New Job in Birds Landing (near Fairfield/Rio Vista) Where to Live? (Los Angeles: for rent)

[rackops51]

All:

My first post, so go easy on me...

I just took a job working in Birds Landing, right between Rio Vista and Fairfield. We're looking to move there from the east coast (southeastern tidal Virginia) and set up home. We've been lucky to live in some fantastic neighborhoods here on the east coast, though I was raised in Los Angeles, and my wife spent part of her growing up years in Vallejo in the early 80s (originally from Portland, OR).

I recall driving through the Rio Vista area when I was about five years old...and that's my extent of experience with that area (and that was a LONG time ago!) That said, I've got zero experience with that area...and we're looking to buy a house in a decent area to raise our kids.

So my question...where is the best area to buy? I've been researching this on the 'net for days, and it seems that every area seems to have it's downside. I make a 30-40 minute commute now, so that's okay for me...and that gives us a pretty big arc to consider for homes. We've looked as far south as northeastern Vallejo (the Hyde Park area) and as far north as Vacaville.

In addition to wanting a newer home (we've remodeled our last two homes, built in the 90s, and we refuse to do it again) we need a 5 bedroom house...and obviously in a safe neighborhood. Where we need advice is in selecting that neighborhood.

I'm savvy enough and a realist to know that there are good and bad parts of every city. If one was to drive 10 minutes away from here, there are plenty of areas where you roll up your windows, lock your doors, and duck...but we don't go there, and their residents don't go where we live (a very family-friendly neighborhood).

Part of my issue doing research on the internet is that it seems that much of the data (be it crime, discussions, or what have you) date from 2006-2008. That was three years ago at the newest and things have changed a lot since then.

Any fresh advice and recent experience would be OUTSTANDING and most appreciated for this major move!

Thank you

Dave

[Bulldogdad]

Birds Landings, Huh. Be interesting to know what your doing out there amongst the wildlife.

Any way. Here is the best recommendation you will get IMHO.


Rent for 6 months. This will give you time to sort out all the particulars and feel more comfortable with your decision. Absolutely nix Vallejo. don't even think about it any more. Next to last place is Fairfield. Vacaville and Dixon is where I would concentrate my investigation. For renting and owning.

As far as neighborhoods go you might want to make a recon mission before you move to pursue them your self. Nice thing about renting is not getting locked into a place. don't like it beat feet and move. Also coming all the way across country I would sell and give away as much stuff as you absolutely don't need. Its amazing how much crap sat in boxes from house to house when I was moving around in the late 80's and 90's. Sell, pitch or ditch.

Good luck