Anyone from the Fairfield - Vacavilla CA Area?

I can't speak specifically about schools, but Fairfield and Vacaville both have nice areas. Vallejo is the city you want to avoid, high crime, gangs, drugs, bad schools, the city has even filed for bankruptcy, NOT a good place!
Benecia may be a good choice, better schools but a longer commute. The newer part of El Sobrante is nice, and Crockett and Rodeo aren't too bad either.
You're in for a major culture shock, the Bay Area is crowded and expensive. For sure RENT before you buy, even if your child ends up having to switch schools, it will be worth it in the long run. It's going to take some time to figure out where it is you want to settle.
Good luck!

I live in the Sacramento area and I'm in the TV coverage zone for that area. We see the news reports of drugs and crime, sure, but keep in mind that that goes on everywhere. I'm sure there are also a lot of positive things going on in the community that don't make the news.

Vacaville is known for its outlets, but also has some nice new shops and restaurants in the Nut Tree complex. Don't miss out on Amici's pizza if you move there! Jelly Belly also has a factory in Fairfield that gives tours (and samples!).

Fairfield and Vacaville are in a nice spot in that you're not far from the Bay Area or the Sacramento area. Plenty to do in both areas. Lake Tahoe also isn't far away.

My best advice is to talk to a good realtor in the area. He/she will know all about these cities and can steer you to the best neighborhoods. Go to the state's department of education website and look up the STAR test results from last year. They'll give you a general idea which areas have the best schools, which generally means the best neighborhoods, too.

I live in Napa and will also say that Fairfield and Vacaville have some nice areas. Suisun is also relatively quiet. Napa is not that far, either. Good agent is a must, though.

I work in Fairfield - criminal defense. Yes, there are certainly gang issues here. Your best bet is going to be getting an agent who is familiar with the area to steer you away from the gang areas. Specifically, I think you will want to avoid the area close to downtown; do not live on or around Union Avenue/Travion Court area. I'm not sure as far as around the Base.

As another poster suggested, Suisun is a very nice little town right next door to Fairfield. I would not be a "commute" per se for hubby; and he would be going against the commute traffic so his drive won't be bad at all - just a few minutes. Not sure about the schools in Suisun, but I've never heard anything bad about them.

The weather is great. You will like it better than NY all year round; Winters are, of course, much milder. In summer it gets pretty hot, but not humid at all.

Napa is also nice, but it would be a bit of a commute for hubby.

Good luck with your move!

I haven't, I'm sorry.

But I did laugh out loud...

Vacavilla literally translates to "Cow-town."

:-)