Danville-SanRamon vs Irvine (Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Walnut: house, employment, schools)

[californiahub]

Hello Forum Friends,

I expect to have an employment opportunity soon in Walnut Creek which would require relocating from Irvine to the San Ramon / Danville areas of the East Bay.

For the same 10-20 year old house we tend to like, prices appear to be 5-15% cheaper in SR-D than Irvine. I'm not sure I can afford Walnut Creek, and much of the housing stock is old. Irvine is all about the schools, planned community layout, conveniences and parks, and is pretty flat geographically. The schools drive the home prices to the highest in the county off the coastlines.

We tend to like the mountains and skiing more than the beaches, and we're originally from the Midwest so the cooler weather (most of the year) in the East Bay isn't that big of a deal. We're both highly educated, enjoy music, intellecutal things and sports. Politically speaking, middle of the road, or perhaps slightly left of center. Have 2 kids 6 and 10.

In this context, does anyone have other material comparative points to note on the people, culture, or traffic. Fire away I'd like to hear a lot of opinions.

Thanks,

MR

[18Montclair]

Well, if your looking for Irvine-esque homes, then Danville-San Ramon is a good place to look. Larger, newer etc.

The schools are great, but if you are flexible with housing style, then I highly recommend looking at the towns of Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga-which are woodsy and hilly(some great views in that area) and have top notch schools-some of the best in the entire state.

Prices are similar to Irvine and Danville-San Ramon.