Berkeley Parents Network: Living in Pinole

Berkeley Parents Network

Living in Pinole

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Housing, Neighborhoods, & Moving > Living in Pinole

Richmond Hilltop/San Pablo Hills home
Thinking of moving to Pinole
Considering a move to Pinole

Richmond Hilltop/San Pablo Hills home

June 2009

Hello All we are first time home buyers, looking to purchase possibly in the Richmond Hilltop, or San Pablo Hills areas. Have priced some homes in these areas, and found some to be reasonable. Looking for 3 to 4bedroom 2bath home. Can anyone share your personal experiences regarding the neighborhoods, schools for elementary, middle and highschool ages. Would you recommend a family move to these areas? Know any places available or realtors who deal in these areas? Thanks for any and all responses. my own room...

Friends of ours live in Pinole (right around that area) and are happy with the ambiance and public schools. The town has a nice feel. Richmond is diverse--nice and not-so-nice areas--but personally I would avoid Richmond, since that is where you'd be getting all city services and I think the city is pretty strapped. LK

Sept 2008

Re: Cheaper but "safe enough" neighborhoods
I live in Pinole. It is a lovely community, and there are many price points within our City. Our schools are good, check the STAR stats online. IMHO San Pablo and parts of Richmond would be too rough. There are some great neighborhoods in Richmond, you just have to hunt for them. Good Luck in your house hunt. volvomomma

Thinking of moving to Pinole

June 2007

Hi, I'm thinking of moving to Pinole and was wondering if anyone can tell me which is the best neighborhood to live. I saw a posting from 2003 saying that ''The Valley'' is the best but I'm not sure where that is. Can someone provide some street names? I would also appreciate any info you can provide on this city. Thanks!!!!! Arlene

the ''Valley'' area in Pinole is not necessarily the best arrea of Pinole. It depends on what you are looking for. The Valley area( streets off Simas, Wright ave. etc.) have some nice ranch style homes and nice lawns. A nice park at the the foot of Wright ave. for soccer and baseball. The only problem with the area is you have to drive to everything. Grocey stores, post office, coffee shops, gas station, church and most schools. Another nice area of Pinole is old town Pinole. Lots of nice homes and an old time town appeal. Cafe's, coffee shops, post office, gas stations, flower shops, antique shops and a really nice park (Fernandez Park and baseball field) all within walking distance. joannie

We live off of Pinole Shores Drive in Harbour Cove and love it! There are some great neighbors, it is a quiet community with lots of kids and we are next to the bay trail. Liz

Considering a move to Pinole

August 2003

We are considering a move to Pinole -- does anyone living there have insights to offer about schools, quality of life, good neighborhoods to look in, etc.? Also, what is the air quality like? Thanks. Sara

We've lived in Pinole almost 5 years and love it! I never even knew about this town before I moved here, but we have found it to be very family-friendly and really convenient whether we travel north, south, east or west. There are lots of things for families to do -- even a farmers market on Saturdays with an organic vegetable vendor. Pinole doesn't have quite the diversity that Berkeley does, for instance, but my children can play in the street with the other neighborhood kids and I don't have to worry about it.

As for the schools, I've heard Ellerhorst is good for elementary, but honestly, my children go to the East Bay Waldorf School, a private school in El Sobrante.

The best neighborhood is ''the valley'' out Pinole Valley Road heading east, although there are some other pockets of nice homes, including some new ones very close to the Bay.

As for the air quality, where we are the prevailing winds come off the Bay and blow any Tosco discharge up towards Crockett or Vallejo (although I haven't seen any specific report on the air in this area and probably should).

Carol

I aspire to live in Pinole. I almost made it, Im as far as San Pablo and working my way up, LOL. Pinole is a wonderful community of truly dedicated residents. If you get into Old Towne Pinole, (below the freeway), you will find wonderful old neighborhoods with good schools, nice restaurants and solid community.

I think you will be happy to be there. If you still have questions, the chamber of commerce as well as the local City Council have open door policies. Go meet some of the people who play and integral part in the workings of this little bay area gem. Please note, it has a very ''suburban'' feel. Not a Berkeley or Oakland feeling. ljk

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