Mare Island

"Lived on the island for 7 years after moving from Napa; tired of the heat, the cold, and the insane traffic on 29. Great walking on the island, terrific climate that is usually 74-78 in summer and in the 60's in winter, thanks to nearby San Pablo Bay. Incredible sunsets over Mt. Tam, and no noise but crickets, frogs and the twice a year coyote howl off. Pretty much no crime on this side of the river, and a very engaged community makes solicitors/peddlers life hell. :) A good mix of families, and students at Tuaro University means there is always something fun going on, from Ultimate Frisbee in Crescent Park to runs, block parties, movie night, and a host of other activities. Extremely good for dog owners; great walking in a dog friendly community with Aardvarks on the island for daycare and boarding. I miss downtown Napa, but downtown Vallejo is up and coming, beautiful, and oddly charming. Being right at the Vallejo Ferry to the city, and 2 hours to skiing doesn't hurt, and the wine country is just 20 minutes if you dodge the commute insanity into Napa. I've lived in the bay area all my life and this is a terrific spot-"