Relocating to Oakland (Fremont, Hayward, Concord: apartment, to rent, how much)

[BDehv]

I'm relocating to Oakland and need to find a place ASAP. I'm to begin working there the second week of March. I'm not sure how soon I can find a home for my kids and I. I'm looking to rent from a personal landlord and not property management because I don't have time to jump through hoops for them. But - maybe they would be willing to work with me? I just don't know.

what I also don't know is what is NOT a good area to live in around there. I heard East Oakland wasn't so great, but what other area's should I steer clear of? What parts of Richmond for example? I will not go further south of East Oakland - due to traffic (although really i'm not sure of how much traffic there is driving from Richmond to Oakland either).

I'm in a bind right now, stressed beyond compare, and needing help. I will have a chance to go down and view places prior to starting but not much. Just trying to find someone who would be willing to give me a chance.

Any help, ideas? Please, no criticism here - just useful information - thanks.

[04kL4nD]

What's your budget? Oakland rents vary widely, but generally the cheaper something is, the worse the area.

Landlords typically demand first, last, deposit and/or paystubs. Some of them might look the other way, but most don't.

[BDehv]

2.5 of rent for my budget is $1,300 or 1/3 is $1500. I would prefer on the lower end of the spectrum but I do know that I'll be sacrificing and that's not really what I want for my kids.

So in between there.

i heard it was illegal to ask for all three: 1st, last, & Deposit.... did that change?

As long as they are asking for 1st & deposit, I can do that right now. I was laid off for a month and recalled but obtained a job two days after the layoff that ended only so I could accept the recall and have enough time to move. So I hope they will be able to look at that retrospectively....

[04kL4nD]

That is a very low budget if you are looking for a 3BR apartment or house. Many 1BRs start at $1200, 2BRs are around $1600 a month- at least in safe/desirable areas.

[BDehv]

yes, i was looking into 3bd, but was considering 2. It sounds like a fairy tale now to think I can find something decent - and am willing to look further north for sure. - What are commuting options? Someone mentioned that but I haven't any idea how that works. Sounds a bit random.

[04kL4nD]

Where will you be working? Some job centers are located near a BART station or a bus stop. Where are you relocating from?

[BDehv]

I will be working in downtown Oakland - relocating from Red Bluff area.

[Ruth4Truth]

I just took a quick look on Craigslist, and there isn't much in your price range that isn't a unit in a big building or complex. I also included Fremont, where rents are a little lower, schools are good, and there's a BART for an easy commute. Take a look, yourself.

[04kL4nD]

I would look into Concord, Pleasant Hill, and/or Hayward. Since you'll be working in DTO, you can take BART and minimize sitting in traffic. It'll be about a 25-30 minute BART ride depending on the area, but you might have better luck than in Oakland.

[wooliemonster]

Parking in DTO isn't going to be cheap, either. Since you are on a very tight budget, I second the idea of a less expensive outlaying community and taking BART to your office. The safer, family oriented parts of central Oakland are not in your budget.