Sausalito Ferry to SF Ferry Building commute (San Francisco, Marina: apartment, rentals)

[akka]

We are seriously considering moving to SF from NYC. My wife & I have twins (18 months old). I would be working at the SF ferry building. So, we are looking at maybe moving to Sausalito, within walking distance to the Sausalito ferry terminal, so I can commute to the SF ferry building each day. I have read differing reports on this forum regarding the ferry commute. But, considering my work would be directly at the terminal in SF, and we hope to get an apartment walking distance to the ferry terminal in Sausalito, is this a realistic dream? We are also thinking Sausalito might be a bit more of a relaxed place with the kids - and we may get slightly more space for money with a Sausalito property vs a SF property. Any enlightenment is appreciated! - Alex in NYC

[sonarrat]

That would be a dream commute. I envy you. Short and oh so sweet.

[RandalR]

Originally Posted by akka

...and we may get slightly more space for money with a Sausalito property vs a SF property. Any enlightenment is appreciated! - Alex in NYC

The commute would be very easy, but you won't save any money. Sausalito (and much of Marin County) is more expensive per square foot than San Francisco. And many Sausalito rentals are quite old and drafty - it's a cold and foggy town a lot of the time. If you see something that looks cheap in Sausalito, it's very likely too good to be true and would feel like living in a barn rather than a house.

Renting something newer and higher quality in Southern Marin is going to cost you. You might look into South Beach/Rincon Hill in San Francisco as an alternative - it isn't cheap, either, but it's a short walk to the Ferry Terminal and the housing stock is much newer.

[akka]

I was hoping we would find a 2 bedroom for $3000 a month or under - would that be do-able? From looking on craigslist there seems to be a few here and there.

[sonarrat]

You're hoping to get a 2-bedroom under $3000?!! Please excuse me while I go scream.

[akka]

Can you explain?

[akka]

Will I get one cheaper or not find one at all???????

[sonarrat]

I'm just in disbelief that you would hope to find one for $3000. That's nosebleed territory even for most of SF. You can get a 2-bedroom in the Marina district of San Francisco (top caliber in every sense) if you have that kind of budget, and it may even be rent controlled depending on the age of the property.

[akka]

Wow, thanks for the info. You have to understand, we are coming from the Upper West Side of Manhattan NY. Prices here are astronomical. We are currently living in a One bed 450 sq ft apt. My wife & I and two toddlers in the one bedroom. We pay $2075 a month, which is considered a bargain in our neighborhood. $3k a month gets you a tiny 2 bed here if you are lucky! So, realistically what price range would you figure for a decent 2 bedroom in Sausalito, within walking distance to ferry? Also what is the resource for finding rentals? Craigslist or brokers?

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by akka

Wow, thanks for the info. You have to understand, we are coming from the Upper West Side of Manhattan NY. Prices here are astronomical. We are currently living in a One bed 450 sq ft apt. My wife & I and two toddlers in the one bedroom. We pay $2075 a month, which is considered a bargain in our neighborhood. $3k a month gets you a tiny 2 bed here if you are lucky! So, realistically what price range would you figure for a decent 2 bedroom in Sausalito, within walking distance to ferry? Also what is the resource for finding rentals? Craigslist or brokers?

Craigslist is a good source, but they're so popular in this area that the more attractive rentals get inundated with applications and your chances of getting your dream home can be rather remote. If you're relocating from out of state brokers are definitely worth their weight in gold.