We’re in Berkeley and love it. Easy commute to Oakland.

Piedmont is GREAT. You might also want to consider Rockridge.

Montclair or Piedmont would be great and I don’t think you would be out of place.

Kensington and Berkeley hills are also viable options.

Fire insurance could be difficult to get/expensive in the Oakland or Berkeley Hills.

Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) are also good options but you do have tunnel traffic (unless you cut through Canyon to Moraga or go over the Berkeley hills on Grizzly Peak instead of through).

You could easily BART from Orinda/Lafayette/WC.

If using public schools, Piedmont/Lamorinda are highest rated.

OP here. I'll be driving to work which is why I thought Piedmont or Montclair might be ideal. Trying to avoid the Caldecott Tunnel if possible. What about Berkeley Hills or Kensington? I forgot to mention in my original post that we are a mixed Asian/White family. Would we feel out of place somewhere like Piedmont or Montclair/Forestland/Piedmont Pines?

Anonymous wrote:I loved living in Danville.

That would be a nightmare commute to Oakland.

OP, it matters a lot whether you intend to drive or commute by BART (though Danville wouldn't be great for either).

Dublin is probably a good bet for you if BART-able. I'm in Hayward, but you probably won't like the schools here. If you're on the west side of town, Fremont or Union City would be drive-able...and very BART-able if that's an option. You could also consider Rockridge or some of the areas north on the yellow line. I know Rockridge has good schools...and I know there are towns toward the north that do as well, but I don't know which. Your budget should allow you to find a house in some of those areas, but it will be competitive.

Walnut Creek

Are you driving or taking BART?

I loved living in Danville.

We'll be relocating from Potomac to the Bay Area, with my job in downtown Oakland (DH will be WFH). I grew up in the East Bay, but around the Fremont/Newark/Union City area so don't have any experience with the areas closer to Oakland. I know a little about Piedmont, but Montclair and Orinda look like good options as well. Budget is $1.5-1.75M with two kids in high school, and would prefer good public schools vs. private. Would also like to keep the commute to 30-45 min if possible. Any other areas we should be considering?