Pros & Cons of Moving "Through The Tunnel".

"Through the tunnel" is how people living around here define the two areas separated by the Caldecott tunnel.  The Caldecott is a four bore tunnel via highway 24, which goes through the Berkeley hills.
One one side of the tunnel is Oakland/Berkeley and on the other side is Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga (also known as "Lamorinda") and Walnut Creek.

Oakland is urban, more traffic, more diversity, more restaurants, more things to do, higher in crime... just more urban.

Lamorinda is more suburban, more green, less traffic, more rancher style homes... less restaurants, some would say less diverse.

That's it in a nutshell.  They are both very different places in some regards, but also very similar because they are less than a quarter mile apart. (Actually, the tunnel is 3,610 feet, long, to be exact.)

The Lafayette Reservoir - popular hiking area.

And yet, people who live on either side will have lots to say about what it's like on the other side of the tunnel.  It can seem like they are two different worlds, these two sides.  But the truth is there are lot of people who have lived on either side and move back and forth. And let's not forget how short the distance between the two really is, so it's hard to imagine that it's all that different.

I have known people who have said, they will never ever want to live in Oakland, and then some who say they would never ever live in Lamorinda. But most people, I think, would be open to either.  And so the decision of on which side of the tunnel to live can be difficult.

American Kitchen - popular outdoor dining in downtown Lafayette

The public schools in Oakland are struggling.  Lamorinda has better public schools.  But some of the public schools in Oakland are good also, and there are some incredible private and charter schools there too.  Both places are beautiful.  Oakland has impressive bay views with all 3 bridges, or Lake Merritt views. Lamorinda has trees, rolling hills, nature, beautiful canyon views, the Lafayette Reservoir and warmer weather.

If you will be living in Lamorinda and working in Oakland or San Francisco - as many do - there's the commute to consider.  The tunnel itself can have some heavy bottle neck traffic.  But there is also BART (train) stations in Orinda and Lafayette, so that makes it convenient.

I have lived on both sides of the tunnel. I like them both and it's hard for me to chose which one is better.  As a Realtor, I get many clients who are relocating here and work in either Oakland or San Francisco and are debating on whether to live on the Oakland side or through the tunnel in Lamorinda.  I try to paint a picture of what either side is like, and try to guide them as to what will suite their lifestyle the best. (Are public schools the most important to them? Do they want a shorter commute to work? Is nightlife important?)

Lake Merritt - they have gondolier rides.

One fact is for sure; the Lamorinda side is hotter.  The weather is.  Sometimes 10+ degrees warmer. And I personally like that, but not everyone does.  Otherwise, you can't lose and we are lucky to live in the beautiful Bay Area at all!

Cocktails and Luxury Consignment

It turns out that school fundraiser parties can rule your social life, and it's a great way to get you out, be with friends and raise money at the same time.  You bid on being a party guest, and the parties have all sorts of themes, from Mardi Gras to Beer Ping Pong and others.

For two years now I have happily partaken in the Mimosa & Mingling party at Labels, a luxury consignment shop on College Ave, in Berkeley (accessories only) and on Main Street in Walnut Creek (clothing and accessories).  The owner, Lynn, my friend and a preschool Mom is one of the most happy, energetic, fun persons I know.  And as a Mom of three, a successful  family business owner, she amazes me at how she does it all.  She runs both stores, with her husband and has three kids.

Labels, Berkeley location.

Lynn

Her beautiful shop opens for just us small group of moms, browsing around, sipping drinks, nibbling food and trying on things.  It's like being in a giant rich persons closet.

Last time, I scored a 1960s yellow crystal bead necklace and a green patent leather clutch. 

The store interior is beautifully custom designed and all the inventory is nicely categorized by color, style and size, making it fun to look at.  Shoes, bags, jewelry, scarves, hats, all accessories are at the Berkeley store.

There's my yellow necklace in the bunch.

Shoes on the second floor.

Bags in cubby holes.

Scarves

Labels in Walnut Creek is their original location.  It's bigger and also beautifully designed with gorgeous tables displaying tons of shoes, and their signature square cubby hole bookcases housing their luxurious bags. 

The second time I joined their party was at their Walnut Creek store.  Cocktails, food, friends, trying on Chanel dresses and vintage furs...  I can't wait for the next one!

Shoe display

Rows of shoes...

My cocktail, with furs, bags and shoes in the background.

For those who do not want to pay full price, consignment is the way to go, especially luxury consignment.