If you’ve just purchased San Ramon real estate or are in the market for a home in the area, you probably have a dozen questions about the neighborhood. San Ramon can be a great place to live for people of all ages, but it’s hard to understand exactly what a new city or community will be like until you’ve experienced it yourself.
There are a few ways to move quickly past the growing pains and get acclimated to living in San Ramon. Here are ten frequently asked questions for newcomers to the area.
Where are the best neighborhoods?
San Ramon has no shortage of great neighborhoods, especially if you’re looking for somewhere to raise a family. Twin Creeks is one of the most popular choices, featuring great public schools and a suburban environment with plenty of restaurants and parks. Other well-known neighborhoods in San Ramon include Dougherty Hills, Dougherty Valley, and Crow Canyon.
What’s the cost of living?
If you’re purchasing San Ramon real estate, you can expect a much higher cost of living than the national average and an above-average cost of living for California. Home values are significantly higher, while healthcare, groceries, and transportation costs are substantially higher than state and national averages.
What are the school systems like?
The area is served by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, which oversees 22 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools, and Venture Independent Study School. Dougherty Valley High School is the largest school in the district, with over 3,300 students enrolled and a 25:1 student to teacher ratio. Over 30,000 students are enrolled in the district, and the vast majority of their schools receive above-average ratings. This may explain, in part, why San Ramon homes for sale can be so much more expensive than homes in other areas.
What’s the job market like?
San Ramon has been honored in the past five years as one of the top job markets in the state of California. Top employers in the area include Chevron, Bank of the West, and GE Digital. Because of the city’s proximity to San Francisco and San Jose, many residents might choose to commute into the city to work.
How can I meet people?
Social media and modern technology have made this less of a concern than it may have been in the past. However, nobody wants to be alone in a big city, so you might be wondering what you can do once settled to make friends and build up your social life. Websites like Meetup can help, along with attending a local religious organization, athletic team, or class.
What will I need to do to get settled?
Any time you move to a new city, you’ll have to change your address, get your car registered, and set up all the utilities in your name. Here’s a list of the different groups and agencies you’ll need to notify when you change your address. You might also want to get on an app like NextDoor to connect you with local events and happenings.
For a fun item to add to your to-do list, research restaurants you want to try and attractions you’d like to visit. This will be one of the best ways to explore the neighborhood and help you build a connection with the area.
What’s the climate like?
Across the Bay Area, the climate is typically delightful year-round. When you buy San Ramon homes for sale, you’ll find July and August's hottest months, when the average high temperature is around 87 degrees. The high average temperatures are 57 degrees and 58 degrees in December and January, respectively. Average lows are not colder than 48 degrees in any month, and during six out of the 12 months of the year, the average high temperature is between 60 degrees and 76 degrees. In other words, you might not need to bring your winter coat with you when you move to San Ramon.
What’s there to do for fun?
One of the best things San Ramon has to offer is picturesque views of Mount Diablo. There are also plenty of restaurants and shopping centers to choose from, with community festivals held throughout the year. If you’re looking for more ideas of fun activities to do in the area, check out this list.
What’s the real estate market like?
Right now, the San Ramon real estate market is very competitive. Median sale prices are up 17.8% from a year ago. Furthermore, homes only spend an average of seven days on the market. Most homes will get multiple offers, and some of these offers will have waived inspections or contingencies. Homes can also expect to command offers well above the listing price. The average house will sell 12% above the asking price, while especially hot properties will sell for 19% above asking and go under contract in around five days.
Who can help me find a house?
After reading this article, you might feel like you know all you need to know to be sure that San Ramon is the place for you to call home. If that’s the case, reach out to Lynn Chew, who can help you start shopping for a beautiful home in San Ramon. Contact Lynn today to get started!
Interested in nearby areas? Check out things to do in Dublin, CA.