Is it possible to find a decent reasonably priced apt. in Oakland or Berkeley fairly quick? (Piedmont: apartment)

[JSeaman0]

I used to live in sf. And everytime I moved back, it took me a real long time to find a place to live (at least a few months). Is the east bay the same way? Also sf is super expensive. Is it realistic to find a nice studio or 1 bdr in a good neighborhood for less than $800 a month?

[mayorhaggar]

Yes, check out areas like the Temescal and Adam's Point. I got a studio in Rockridge (which is a little more expensive, 800 to 900 might be what you're looking at there) last July and it was the first place I went to see and I got it right away. Every time I've looked for an apartment or even just roommates in SF it was a nightmare because it was so competitive, though the economy was better back then.

Also Berkeley might be more expensive and competitive than the nice parts of Oakland.

[JSeaman0]

Thank you Mayor Haggar. I like your name because I love Final Fight. Spinning Piledriver and clothesline! lol.

[bob lobblaw]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

Yes, check out areas like the Temescal and Adam's Point. I got a studio in Rockridge (which is a little more expensive, 800 to 900 might be what you're looking at there) last July and it was the first place I went to see and I got it right away. Every time I've looked for an apartment or even just roommates in SF it was a nightmare because it was so competitive, though the economy was better back then.

Also Berkeley might be more expensive and competitive than the nice parts of Oakland.

Hi mayorhaggar I like your name too. I like the sound he makes when he does the pile driver "BWAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR"

I'm moving to Oakland in about 6 weeks. I probably won't have a job lined up, although I've had plenty of interviews. They keep on telling me that they are interested in me but they want someone in the bay area right now LOL.

I was wondering, do you think landlords are going to make it difficult on me if I'm compeletely upfront with them about not having a job? My credit score is 790 and I'm just looking for a studio in Adam's Point/Lake Meritt/Temescal which I reckon should be around the range of 7-900/month. I have enough savings to last a year.

Do you think not having a job is an automatic disqualification?

[jade408]

$700-900 is a good range. I live in the Piedmont Ave area (Between Rockridge, Temescal, Adam's Point and the Lake area). There aren't many studios in my part. When I looked there were only 3 or 4. Later on I have seen about 5 other ones, but ones available at Pleasant Valley/Broadway tend to be overpriced FYI. More selection in A.P as far as know. I did see a great one on 40th that was huge and cheap. My block always has a few 1 bedrooms available.

I think if you can offer a few months of prepaid it might be OK.

[mayorhaggar]

If you can show them a year's savings then it should be ok. As jade says, offer to pay a few months of rent in advance if they fuss about you not having a job.

And yeah Haggar's piledriver FTW, lol.