need some advice on moving in the Bay Area

[davidinalameda]

I'm moving--very soon. The problem I'm having is trying to decide where

I'm thinking northern San Mateo County or southern Alameda County

thanks!

David

[lapfog_1]

1. Ok, I'll let you in on my Bay Area Move Mistake

I had a map, I drew a circle of about 15 miles from where my
job was, and then started looking for a place to live, figuring
on a 20 minute commute (as the max I was willing to put up with).

Big mistake.

Try 5 miles or less.

Try not to use major highways in your commute.

Explore the neighborhood before moving there.

Whatever you got as a salary increase for moving here, go back
and ask for twice that much or three times that increase or face
a reduced standard of living... unless you are moving from Hawaii
or New York (and live in Manhattan).

Good luck.

You can have my apartment (Mtn View), since I don't have enough
$$$ to pay the rent this month and haven't worked for almost 2 years.
The rent is $2100/month. It's a small place, nice but not luxury.

[davidinalameda]

2. I'm already living here

I am moving out from my ex's

I work for a law firm in the city, and no, I'm not a lawyer

I can't afford anything in the city, at least not without roommates and I really want to live alone for a while

I've had roommates since I moved here

[pelagius]

3. Try somewhere on a BART line...

...you'll have a better shot at getting into the City in a fairly reasonable amount of time, plus you can probably find cheaper rent out in the various 'burbs.

Oakland and Berkeley are two good East Bay alternatives.

[gardenista]

4. Have you tried Craigslist.org?

You can find some decent places. I've had good luck with our last 2 places.

Best of luck!

[Book Lover]

6. I second the use of craigslist

Here in the Bay Area http://craigslist.org is the main job and housing site. Best of luck with the place in Alameda! If you aren't in luck there, I know that there are apartments in Pacifica (beach town two towns south of San Fran) for approx $1100 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath.

If you aren't already, get used to minimal public transport (me, I'm from NYC, so everywhere I go it seems minimal) and likely owning a car.

on edit: I see you already live in SF! Ignore my previous ramblings - I thought you were from outta town....

[davidinalameda]

5. I just submitted an application for a place in Alameda

it's on the beach

I talked to the rental guy and unless my credit report comes up completely hinky, I should get the place

keep your collective fingers crossed for me