Napa
 

Looking at renting a house on Napa's "West Side".

I remember someone telling me that there was a "good" and "not so good" side to Napa.

Is the West side the good or the bad???

What do you mean by "bad"??
I don't live there, but can't really imagine a "bad" side to Napa!

I don't know. Some guidebook was discussing a restaurant and saying a certain restaurant was on the "wrong side of town".

Never been to Napa town, is why I am asking. I can't imagine a bad part either, but have heard of Napa town referenced as the "ugly stepsister" although I think that is changing with Copia.

Also just read an article that many are eating out in Napa town nowadays rather than going "up valley".

wanderer, tried posting before but am having trouble getting my posts posted.
Anyway, if you are concerned about crime, and assume that is what you meant, you can check with the Napa PD
regarding crime statisticts for the area of the house you are thinking of renting.

No, not really, as this is just for a vacation.

Was just curious, especially since rental agency specified it was on the "West Side".

East Side, West Side, All Around the town.

The city of Napa is divided by the Hwy 29 freeway. It's also divided by the Napa River. There are very nice neighborhoods on both sides of town. Generally, the closer you get to the hills, the nicer the homes. There are really no "bad" areas and crime is very low compared to other bay area communities.

The most expensive neighborhoods are over by Silverado Country Club on the east side but there are plenty of expensive homes scattered throughout the city. The median home price is now about $500,000. The west side north of Redwood Rd. has many new neighborhoods with nice homes that have been built in the last ten years or so.

If you are opening a business, the west side might be less attractive since most of the action is east of the highway with the exception of the outlet mall. For example, the Foothill Cafe is the only restaurant that has done well on the west side. Not too many tourists venture over there except for the businesses right on Hwy 29.

The downtown area has seen a real resurgence in the past few years. There are many fine eateries there now whereas it was once a culinary wasteland. There are also hotels going in that deliver high end tourists to the downtown economy. Copia has also helped and there will be some re-development in that area that will improve things.

What's the street you're looking at?

Whitman.

Wanderer: I took a drive over there today. It's an older neighborhood just a few blocks from Hwy 29. Very quiet and very convenient. The street is only a block long and is bordered by huge old oak trees. Very nice.

I had never been in this neighborhood before yet have friends who live on Lone Oak which is the next street but not connected. There won't be much traffic or street noise. Should be a good choice.

Otis -
How nice of you!! Thanks for the info.