dublin has newer homes and it's a lot safer too. Most of Contra Costa will be too long of a commute.

But if you choose Brentwood, get a Clipper card, if you don't have one already.

[RedWolf6450]

I would choose Benicia before Brentwood. Benicia is 15 min from Bart in Concord and a nicer community feel near the water. Winds keep the temperatures cool. A lot of thriving small businesses and progressive, left leaning leadership. There are cultural elements of Benicia that remind of Petaluma, Martinez, Sebastopol and other historic liberal towns in California - which I prefer over Brentwood/Tracy.

[mattja]

Originally Posted by RedWolf6450

I would choose Benicia before Brentwood. Benicia is 15 min from Bart in Concord and a nicer community feel near the water. Winds keep the temperatures cool. A lot of thriving small businesses and progressive, left leaning leadership. There are cultural elements of Benicia that remind of Petaluma, Martinez, Sebastopol and other historic liberal towns in California - which I prefer over Brentwood/Tracy.

You work for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce of something? I'm seeing a pattern in your posts.

I would choose Benicia over Brentwood too. The weather is better especially in summer due to the large diurnal temperature variation.

But what small amount of real estate that is available is $1 million or more, and that's before bidding.

You can get much more house for $1 million in Brentwood and if you work tech in Pleasanton, Brentwood is a no-brainer.

Also, and this may not bother some people, if you work in SF and drive, now you're paying 2 bridge tolls/day: $70/week as opposed to $35/week.

[RedWolf6450]

Originally Posted by mattja

You work for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce of something? I'm seeing a pattern in your posts.

I would choose Benicia over Brentwood too. The weather is better especially in summer due to the large diurnal temperature variation.

But what small amount of real estate that is available is $1 million or more, and that's before bidding.

You can get much more house for $1 million in Brentwood and if you work tech in Pleasanton, Brentwood is a no-brainer.

Also, and this may not bother some people, if you work in SF and drive, now you're paying 2 bridge tolls/day: $70/week as opposed to $35/week.

No, I don’t work for the Benicia chamber of commerce. I personally think Benicia is under appreciated and people don’t realize that it could be a viable, more affordable option. How could someone consider Brentwood but not Martinez or Benicia? Maybe it is affordability - but value for money I would rather be a bit closer to Oakland/Berkeley, Walnut Creek and avoid the Central Valley heat. I guess on affordability in Benicia it is $1M… but still way cheaper than Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by mattja

You work for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce of something? I'm seeing a pattern in your posts.

I would choose Benicia over Brentwood too. The weather is better especially in summer due to the large diurnal temperature variation.

But what small amount of real estate that is available is $1 million or more, and that's before bidding.

You can get much more house for $1 million in Brentwood and if you work tech in Pleasanton, Brentwood is a no-brainer.

Also, and this may not bother some people, if you work in SF and drive, now you're paying 2 bridge tolls/day: $70/week as opposed to $35/week.

If my choice was between Brentwood and Benicia I would take less house and buy in Benicia, it's a lovely little town, very safe with great weather.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by 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)

I would suggest either Benicia or Martinez. In looking at Trulia houses in Martinez are staying on the market longer and several listings have lowered their asking price so it might be worth watching and seeing if that trend continues.