Why do People Move from San Francisco to Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, and the San Ramon Valley?

The primary reason people decide to leave San Francisco for the East Bay suburbs is that the vision for what type of life they would like to have for their family has changed. The most common drivers are space, lifestyle, schools, and home values. For example, they may want their children to attend the exceptional Blue Ribbon public schools in our area. They’d like more accessibility to outdoor activities, our hundreds of miles of trails, world-class restaurants and so much more. The people who decide to move to the San Ramon Valley have this lifestyle in mind. The lifestyle of this region of the Bay Area still outranks living in the City.  

What surprises people most after they make the move to the East Bay.
People thinking of moving from the City are often nervous they will miss it. But what surprises them the most is that they don’t. When they move here, they are now enjoying the wonderful communities, neighborhoods, exceptional quality of life, Farmer’s Markets, community events, and the award-winning public schools for their children versus paying for private schools. They discover they don’t miss the City at all, plus it is still so accessible. 

How have home buyer priorities changed over the last several years?
Home buyers are changing the definition of what a house is all about. It is now a place to live, work, learn, entertain, and recharge. Since COVID-19, lots of corporate workers now work from home and see their house not just as a place to relax and wind down, but also as a place of work, which often requires more space both inside and outside. 

Why are Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, and the San Ramon Valley such attractive destinations?
These communities offer an unusual combination of top-rated schools, beautiful neighborhoods, lots of parks and trail systems, and a deep sense of community. Another one is the weather. Most days, you can just walk out your front door and take a walk or a hike in warm and beautiful surroundings. Another one is accessibility. The accessibility to San Francisco is still great. It’s easy to hop on Bart to go to a Giants game or a concert. It’s not that people want to leave the city life entirely, it’s that they want to create a different chapter in their lives. 

What advice would we give someone in San Francisco who is considering making a move?
Do your research on the various communities in our region. A family needs to find a neighborhood that matches their goals and values. We advise them to have a picnic in a variety of our parks, walk around neighborhoods and downtown, and talk to people about their experiences of living here. Some of our clients even consider renting for a period of time as they get acquainted with the variety of our communities before they make their home purchase. (We have lots of resources in our Blog articles and our FAQ. If you or someone you know is considering making the move to Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, or San Ramon Valley, we are always here to assist them in any of their real estate needs.