Living in Brentwood? What's it like?
My sister is considering a move to the Bay Area with her family, and they want to live in a (relatively) affordable area, where there are lots of black families, and where her transgender son will be accepted. They have 4 children, ages 3-18. They need to live within 30 minutes of Tracy (15 min past Livermore). Livermore and Dublin are fairly pricey, and only 2% African-American and seem somewhat conservative. She's considering Brentwood, but I know nothing about it. From what we read online it sounds like it could be a good place for them- good schools, about 10% black (which is not great but better than 2%!), nice homes, more affordable than Livermore, democratic leaning- but I'd love to hear experiences of families actually living there to give me the real picture to pass along to her. Thanks in advance!
Parent Replies
I work in the area, and know African-American colleagues who live in Brentwood and Discovery Bay with their families. (D Bay goes to the Brentwood high school.) They seem happy with the schools. I don’t know how doable the commute to Tracy is though, those are country roads heading east.
I don’t live in Brentwood, but have worked in the area there for over a decade. My sense is that your friends would indeed find other strong black families and community there. On the other hand, I would not expect it to be a friendly place in general for her trans son - I know several people who have been overtly harassed there for being gay. Best of luck to your friend and her family as they try to find the best place to land.
I would worry about a transgender kid there. It doesn't seem to be as open as other Bay Area communities.