ArthurL

iTrader: (4)

A sudden job opportunity recently came across my plate in the SF area and I may be looking at moving within the next month or two. For those in the SF area, which neighborhoods would you recommend living in? I know this is car forum but I see that a lot of members live in California so I figure it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Some things about me.. I am turning 25 this year. I work in tech and I enjoy meeting people and going out. I've lived in NYC for most of my life so I would like some space but still live close to enough to the action. I'd also like to keep my car, off-street parking is preferred. I plan on bringing my puppy over as well.

With that said, what neighborhoods in SF would you guys recommend living in for someone with a dog and a car? Definitely would like to be close enough to the action but residential enough where it's not super busy and jam-packed. I think my budget is around $2K but if I can find a place under that or as close to $1K, that would be great.

Some areas I looked at so far was the Cow Hollow/Pacific Heights area.

thoiboi

SF rent prices are ridiculous.. I think you'll be close to $2K + in the city, I'd look into the south bay area/san Jose or the surrounding areas to be within budget. Then BART into the city (assuming you work there). Congrats on the new job! What tech company if you don't mind me asking (PM me if you don't want to tell the whole world :P)

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Stay out of the city. I had a Azine buddy who lived in a studio and it wasn't cheap.

Try to stay on the outskirts. I've heard Daly City isn't bad, alot of the OG bay area members live in San Jose, San Leandro. You would have to commute. A co workers brother lives in Santa Clara near Levi Stadium and takes the bart into the Financial district of SF or near it. I'm not that familiar with SF, but you can always PM member Mizouse aka Miz.... He lives in the bay and is pretty active on Azine.

I know people who take bart, or Amtrak (depending on how close the station is). SF bus system sucks...

2012wagon

I lived in berkeley and Palo Alto for 7 years

For 2 years I lived in Russian hill (sf)

My fave was berkeley, we would Bart into the city once a week

RenoTL

It has been awhile since I lived in the Bay Area but my best advice is to get there for a visit ASAP. Nothing like boots on the ground to get a feel for the area. Your budget is going to play a big part for deciding where to live but there will be choices for you. It will be very different then NYC so keep an open mind. Both places are great in their own ways. Someone already mentioned Berkeley - also consider parts of Oakland and Alameda (just a ferry ride away to downtown SF). Good luck on your new job and finding place to live.

2012wagon

Alameda is great and cheap
Loved speeding brought the tunnel
Problem was no Bart access

yosh415

iTrader: (1)

Live somewhere close to bart. The prices in the city are high especially if you are looking for a spot for your car and space for your dog. Look into the pennisula, east bay or santa clara area

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

He lives in Castro Valley, not in the bay. He also takes the Bart so he can give you some good advice

neoshi

$1k no way for inside city limits. $2k sure, but you will likely have no parking unless you look around Sunset (then you may want to consider living by the N-Judah or L-Taraval, get downtown in about 20 minutes). You will still have to park on the street, unless you find a landlord who gives you a driveway (doubt it's long enough to fit your car off the curb though) or a garage space. West of 19th Avenue tends to have more parking.

You could possibly look into San Mateo, San Bruno area, but don't even consider going out as far as East Bay, San Jose/South Bay. It's just too far to get to the action quickly. By the time you get in or out of the city, you're frustrated, especially if you have to take the 101 or the Bay Bridge.

neoshi

Oh and for meter parking, download Paybyphone if you don't keep coins on you. Parking tickets is a major revenue stream for the city. Have had quite a few friends towed for no good reason and the MTA spews out some crap and it just sticks because there's no proof from your side. Fricken MTA... I'd tell you about the time I got two tickets in a row a minute after my meter expired but I've got to meet up my wifey.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Aww yea thats right. I remember seeing Castro Valley now.

jimmyfu

How is Castro Valley not in the bay? although when I hear "the bay" i think of the general bay area. I live in Dublin - does this mean I don't live in the bay area?

OP: downtown oakland may be a good bet, or emeryville if you want to live close to SF without the high prices

BC01191980

I live near the Fremont union city border across the bay from Menlo park. I have had 3 consecutive years of 10% rent increases. Housing is very hard to find beyond the price.

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

My aunt and uncle used to live on the Livermore/Dublin/Pleasanton border. I love that area. It seems like a nice place to live.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

It is. I have some friends in Dublin and they love it. Pleasanton is nice too, I've stayed there a couple of times.