Living in The Peninsula
- More Advice: South Bay & Peninsula Neighborhoods
Parent Q&A
We recently moved from Millbrae over to Albany. If you end up in the San Bruno area, I *highly* recommend looking into San Bruno Parents Club - they are an amazing group of families and helped us through the first year of parenting, especially having been new to the state as well.
Hi- I have a toddler and we moved over the summer from Berkeley to Millbrae (near SFO) because I work in SF and my husband got a job in San Jose. We wanted to stay in Berkeley but commutes would have just been too crazy. We surprisingly really like Millbrae- very family friendly, clean, safe, enough fun stuff going on, etc. We've also had a good experience visiting San Mateo and San Bruno which would also be possible with your commute. I think anywhere in the East Bay (including San Leandro) would definitely make your commute more than 40 mins realistically. Anyway, we did a lot of weighing of pros and cons and I'd be happy to share with you what we learned and our current experience if helpful. Send me a message!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Move to the Peninsula from Berkeley?
Jan 2014
After 20+ years in Berkeley, are we crazy to consider a (career) move to the Peninsula? My partner and I are in our mid-fifites, with 2 high school aged kids. We would move after our eldest son graduates. He is probably headed to a two-year college anyway, and we have heard good things about Foothill, so that could work out well for him. Our younger son is a strong student and makes friends easily, so he would probably do fine in a new high school and might even benefit from the competitive academic atmosphere we expect to find there. We are concerned in general about the culture shock of moving from Berkeley to Palo Alto area (we are interested in Mountain View, perhaps?), not sure we will be comfortable with the level of wealth and striving and ... ? Is there life after Berkeley? The cost of housing is of course daunting, but we think we may be ready for a condo anyway -- tired of taking care of a house and yard, and we will be empty nesters before long. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? Can't Quite Picture It, but ....
I grew up in Redwood City, moved around a lot, have been a homeowner in Richmond CA for 30 years. I work in Oakland. I love my house/community in Richmond, but I love the Peninsula. I go down there frequently to see friends. I don't know statistics, but it seems to be WAY more diverse than when I grew up. The communities appear lovely to me. Palo Alto was always cool & nice & pricey, years ago. But Redwood City & Menlo Park are also nice; so is San Carlos & San Mateo too. Cultural activities abound. Weather there is SO much better than the east bay! warmer, but not super hot like Concord & Walnut Creek. I think the culture is just way more interesting now than years ago. I don't know statistics on crime, but it sure feels safer than the east bay. Former Sequoia High grad
I think you'll like the peninsula a lot. It is hard to think of a move and Berkeley has a lot to offer but so does the peninsula. I grew up in Palo Alto and lived for 4 years in Oakland and 10 years in Mountain View and there are differences as you are well aware of.
I loooooved Mountain View. I moved there after Oakland which I also loved and to be honest I saw moving to Mountain View as moving into a bland boring suburban sprawl with nothing much to offer after the Oakland area but I was wrong. Or maybe somewhat right but there are just so many benefits too. It is safer - I hadn't even realized how much on-guard I constantly was in Oakland and how wonderful it was to lower the guard a few levels, you know it weighs on you in a way that you maybe aren't aware of. And downtown MV is cute and still feels real.
Palo Alto is as you say, there IS a striving feeling there, when one shops in the grocery store there IS a feeling like everyone pushing the cart is a big shot used to others getting out of their way and somewhat a feeling of over-education and wealth and if not wealthy yet, just on the verge. And a little entitlement. It can get a little annoying. But I too found the Oakland-Berkeley area had a vibe of self-conscious cool-alternative and judgment if one wasn't 'cool' enough so I suppose it is a little of leaving one attitude for another. Mountain View seems to me less of that.
You could look into Sunnyvale which is a little blander than MV but has a cute bungalow area near the old downtown (very small - Murphy Street, Macy's, Target and a never finished redevelopment project) or the area near the main library. But I suppose you'd like a place closer to the high schools. There used to be some not too expensive condos in downtown Los Altos (but with somewhat high HO fees) that is close bike ride away from the High School.
Anyway I think you'll love it - the weather is even more perfect than Berkeley, it feels a lot less 'tight', you won't feel like you are battling for a parking spot, people feel more relaxed, it's cleaner, it's culturally diverse (less diverse economically tho), safer, life just feels less stressful. anon
Moving from Berkeley to Peninsula
May 2013
After almost a year of living in Berkeley, we are considering biting the bullet and moving closer to where my husband works (close to the Dumbarton Bridge). The commute is brutal for him, and it is looking like it will probably only get worse, as any future job opportunities are likely to be closer to San Jose and Santa Clara than San Francisco.
My question is this: where should we be looking? We like the diversity and cultural opportunities found in the East Bay, and I'm concerned about moving into a community where we people are consumed by the rat race of making (and spending) money. Maybe this is just a stereotype and I don't need to worry about it. But I would like to move somewhere reasonably 'down to earth' where the neighbors are friendly, our kids can play with other kids on our street, safety isn't a constant concern, and the weather isn't brutally hot. Obviously, it would also be nice if the real estate market wasn't totally ridiculous.
We have a good friend who is convinced Belmont fulfills these requirements. Is this true? Any other suggestions? Love the East Bay, hate the commute
I would move to Redwood City. Belmont is not only expensive but snooty. Hardly diverse. San Carlos more like Belmont but not as many hilly areas. Redwood City has more diversity - much more diversity. I don't think there really is a bad neighborhood there. The downtown is thriving. I grew up there in the 50's and it's just better than ever. There are hills, there are flats, there are distinct neighborhoods from which to decide. I'm not looking at statistics, but I think in general their schools are excellent. former Peninsula dweller
I'm a Stanford affiliate who lived in Palo Alto for two years before moving back to the East Bay, which I love. Here are my impressions, which are limited. The peninsula seems in some ways homogeneous: there are areas with very very rich people, areas with slightly less rich people, and what I would describe as tons of diversity but not in any locally, culturally integrated way -- there is little of the same downtowny, urban culture you find in the East Bay or SF. There are many less affluent areas as well, of course. As far as I can tell, this is true from one end of El Camino Real to the other, and so there's nothing you need to avoid per se. Belmont does seem nice; I've also heard good things about Redwood Shores. Palo Alto is a hyperglossy Voltron of startups and San Francisco-level rent inflation these days, so probably not worth the trouble. If it's still possible to find an affordable part of Menlo Park, though, that might be a tiny bit more East Bay-like than the rest of the peninsula, or so it has seemd to me.
You can always go neighborhood-shopping on the weekends for a while: take a few day trips and see how particular places strike you. San Mateo has a particularly nice Japanese garden downtown, and a good used bookstore as of last year; we drove up there once from PA and had fun. Good luck! ex-peninsular
We lived on the Peninsula and in San Jose for 8 years before we moved to Berkeley two years ago. Stay away from Palo Alto. However, we lived in Mountain View and really loved it. There are many diverse neighborhoods; some are less expensive than others. We lived at The Crossings; we liked that it was near the train and the freeways and we could walk to all the shopping across the street (although that was before they built The Villages at San Antonio). We also really loved San Jose itself, although the public schools leave something to be desired. But again, we loved the diversity, being close to downtown and the cultural offerings, and the real estate was definitely much more affordable. The funny thing is, after moving to Berkeley so my husband could be closer to his SF job, a year later he returned to his former employer in San Jose! So we are back to the crazy commute (but only 3 days a week). Maureen
For more than twenty years, now, we've followed ever-more-interesting jobs from Silicon Valley (Mountain View, Cupertino, PaloAlto, etc.) to Berkeley to Seattle WA to Redmond WA to Berkeley and back to Silicon Valley (SanJose).
In general, real estate anywhere on the Peninsula is more expensive and less interesting than the EastBay: most houses are smaller, single-story, on small lots, and built between 1945 and 1970. There are several new developments (both condominiums and rentals) popping up everywhere on the Peninsula that are beautiful and stylish, but seem to be alarmingly expensive.
Weather is just plain dull anywhere on the Peninsula.
But diversity?
Throughout Silicon Valley, there are nerds (like us) from all over the world. In the 2010 census, more than seventy-five percent of the residents of census tract where we live were not born in the US. Local coffee shops are a chatter of languages, varied clothing, and delightful faces. Because Silicon Valley nerds come from all over the world, services have followed: restaurants, groceries, shops, services, doctors, dentists, anything-and-everything can easily be found in just about any language and style.
So, although real property and weather are bland and uninspiring, the people living on the Peninsula come from more different histories and cultures than you can find anywhere in the EastBay.
It is a joy to live in a 'Little United Nations'
South San Francisco - San Bruno - Millbrae
Feb 2010
I am seeking advice and information about either commutting between Oakland and San Bruno OR a possible household move from Oakland (Fruitvale) to South San Francisco, San Bruno or Millbrae.
I am a top candidate for a job in San Bruno, and may be offered a position. Currently both my husband and I work FT in San Francisco, and our 4 yo daughter goes to preschool near my husband's work. We are trying to get her into a public kindergarten in SF, because of our work sites and also b/c our options for schools in Oakland are very limited after Kindergarten. We own our home in Oakland, but are deep underwater. I don't think that we can afford to continue paying a mortgage and rent in SF or the South Bay, but would consider walking away from our Oakland house if it made sense to move to SF or the South Bay b/c of commuting and school. Questions: Is it tenable to work FT and commute on public transportation from Oakland/Fruitvale to San Bruno (BART and bike; driving is NOT an option)? Would I ever see my family or my home during daylight hours
Also, about shifting our living situation... we are lefty/granola dark-green type people with a skeptical and scientific sensibility - pretty stereotypically Oaklandish and proud of it, thanks you very much. Would we be totally unmoored by moving to the upper South Bay? What is it like to live in San Bruno, Millbrae, South San Francisco? Are there neighborhoods that people would recommend or avoid (and why)? We are committed to public education because, well, it's free..... and also committed to finding the best school possible for our bright, sensitive, and funny girl. What are the public schools like in SSF, SB and MilB? Any standouts or cautions?
Try Brisbane! The schools are good, the community is great, and it's between SF and San Bruno. I have several friends there, and they love it. Jennifer
I can't remember exactly what the question was now, but having lived in SSF much of my life, and being familiar w/ San Bruno & Millbrae, I can tell you this: the better the weather and community life, the more expensive the homes. Of the 3, Millbrae is best, San Bruno next, SSF next after that. All of them are much safer than Oakland or Berkeley. Commutes to SF are easy. All the shopping you could want to do, particularly at chains (especially in SF) but also some independents (particularly in SB/MIllbrae). You'll be very close to the airport and might want to make sure that he house is noise-insulated--I think that was done for everybody in the noise zone of the airport about 10 yrs ago, and it works pretty well (plus you save on heating). SSF can have decent weather in the flats, closer to the bay, but it can be downright awful in the summer with wind and fog near the crest (eg Skyline Blvd and parts of Junipero Serra). San Bruno is sunnier, but has some of hte same wind/fog issues in the hillier parts. All have relatively easy access to freeways. Millbrae/SB might be more enjoyable if you're planning to spend more time on the peninsula.
Husband working in San Mateo...where to live?
Jan 2010
My friend is moving to the Bay Area soon from Park City, UT (and before that Chicago & Iowa) for her husband's new job. They have never lived in the Bay Area and are trying to figure out where to live. The husband will be starting a job in San Mateo. Their preference is: short commute, live in a place where there is a place and not some endless suburb and good schools. Can anyone give me any suggestions for neighborhoods or towns near San Mateo for them to look at? helping a friend
Since the husband is working in San Mateo, there are a lot of the Peninsula cities that can be great choices. San Mateo, Millbrae, Burlingame, Redwood City, Belmont, San Carlos. These are all cities that will provide a good commute, good location, good schools, and access to other things in the Peninsula. I am a Realtor and will be happy to share more thoughts with them. Peninsula knowledge
What's wrong w/ San MAteo? Actually most of the cities right around there are probably fine, depending on the price of housing v. your budget. But SM has a pretty good downtown PLUS all the mall-type shops you could possibly need, plus good access to SF or SJ or the east bay, plus decent whether and decent community. Burlingame has a great downtown but is a little pricier. San Bruno, a little cheaper, also has a nice downtown. Farther south, RW city may be a little more mixed but has some good areas too. THen you're looking at Menlo Park, Palo Alto-- fabulous but pricey cities.
Half Moon Bay vs. San Mateo
Oct 2008
We will soon be moving from the east bay to the peninsula for work. My husband and I lived in a small coastal town when we were first married and loved the lifestyle. We are entertaining the possibility of living in Half Moon Bay and having one of us commute over 92. Before we had kids, this would have been an easy decision, but now we are wondering if living by the ocean would be worth it. Does any one have experience living in HMB and working in Redwood City? Is the commute terrible, or is it really the 20 mins google maps claim it is? When we have gone to HMB on weekends, it really was only 20 mins from the bridge. Also, I'm wondering if the schools are better in HMB or in San Mateo/Burlingame/RC/San Carlos, etc. and if there are important things like emergency medical care available in HMB or would I have to fear holding my bleeding child for 30 mins waiting for an ambulance to make it over the hill? Is it inconvenient that any shopping other than groceries has to be done over the hill? Any feedback is welcome. Thanks.
missing the sea
While I enjoyed HMB for the short 18 month duration we were there, we ultimately had to move due to the school situation. I have three boys within close age range and as I started to research out the schools, I found quickly that my choices were very limited. Private school in HMB and pay a very steep price, average-at-best public schools, or trekking over the hill to SM for more affordable private school options. Neither of these choices seemed like a reasonable solution. So we moved.
Yes, the small town bucolic beauty of HMB coupled with the ocean, is quite serene. I grew up and lived in Pacifica for the first 18 years of my life so I DO appreciate the coastside. But if you have to spend a lot of time in your car driving to/from school, sports, etc., then you must ask yourself-is it worth it? That is a choice only you can make. Perhaps you might want to try the commute a few times before making a final decision (be sure to include a Wednesday). Tired of driving
Moving across the Bay, closer to Mountain View
June 2008
We're looking to move to the other side of the bay to shorten my husband's commute from North Oakland to Mt. View. We have lived in SF and Oakland only and know little about that side of the bay. We'd like good public schools, somewhat walkable town center ( like you find in Oakland/Berekely neighborhood) and under 40 min drive to SF. Any recommendations of cities to look at?
Try Burlingame. I'm not sure about the schools, but it has a cute walkable town center. Some of my best friends live in Burlingame. Well, ok, one of them.
Well, I grew up on the Peninsula (Belmont to be exact) and although I really don't like it, it isn't all bad. It isn't the progressive minded, funky, open to diversity,place that the East Bay is and definitely not like SF, but it definitely doesn't have the crime and bad school districts that are akin to much of the East Bay. As for communities that are about a 40 min. drive to SF, the further south you go, the hotter it gets in the summer. Some nice mid-way points would be San Mateo(near downtown), Belmont, San Carlos, & parts of Redwood City(both SC & RWC have up and coming downtowns), but it also depends on your price range and whether you're renting or buying. It might be hard to find a house in these areas for under $700 or $800K, but w/the current market, things might be changing. Whatever you choose, good luck in your journey.... anon
Neighborhoods towns in the peninsula
April 2007
Hello: My husband works in Palo Alto, and his commute is seeming way too long, so we are considering a move to the peninsula. We live in the East Bay and really appreciate its alternative/progressive feel. I know the peninsula is not the East Bay, but would be interested in hearing feedback (esp. positive feedback :))about the area in general as well as specific towns or neighborhoods that might be more alternative or progressive or feel more like ''home.'' We also need to consider price and the quality of the schools. Thanks!
i grew up in palo alto--graduating from high school 25 (gulp) years ago. at the time i felt that PA was probably the most progressive/boho/intellectual of the towns in the area. i still hang out there a bit and feel the same way. you might also check out mountain view, san mateo and redwood city.
We were in the exact same situation about ten years ago and thought we would never find any other town we'd like as much as Berkeley, but we did. Husband did try to commute and after two years, it got old and it became exhausting. We moved to Mountain View as we finally found a house we could afford. We checked out nearly every city in Silicon Valley and looked at over 100 homes over the course of a year. Went through three agents, but we are pickier than most.
Towns to that I would consider: Mountain View (our 1st choice), Palo Alto (fairly progressive, good schools), Sunnyvale (more bang for your buck), Santa Clara (up and coming), Los Altos (great schools, big lots),
There's pros/cons to every town and they are so close in proximity that you may not see the differences at first. Also depends on the location of your husband's job.
Good luck in your search.
Hi- Our family moved from Berkeley to Millbrae about 3 years ago for our jobs (one of us works in San Jose and one works in SF) and we really love it here. We definitely miss aspects of Berkeley (diversity, biking paths, family nearby) for sure but Millbrae has been a surprisingly great place for our family. Neither of us works in tech and there are certainly lots of folks in tech but I've also met plenty of healthcare workers, teachers, and folks in other industries as well. The things we like are: proximity to San Francisco- especially Golden gate parks and parks in the South side of the city, access to the beaches in Pacifica and SF (we go to the beach a lot), access to beaches/parks/walks on the Bay (something we never thought about before moving here), we can walk to the library/downtown/parks super easily from our house, it feels relatively safe, family in the East Bay and Marin can still come visit for the day since it's not that far, commuting to SF is far less painful than driving from the East Bay, and there are still enough towns nearby, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo to find yummy food and stuff to do. Our kids are 9 months and almost 4 so we haven't experienced the public schools yet but they are supposed to be good. Things that are challenging- it's VERY expensive here, (makes Berkeley look affordable in comparison), there is some diversity but it's definitely more limited social economically and racially, and it has a different energy/buzz than the East Bay (I probably would notice this a lot more if I was single/without kids but with kids priorities have changed.) Also, given that Millbrae is relatively small I've been able to meet other families through our kid's preschool and other local parent groups which has been really nice.
I would be happy to chat with you more about our experience if helpful. I know it's a big decision. My email is ribzjade [at] gmail.com if you'd like to contact me.
I grew up in Berkeley and went to Berkeley public schools, lived in SF after college, and moved to San Mateo after getting married. Now we have 2 school age kids in elementary schools in the San Mateo Foster City School District. We've made some great friends here but I will say Peninsula life lacks socioeconomic diversity, creative energy, and social activism. The wealth and educational backgrounds of folks can be intimidating. It seems like every other person graduated from an Ivy, Cal or Stanford and works in high paying and intense jobs. Quite a few send their kids to private schools that cost between $30-60k per year. But it could just be the neighborhood I live in and the school my kids go to. If it weren't for where we work, I would move to Berkeley or Oakland in a heartbeat, mostly because the Peninsula lacks diversity and progressive energy. Having said all that, San Mateo is a lovely place to live. It is very safe. The kids have made some great friends. People have high expectations for their kids but not in an unhealthy way. Folks are nice to each other, hate crime is very rare, and there is some economic diversity (but not much mingling between people of different economic backgrounds but where in the world does that happen?). Also, Half Moon Bay is nearby as well as some wonderful state parks.
I have in-laws on the peninsula. The biggest challenge for older kids is that it isn’t very bikeable/walkable, and so for the parents there is a lot of driving around. There seems to be less of a variety of kid activities. The high schools are typical suburban in their social dynamics. On the other hand a shorter commute is worth a lot.
We lived 4 years in East Palo Alto and 1 year and a half in Oakland now.
We moved because we wanted more diversity, trying to escape the tech world a little and people s obsession with career and money. It was hard for me to make friends there, people definitely feel more real here in Oakland. We are very happy with our decision to move to Oakland. I feel that you have an idea of what to expect when I read your post.
The things I miss from the Peninsula :
The weather, it s really much sunnier and warmer.
The quiet relaxing weekends and easiness to drive and park anywhere.
The proximity to Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove.