SAFE, fun neighborhood for younger girl (San Francisco, Sacramento: rent, home, safe neighborhood)

[fungirl816]

I'm considering taking a job in San Francisco. I would love to live in the city but don't have the budget for it (probably around 1000 for a 1 bedroom). Not opposed to living in a suburb but my job is in the finanical distict in SF. Where is a good place to look to live. I'm an early 20s girl so feeling safe in the big city is VERY important but I like the city atmosphere (bars, shops, restaurants).

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[KRISTINsf]

Try the Outter Richmond.

$1,100 for my one-bedroom.

My friend had a 1-bedroom for $950 near Clement.

[ktop]

i moved to SF by myself a few years ago and lived by myself for years. i never paid more than 1,050 for a place, i don't have a car and i worked in the financial district so it had to be convenient and safe. if you want a really safe neighborhood i would say russian hill. i had a studio there, but it was HUGE. bigger than the 1 bedroom i lived in after that. paid $1,050 and it was in great shape. i never had any problems walking around by myself late at night or anything. easy buses to the financial district or a 20 minute (but hilly) walk.

i also lived in potrero hill, which i loved. that would be better if you have a car because parking there is so easy. less convenient if you are relying on public transportation.

[AcousticGarden]

Walnut Creek. It's a suburb, but with a great vibe suitable for your age. Free bus to BART, which you can take to the Financial District. Much safer living, with a lot of night life none-the-less.

[fungirl816]

Thanks for all your help!

Here's a twist to my situation. My boyfriend may be moving in with me. He works primarily from home but will also be working in the Sacramento area 1-2 days a week. What is a convenient area for me to still be able to take BART to the city and still convenient for him to get to Sacramento easy?

Thanks again for your help!

[AcousticGarden]

I still think Walnut Creek will be an excellent place for you.

[NorthernCalifornia]

Somewhere with BART that also has an ACE train stop. Look up Amtrak ACE and BART maps on the web. Castro Valley or Pleasanton might be good for you.

[sonarrat]

Oakland would also qualify, but of course it isn't terribly safe.

With this new info, I have to ask.. would you be willing to live in Sacramento? If only one person has to do a nasty commute, it saves you a lot of money, and it's a lot less expensive to live in our capitol. Walnut Creek is the worst of all worlds - you both have a terrible commute AND have to pay Bay Area costs of living.

[fungirl816]

Unfortunately living in Sacramento won't work. He will only have to be there 1-2 days a week MAYBE and I will have to be in downtown San Francisco EVERYDAY! Therefore, must to his dismay, my commute is more important. Clearly with two incomes our preferred rent would be higher than 1000 but we woul like to be below 1500. We both love San Francisco and don't want to give away pleasure of living in the city by living to far out.

Thanks again for all the help!

[kindafedup]

LOVE this post. Got very good suggestions. I am going to be in your boat when I make the actual move. How do I save this post on my account??