Places to live in Northern California? (San Francisco, Oakland: apartment, rent, safe area)

[Everleighdy81]

I am a 26 year old, single female looking to move out to Northern California in May. I would like to live in an area that is very liberal and artsy and hopefully has alot of other people around my age. I wouldn't mind being in commuting distance to San Francisco (1 hour commute tops) in order to open up my job options. I need a town that is affordable (I can't afford to pay more than $800.00 a month on an apartment). If anyone can help me with suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks

[humboldtrat]

$800/month for an apartment in The SF Bay Area will be very difficult.

[Sir Barton]

Jamestown is nice. Nice community, friendly people, barely any crime, no visible illegal aliens, etc. Infact, Jamestown is the nicest town I've been to in California.

[NorthernCalifornia]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

$800/month for an apartment in The SF Bay Area will be very difficult.

This is not true. in city of SF, yes, but outside of the city within an hour commute it is not. check sfbay.craigslist.org

[rubyskye]

Santa Cruz county, ie; Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel and Watsonville (although I wouldn't recommend most parts of Watsonville). It meets the criteria you mentioned in every way and you can find a place for $800.00 but you'll have to work at it and be open and flexible and have some good fortune.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by NorthernCalifornia

This is not true. in city of SF, yes, but outside of the city within an hour commute it is not. check sfbay.craigslist.org

I said "difficult" not "impossible". The OP wanted a liberal, "artsy" area with young people (and I assume in a safe area). And $800 won't get you much within an hour of SF. The other poster commented about being "open and flexible" and the OP will have to do that.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

I said "difficult" not "impossible". The OP wanted a liberal, "artsy" area with young people (and I assume in a safe area). And $800 won't get you much within an hour of SF. The other poster commented about being "open and flexible" and the OP will have to do that.

800 is doable but usually this price range gets you less desirable areas.

[Ultrarunner]

I know you "can" find 1 bedrooms in Oakland's Fruitvale area in the 700 range... all depends on whether it would meet your other requirements.

[Inthesierras]

Chico is a liberal/artsy type city. Its too far to commute to the Bay Area, but its a great area.

[NorthernCalifornia]

Here's a tip: If you're 26 and live in the bay area you shouldn't think you can afford a 1br apartment all to yourself. Welcome to California!

I *assume* that $800 is her rent for a studio or shared room. $800 is great in SF, you can find a nice share in a good part of town. It'll get you a studio in Oakland. I'd recommend North Oakland//Temescal if you go that route.