San Mateo vs Alameda

[kacy1]

Originally Posted by jade408

What part of Oakland do you live in now? You might be better served by living in a better part of Oakland.

macarthur and 40th st west oak near telegraph so pretty close to DT oak...just the air quality, bums and really small apartment is really getting to me..im fed up.

[kgbnsf]

You should visit both cities and try the commute from both before deciding.

Alameda is very nice and has what you are looking for. I'm sure San Mateo does too although I haven't been there in awhile.

As for the commute, avoid multiple transfers- each one involves building in extra time to make sure you get the connection. Walking from the Transbay Terminal to Powell/Market is a typical walk that many do. The ferry is another option and again, most people would walk to Powell and Market from the ferry terminal. In fact, it would probably quicker to walk both distances than public transit. As for commutes, door to door (alameda to downtown Financial district) was usually 40-50 minutes. The ferry is roughly the same amount of time. The tranbay busses make a few stops in Alameda and then are express to SF. There are three transbay lines that serve Alameda so you have options. Also, there are local buses to the nearby BART station too, so that is an option I would occasionally mix in my commute for variety.

Regarding San Mateo- driving to a Caltrain parking lot and then dealing with finding a parking spot is a bit of a hassle and doesn't compare to walking a block or two to get your bus direct into the city.

Geographically, Alameda is closer to SF, and as the other poster indicated, while there is some nightlife in Alameda, with Oakland and SF being so close, it's not a big deal going there and that is what most people do. Although downtown has been improving in the past few years.

Good luck and check out both cities first! Also, decide where you intend to spend your free time. It's not that easy to get from the peninsula to the Eastbay. That alone may be your deciding factor.

[sn63]

Personally I would choose San Mateo, its close to the city, you don't need to pay a bridge toll to access the city or the coastline and it has a great little vibe downtown with bars and places to eat. San Mateo isn't as exciting as Palo Alto or Mountain View but it has enough going on to stay content during the week. I think the best Japanese food around is located in San Mateo.

[Abeson]

I grew up on bayfarm island so i choose alameda. If u wanna go to SF take the ferry its awesome.

[kacy1]

Ferry is more expensive right. I can do that but it would take the same time as the 0 bus. And instead of walking to the bus stop I would have to drive to the ferry parking lot.

I also wonder how I am to come back home from work if I miss the 0 bus from SF terminal. I mean it only comes every half hour I think so one would have to wait for the next one!

[jade408]

Originally Posted by kacy1

Ferry is more expensive right. I can do that but it would take the same time as the 0 bus. And instead of walking to the bus stop I would have to drive to the ferry parking lot.

I also wonder how I am to come back home from work if I miss the 0 bus from SF terminal. I mean it only comes every half hour I think so one would have to wait for the next one!

BART + 51 or uber is one option. I do a bus/bart convo when i miss a transbay.