There’s a lot to love about living in the core Bay Area. Counties like San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Contra Costa and San Mateo County offer staples that make living in Northern California so great — eclectic restaurants, beautiful destinations ripe for exploration, and legendary sites that draw people from all over the world like Muir Woods and the Golden Gate Bridge.
But as undeniable as its charms are, living in the area isn’t a viable long-term option for many — including some who have been there for years. Whether you’ve started a family and need more space, are ready for a less bustling pace, or are simply looking for a more affordable cost of living, it’s natural to consider starting a new life outside of the core Bay Area.
Thankfully, you can enjoy the delights of Northern California outside of the core Bay Area by considering communities in the broader Bay Area like San Joaquin and its Delta. If you’re having a hard time deciding just what’s right for you, here are five signs that you are ready to leave the core Bay Area.
Housing prices are only getting higher
People living in the core Bay Area know that owning a home in the region comes with a hefty price tag. This February, the median sale price of a single family home in the Bay Area was up 2.5% over the previous year, with significant spikes in Alameda County (6.3 percent) and San Mateo County (6.2 percent). Add on other expenses that come with the territory, like private schools, parking tickets, and expensive gym memberships, and what you’re paying may no longer make sense for you and your family. Luckily, the cost of homes in counties outside of the core Bay Area aren’t just more affordable — there are tools and resources that make the process of finding a new home easier.
High population density is a challenge for your family
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States. While the sharp increase in population has marked an economic boom over the last few decades, particularly in the South Bay, higher density has led to crowded public spaces, and have made it more difficult for growing families that desire more open space, a backyard, access to quality education for their children, and the ability to pickup groceries or run to the post office without battling crowds and traffic!
You want access to quality education for your children
One of the greatest challenges of being a parent in the Bay Area is figuring out the logistics surrounding your kids’ school. Bay Area parents continue to struggle finding adequate education for their children. It is not uncommon to seek private school enrollment years in advance or subject one’s five year old to formal interviews with administrators. Moving to another community outside of the central Bay core with established high-performing public schools can help alleviate the stress of the convoluted process for parents, giving families a chance to enjoy institutions that offer the conveniences of both proximity to their homes and quality education.
Your family is growing and you need more space
For many families, living in cramped, densely populated cities is a serious challenge. It is understandable if you feel like you’re ready to upgrade to something more accommodating when your family is ready for more kids, pets and even extended family members under your roof. A home outside of the core Bay Area could be a great way to get something with more spaces — both inside, with more rooms, and outside, with a yard and garage. Additionally, communities outside of the core Bay Area offer recreational amenities and expansive public spaces ideal for individuals and families who want to explore, roam and have fun.
You want to live outside of the area — but not too far
You may be ready to leave the bustling core Bay Area, but that doesn’t mean you want to be far. Even though you’re ready for a lifestyle change, you can still be close to the attractions of San Francisco, the natural beauty of Northern California, and the employment centers of Silicon Valley when you move outside of the core Bay region.