Home purchase in peninsula/east bay - need recommendations

[duncus.colossus]

We wanted to be closer to Menlo Park because my wife commutes to work every day (yes, her employer, Facebook, provides shuttle service), and I telecommute most days of the week - and even if I drive to work I'm very flexible on time.

We visited this new construction in Newark
Shade at Timber - Trumark Homes – Trumark Homes
and really liked the model homes and the floor plans, which also fit in our budget.
Would be interested in hearing opinions on this location, the builder etc.

Thanks for all the replies thus far. I will widen my search and checkout all the other suggested areas too.

[smashystyle]

I know I said this before, but cross-post your question in the San Jose forum: http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-jose/ You will get more informed opinions about Newark than you will on here.

[duncus.colossus]

Posted on the San Jose forum. Thanks for the tip!

[phantompilot]

Originally Posted by duncus.colossus

We’re recent transplants to the San Francisco Bay area, currently renting an apartment in Redwood City.

We are starting to research areas to buy a home in.
Ideally a 3 bedroom home, preferably detached, with 2 car covered parking, no more than $1 million. (Ideal home size > 1500 sq.ft)
Safe neighborhood a definite requirement. Schools not terribly important (no kids), as long as they aren’t bad. We're leaning towards new constructions, but wouldn't rule out resales.

My wife works in Menlo Park and I work in San Jose. As of now, my work time is fully flexible so I’m able to avoid peak traffic.
We’d like to keep commute short to the extent possible.
We were looking at new constructions in Newark and Fremont. Wife would cross Dumbarton and I’d take 880 South to San Jose, but also wanted to see if there are any other options, any areas to avoid or definitely look at etc.

This is likely too broad a question, but any pointers on locations, new constructions etc. would be highly appreciated.

What about East Palo Alto? Should be some tear down inventory and with a 1M budget you should be able to make something happen there.

[ssmaster]

Originally Posted by Eastbaynative

Hello, I am a Realtor in the East Bay. A NEW home in that Silicon Valley location for that price will be very tough. I've seen some homes in the Dublin area that are town house style. I just sold a NEW home in Oakley called Summerlake that is 2700 sq ft on a small Lake for $600,000. The backyard is right on the lake. Many people are buying in the Brentwood Oakley area and commuting to Silicon Valley or San Francisco because it is so much more affordable. BART will be coming this way also. The further East you go from Silicon Valley or San Francisco the better the pricing will be. Yes the commute will be worse but you get a lot more for your money. Any questions you might have i would be happy to help answer.

Oakl to SF is a 2 hour commute each way during rush hour.i would not even consider that.

[ambessa]

Hey Duncus, I replied to your other post but posting here too. Basically, we were in a similar situation middle of last year (looking to buy, wanted to keep price under $1M, no kids yet, I work in SSF and wife works in Palo Alto) and ended up buying in Newark. Honestly, we have been really happy with our decision. We like that Newark is a small/quiet town and it's close to a lot of things. We live closer to Mowry and Trader Joes, Sprouts and Whole Foods are within 5 mins of driving from our place. Good food options nearby (again, off of Mowry but also in Pacific Commons). NewPark Mall is getting a makeover and are excited for the new movie theater nearby. Lake Elizabeth is a good spot for a jog. All in all, really good spot.

Hope you find what you are looking for though. In the end, it's a very subjective decision. Oh, favorite thing about living here (though this will likely matter more to your wife) but I can get to the mouth of the dumbarton bridge WITHOUT getting on the 880 freeway!! Man oh man...what a difference that makes!! I can't really speak to the commute to SJ and back...but, if you imagine going north on 880, my guess is that traffic congestion picks up a lot once you pass the Mowry Ave. Anyhow, hope this helps!

[ambessa]

I just read through some of the other replies. Morgan Hill, Dublin, etc...is just too far away. Check out Cherry St, Boyce Rd., and Cushing Parkway...they run parallel to 880 freeway and I find them to be a fantastic way to avoid the 880 freeway, especially during traffic hours.