Moving the family can you help us in identifying good/convenient places to live? (San Francisco: apartment)

[DKasell]

I have been given a huge opportunity by my company to move out to SF office on California St. I am a New Yorker even though I went to school in Vermont and have lived in Allentown, PA and Baltimore, MD, as well as Boston, MA. but really I'm a NYC boy. Even though I can drive, I don't usually drive and my wife does our driving with our 17 month old.

CRITICALLY, MY WIFE WANTS A PhD or PsyD and we are not at all familiar with what is good out there because she has focused so much on programs in NYC.

We are thinking about taking the chance and moving out to SF. I am told I can live pretty well for the same $1950 we pay now, but I have no clue as to where to look that will be good for our family and not too rough in commuting for me and will still allow for her to pursue her degree.

Of course, we appreciate the conveniences NYC has offered (stores open all hours, wildly diverse food and people) but we think the move could offer us, (our family and the dog too)things NYC does not-- like a backyard in exchange for some of those conveniences.

MYQUSETION IS-- CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME PLACES TO LOOK TO LIVE so I can still take BART or Muni that won't kill me AND where my gal can still complete her doctorate?


Thanks for the help!!

[humboldtrat]

Berkeley (Univ. of Cal) or the Rockridge section of Oakland. Both are on the BART line. I'm not sure about finding a rental with a back yard for $1950.

[mdwstrnkid]

$1950 doesn't necessarily get you a whole lot in the City. What type of place are you looking for?

[ANC]

We live in a tiny 1-bedroom apartment just outside the city in a cheaper area. We're paying almost $1,800 a month for what is little more than a closet. You'll be able to get a studio or maybe a small 1-bedroom unit in San Francisco for that. The more family-oriented areas cost a good deal more. Whoever told you you can live pretty well on $1,950 per month with a child in what I presume you'd want to be a family area is simply wrong. I hate to break it to you. And if you're hoping for even a teeny private piece of grass that's not even a yard, you may as well ask the sky to rain chocolate pudding.