San Francisco housing and living?! (San Jose, Oakland: rentals, neighborhoods, prices)

[Citizen Z]

Hey all, I'm looking to get back to the Bay and was wondering if the housing situation is quite as ridiculous as it currently seems. Would it be feasible at all to expect a decent studio (at least 12 by 16 living area, with bath and kitchen) in the city (preferably) or in the South bay (within a few miles of the city) for around $1200-$1300 a month? Also an in-law with a private entrance would be acceptable. Location is relatively open besides maybe some parts of Hunters Point or Sunnydale, some parts of the TL I could tolerate (away from Turk St.).

This may be a stretch but does anyone have experience with living aboard in the bay area as in living docked in a small sailboat? I have been considering this for a while but I imagine something like that would entail a long wait list especially in a city like San Francisco or Sausalito.

Just wondering what the actual situation is over there besides what I can see on Craigslist and similar sites.

Thanks in advance!

[bmw335xi]

Go to craigslist and check

[Citizen Z]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Go to craigslist and check

I've already checked Craigslist but I figure the full market isn't represented (especially in regards to agents etc.) and it's hard to tell whether all of those posts are legitimate or not. Also many could be total dumps it's relatively hard to get the full perspective on a place from 2-3 pictures. Thanks!

[bmw335xi]

Craigslist is the main source for rentals though, especially $5k/month or less listings. You'll most likely need room mates for your budget. However, you should find some with your own private bathroom in good areas for $1300/month.

[gone down south]

Craigslist is 98% of the rental market in the Bay Area.

[mayorhaggar]

Originally Posted by Citizen Z

Would it be feasible at all to expect a decent studio (at least 12 by 16 living area, with bath and kitchen) in the city (preferably) or in the South bay (within a few miles of the city) for around $1200-$1300 a month?

Not in SF. Maybe 5 years ago. I dunno what studio prices are somewhere like Millbrae though these days. The South Bay is the San Jose area and is about 45 miles from SF.

If you really want to live on your own I'd look at Oakland, prices there are pretty much always less than in SF and San Mateo County. The Lake Merritt area would work.

[Tomlcsc]

It's absolutely feasible to find renting in that price range.

Biggest issue is demand for those units though. You may want to brace yourself for a competitive market but I know there's quite a few neighborhoods like the Outer Richmond/Outer Sunset or southern parts of the city where you can easily find something in that price range. Good luck!

Not trying to be a C-D hater but don't believe everything people write on these things. People can be really pessimistic on these forums sometimes.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Tomlcsc

It's absolutely feasible to find renting in that price range.

Biggest issue is demand for those units though. You may want to brace yourself for a competitive market but I know there's quite a few neighborhoods like the Outer Richmond/Outer Sunset or southern parts of the city where you can easily find something in that price range. Good luck!

Not trying to be a C-D hater but don't believe everything people write on these things. People can be really pessimistic on these forums sometimes.

I agree.

I think some of the members here are paid by the city of Oakland.

[Citizen Z]

Thanks Tom, bmw, mayor. Sounds competitive but doable pretty much the vibe I was getting, thanks for the feedback guys!