Buy in Richmond vs. Rent in Berkeley (San Diego, San Francisco: rental, condo)

[davdaven]

Has anyone made the move to Richmond in the past year or two? How big of an adjustment has it been? Curious to hear from people who made the move from Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Oakland, Emeryville, Alameda, or San Francisco in particular, as these are urban-ish communities with lots of restaurants, amenities, etc.

I have rented long term in Berkeley and am considering buying a house or condo in Richmond. I have a regular 9-5 gig in San Rafael, so unlike most, I would have a shorter commute if I move. I have been priced out of all the communities listed above, excluding the not-nice parts of Oakland, as my budget is $600,000. I am single with no kids, in my early/mid 30's, and have rent control, so I'm not in a big rush. I'm just over my semi-slumlord experience, as well as the evolving homeless encampments in my neighborhood.

[marcopolo666]

It really depends where in Richmond. There are some really bad places and some really nice parts.

[Ruth4Truth]

Look in the east Richmond hills, OP. There are houses there that look just like some of the nicer homes in Berkeley, or El Cerrito, but smaller, and at much bette4r prices, and with a view of the Bay. There's a mix pf p[topms up there in the hills, but the prices will surprise you. Maybe just drive over there, from El Cerrito; you'll see that the south part of it is an extension of El Cerrito. Take a drive around the neighborhoods, to get a feel for it, maybe on a day that there are a couple of open houses around there. Check our the parks, and the Wildcat Canyon regional park while you're there, too. Enjoy your exploration.

The east Richmond hills would make a nice home, if the right place opens up for you. I can't believe you've been commuting all the way from Berkeley to San Rafael all these years. You might be very happy with your decision to move, if you can find something you like, that's affordable.

[smashystyle]

I would look at Hercules, Pinole, and El Sobrante too. It's a little longer of a commute, but still not bad to Marin (and better or no worse than from Berkeley). Some of those areas remind me of Clairemont and Linda Vista in San Diego, which you mentioned in another thread, right? They also have more shopping/restaurants/amenities than Richmond.

In addition to the historically better neighborhoods in Richmond (annex, the hills, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, the new houses around Hilltop), housing prices in North and East Richmond are up a lot recently which suggests some gentrification. I would also look at Berkeley Parents Network's website for advise/experiences on some of these neighborhoods.

[tstieber]

Originally Posted by smashystyle

I would look at Hercules, Pinole, and El Sobrante too. It's a little longer of a commute, but still not bad to Marin (and better or no worse than from Berkeley). Some of those areas remind me of Clairemont and Linda Vista in San Diego, which you mentioned in another thread, right? They also have more shopping/restaurants/amenities than Richmond.

In addition to the historically better neighborhoods in Richmond (annex, the hills, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, the new houses around Hilltop), housing prices in North and East Richmond are up a lot recently which suggests some gentrification. I would also look at Berkeley Parents Network's website for advise/experiences on some of these neighborhoods.

Outstanding post that completely echoes my sentiments as well. I will double down on what smashystyle said. If you like newer homes, then Hercules has big developments of newer homes as well. Victoria by the Bay sort of combines historic inspiration with a master planned community. They even created a miniature commercial district that feels like an old street.

[2sleepy]

I don't know if you can find a rental in your price range but Point Richmond is great.

[davdaven]

Thanks for the input, folks. I have been hitting up open houses since the beginning of the year, so I've gotten a much better feel for the area now. Previously I was familiar with only a few particular parts of Richmond, such as Pt Richmond and along Cutting Blvd (which is where the bus to Marin goes).

North & East seems to be gentrifying quickly, so it might be now or never. I'll start looking a little further north, based on your feedback. I hadn't looked any further north than North & East until now, but the commute to Hilltop Mall area is comparable to Berkeley based on my experiences of stopping by JCPenney on my way home (may it rest in peace).

[Synchromesh]

My apologies but I would rather live under a bridge in Richmond District than to ever live anywhere in Richmond. Been there once - it's a ghetto. Sure there might be a couple of nicer places but the place is still a total ghetto. Just my $0.02.

[PixelatedTherapy]

Buy in Richmond.

[Abeson]

Theres a really nice coffee shop called Catahoula Coffee on san pablo ave near the el cerrito border. That area is nice. I think buying property anywhere in the immediate bay area would be smart move. Dont rent.