Cities/Areas commutable to SFO (San Mateo, Redwood City: rentals, house, safe neighborhoods)

[diablogun]

Hi folks,

I am considering a move to the Bay Area next summer, where I would be working at SFO. I wondered if perhaps I could pick your brains for ideas on places to live and means for commuting to the airport.

I can see that the peninsula has some pricey rentals from Craigslist, and I want to find a house to rent. I could afford to 3 K, but would prefer to stay around 2500. I have a wife and a child, so want an area that is quiet with nice people, so no ghettos :-)

I like the East Bay and Napa (I lived in Napa for several years and moved 11 years ago), so Walnut Creek or Dublin/Pleasanton would work for me, but the commute would be a bit of a pain. I could take BART from those cities, and if they still allow law enforcement officers to ride free that would be great (They did when I lived there in the late 90's).

Your thoughts are appreciated, from reading other posts you all have been highly informative. I am open to any nice area that allows me to have a good family life.

[twins4lynn]

I'd look at Millbrae, Burlingame and Belmont. Millbrae is just minutes from SFO, weather you drive or take bart. Burlingame is just a few minutes longer. Belmont would add perhaps 15-20 minutes to your commute. All are nice, safe cities.

Once you see a vacancy in your price range, you have to move quickly!!!

Current homes available in Burlingame (in a very desirable area) OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 10/30 2PM-5PM NEWLY REMODELED LARGE DUPLEX (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2675646787.html - broken link) and Great Ray Park cul de sac location! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2675606970.html - broken link)

and Millbrae home for rent (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2665627465.html - broken link)
Great home with wonderful backyard (Millbrae) (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2674042823.html - broken link)

You should check out Craigslist for vacancies.

[diablogun]

Thanks Twins!

I have perused Craigslist, and have an idea of the prices, but am wondering if you folks have ideas about a nice area where I could rent a nice house for under 3 K (at least a 3/2), which has good schools and a family atmosphere. I would be willing to commute a bit, but it has been a while since I lived in the area, and am open to any suggestions :-)

[mayorhaggar]

Further south from Millbrae is generally just as expensive or more expensive because you're getting into Silicon Valley. Redwood City comes up as affordable but I think the schools are kind of iffy, same with San Mateo? Pacifica could work if you don't mind the brutal chilly fog. Walnut Creek would definitely work in terms of housing and schools but it would be something like an hour long ride on BART. Could maybe do Castro Valley and drive over the San Mateo bridge to SFO.

[diablogun]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

Further south from Millbrae is generally just as expensive or more expensive because you're getting into Silicon Valley. Redwood City comes up as affordable but I think the schools are kind of iffy, same with San Mateo? Pacifica could work if you don't mind the brutal chilly fog. Walnut Creek would definitely work in terms of housing and schools but it would be something like an hour long ride on BART. Could maybe do Castro Valley and drive over the San Mateo bridge to SFO.

Pacifica might be interesting. How would that commute be to SFO?

[twins4lynn]

Originally Posted by diablogun

Thanks Twins!

I have perused Craigslist, and have an idea of the prices, but am wondering if you folks have ideas about a nice area where I could rent a nice house for under 3 K (at least a 3/2), which has good schools and a family atmosphere. I would be willing to commute a bit, but it has been a while since I lived in the area, and am open to any suggestions :-)

The three cities I suggested (Millbrae, Burlingame & Belmont) all have very good schools at all levels - elementary, middle and high school. All are family friendly, safe neighborhoods.

[diablogun]

Thank you Twins :-) Has anyone any experience commuting from Pacifica to SFO? Googlemaps does not allow me to time the commute over Sharp park road.

I like it rather cold, so I imagine Pacifica will fit me well.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by diablogun

Thank you Twins :-) Has anyone any experience commuting from Pacifica to SFO? Googlemaps does not allow me to time the commute over Sharp park road.

I like it rather cold, so I imagine Pacifica will fit me well.

If you like it cold, you will like Pacifica. Pacifica has fog and wind much of the time. Sharp Park road goes from about sea level to about 800 ft above sea level by the time you get to I-280. It's bit of a winding road and the fog can be a hazard sometimes especially at night. From I-280/I-380, it's an easy ride to SFO airport.

[diablogun]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

If you like it cold, you will like Pacifica. Pacifica has fog and wind much of the time. Sharp Park road goes from about sea level to about 800 ft above sea level by the time you get to I-280. It's bit of a winding road and the fog can be a hazard sometimes especially at night. From I-280/I-380, it's an easy ride to SFO airport.

Thanks Humbold, I think this will be a good solution as long as I don't drive off a cliff on the commute