I just read some realtors' suggestions about Lamorinda and I just want to add words of caution. A friend of mine who is Jewish said she is raising her children in SF instead of Lafayette, where she grew up, because she likes the diversity of the City and felt Lafayette was by contrast less accepting of diversity and she did not feel "comfortable" growing up there. Going through the tunnel would also make for a terrible commute. The schools are also not as good as Piedmont. Don't do it!

I grew up in Piedmont (middle & high school) and have been living in Mill Valley for 10 months. Given your priorities, I'd probably move to Piedmont. Top-rated schools (better than MV, as far as I know), a sizable Asian contingent, and not a bad commute (there's also BART and carpool as an option in Piedmont as well which allow you to use carpool lanes).

That said, while I haven't seen many Asians in Mill Valley, there is probably less racism here generally here and would imagine you're highly unlikely to feel not accepted or uncomfortable in any way (or even different). Piedmont has a more suburban mentality whereas MV feels more like an extension of SF, in terms of culture and mindset. Piedmont also has "sororities" and "fraternities" in high school and can be a snobby place to grow up, especially for those kids who don't fit the mold. The commute to the City would probably be a little better if you're driving since the GG Bridge is much easier than the Bay Bridge which can be a disaster for traffic.

Now that I am raising a family, we are looking at Larkspur and Kentfield, which I understand have better high schools than Mill Valley. Larkspur is only one exit further than MV.

You should also consider Kensington and Albany. Albany's got more diversity and good schools through high school. Kensington's elementary schools are among the best - comparing favorably even to the much-heralded mill valley schools.

wow, i totally missed this question. Mill Valley, Marin! Hands Down, although I can't say that I am not biased - I live here, so, agents, don't get angry with me! (as we say, no TDs just because I like my place)

Great schools, wonderful environment, safe town, artist heaven, gorgeous outdoors, next to national seashore, national forest, etc, etc., Ride horses? Sailing on the bay? Hiking? Biking? Walking? all there.

Commute to the city? A breeze - you totally passed a couple of potential heavy traffic areas - San Rafael, and Sir Francis Drake (under construction), so just hop onto 101, enjoy the view and cruise into town - people actually go around the world just to see the Golden Gate Bridge and you get to see it everyday, there is no better commute than this.

Schools? Forbes just rated Marin Schools the Best for the money http://www.sylviasellsmarin.com/Forbes+Rates+Marin+Schools+B…

and here is the API score - look for Mill Valley Schools - they are the first ones with an endowment fund so the support is very strong
http://www.sylviasellsmarin.com/MarinAPI

Marin Parks and Recs are outstanding for kids also http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/main/

And don't forget the summer activities for kids (alright, it is not summer anymore, but you get the picture)
http://www.sylviasellsmarin.com/MarinSummerCamp

We also have farmers market, mothers support groups, etc, etc. As we always, there is much more!!!

Diversity? Not our strong point, but we are getting there. I did tell Ruth once that I am Chinese - had to explain why she sometimes could not understand me, and I am having a great time - look at my volunteer list

If Mill Valley seems to be pricey, keep going North; all of the Marin is great for family.

O.K. is everybody moving to Marin now?

I know you are all angry by my total To make Patrick and Ruth happy, and Deborah too, Chicago would have been another city I'd settled down in (I lived in Lincoln Park apartments when I first started working), and living in Manhasset, NY was one of the best experience I had.

Sylvia

As Jessica mentioned, Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) has an excellent school system, always ranked at or near the top for the entire state. Many of the people who move there from other areas are doing so for the schools. The weather is generally sunny and warm, and BART is very convenient, stopping in both Orinda and Lafayette and taking approximately half an hour to get to SF. Swim clubs are very big in Orinda and Moraga; children compete and adults socialize. Lafayette in particular has many good restaurants and a little nightlife. Nearby in Walnut Creek there is excellent shopping and more great restaurants and nightlife. As former San Franciscans ourselves, we are very happy here!

Hello,

I wouldn't quite call Piedmont "the burbs" although it may feel that way after living in S.F. There are definately some wonderful schools in Piedmont School District. You might also try going a little farther east through the tunnel to Lafayette or Orinda, depending on your budget. Both of those communities are also known for their wonderful schools. Depending on traffic they are only about 20 minutes from Oakland, where I live. The weather is a bit warmer, maybe 10-15 degrees on a hot day. There are lots of great outdoor activities to do with your family. The Lafayette reservoir is a great one to check out if you want to get a feel for the community on a weekend outing with the family. I always like to drive around a community at differnt times of the day to find out about the "flow" of things.

If you are able to BART to your office in S.F. you will have no trouble commuting from either of these cities. (well, you may have to stand up in the morning if you travel during high times).

Best of luck to you! I am a Bay Area native and have spent time all over so if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email!

Iwcgst,
Have you looked into the SF Peninsula? Great public schools, great location (no bridge traffic). I am very active with the San Mateo High School District and would be happy to fill up on local schools. There are several great locations on the Peninsula, such as Burlingame and Hillsborough, Millbrae and San Mateo. For your information, the San Mateo High School started translation of all district mailing to parents in Millbrae to Chinese this year. Reason: the Chinese speaking population in Millbrae is over 20% limit required to trigger mailings in a specific language. Burlingame is more caucasian, but it also has changed dramatically over last few years, as older generation retires and there is an influx of new Asian buyers. Check the following link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/134685/Is-Hillsborough-CA-Better. You will find more links inside. Why is it happening? The answer is very simple: schools.

The City of Piedmont has some of the finest schools in the state. Test scores are available online. The community takes an extraordinary interest in the schools and adds to school coffers with various fund raising activities to enhance an already well funded program.
The commute to SF can be via Rockridge BART, express bus or car, with informal car pools available on the Piedmont/Oakland Borders. One could also take the Ferry from Jack London Square.
There are many Asian American and Eur-Asian Families living in Piedmont. Asian are the largest "minority" in Piedmont.
I'd be happy to provide more detailed information if you'd like. I have lived in Piedmont and sent my (Eur-Asian) children to Piedmont schools.