Dear Donna,
I am a mom with two kids and both are suffering of heavy metal contamination.
I live in Newark, North California. I wonder if you can recommend a place in Northern California that has the best clean air quality.
Please give me several choices because I can't buy an expensive house. I really will be looking for your answer. If you can give me the specific places. I will really appreciate it. My husband works in San Jose but he is ready to do some driving sacrifice.
Sincerely, Shila
Dear Shila,
Sorry to hear about your kids suffering. Because your husband works in San Jose but is willing to commute, I'd say head toward the beaches. You might check around Half Moon Bay. Ask locals living in beach communities about pesticides and if pesticides affect their kids. Half Moon Bay has farms. A bit further north on the coast (maybe too far a drive for your husband?) is Pacifica.
Pacifica is less expensive than Half Moon Bay, and quite pretty. A good friend of mine lives there and she loves it. Pacifica is known for big waves and relatively clean air. Wherever you move, I strongly advise staying away from major roadways and industry. Winds tend to blow east, so keep that in mind when picking your next home. If there are pollution sources nearby and you have a choice, live and work west of them.
You might take a day and drive west from San Jose toward the beach towns and head north along the coast. Talk to locals to get feel for areas. Regarding housing, maybe you'll need to trade additional space (size of home) for smaller but cleaner air because beach communities tend to be more expensive but also tend to have cleaner air as long as they're not near industry.
Best wishes in your search,
Donna
Photo of Pacifica, California
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