What Is This Community Called Hercules?

Is it a city?  Is it a town?  Is it a small community?  What are you called . . . Herculeans?

The premise of this blog is to gather information about this place called Hercules.  Let's start at the beginning. My wife and I are looking for a home to purchase (easy real estate people . . . key word "looking"), and we came across Hercules while I was searching for areas in the East Bay. We currently reside and work in Solano County and for those who are unfamiliar with the summers up here, very hot! Anyway, we were looking for somewhere near the water where temps are pretty consistent. We know about the fog and cold . . . blah, blah, blah.  My wife has horrendous allergies up here and the ocean air seems to be her best medication.

So, when we drove through Hercules (west of San Pablo) we found it to be quaint, quiet, and very inviting. We noticed the half-built monstrosity that is Sycamore North or Town Centrale or whatever it is or was called. But recognizing the downturn in the economy and the redevelopment dissolution, half-built structures are more common than not.  Even with the not so pretty areas of Hercules, there was still something that tugged at both of us to investigate a little more. We have visited twice (2 weekends in a row).  We have eaten at Sala and the Powder Keg and enjoyed both places. I will say that the view on the Sala patio was very serene.

So what I would like from all of you is your input to the pros and cons of Hercules. Why should we move 40 minutes from ouor jobs to live here? What is it that keeps you here or is possibly choosing to moving away. I hope to get honest non-political answers. Where is a better place to buy a home ...west or east of San Pablo.

Oh yeah, demographics.  I am 47 years old and my wife is younger than me. We have been married almost 23 years. No kidlets, but we have 3 yorkshire terriers.

Alright Herculeans . . . spill it!