Neighborhood Suggestions (San Francisco, Menlo Park, Millbrae: apartment, rent, neighborhoods)

[lubs12]

I'm looking for any suggestions from those familiar with San Francisco...

I will be moving there in the next few weeks with my wife (from Washington, DC). She will be a full time student at Alliant University near Fisherman's Wharf. I will likely be working full time down in Menlo Park. We're looking for neighborhoods in San Francisco where we both will have decent access to public transportation (I will plan on taking the Caltrain daily).

Does anyone have any suggestions where we should live in San Francisco that's close to public transportation for both of us? I'll obviously have a longer commute.

Any suggestions are very, very welcome as we're not familiar with the area having come from the opposite coast. Thanks a lot.

[humboldtrat]

Check out the South Beach/Mission Bay neighborhood which is near the Caltrain station (4th & King Sts) and also AT&T Park (where the SF Giants play). There is also light rail along King St. and the Embarcadero that goes downtown and other places in the city (even out to the beach).

This area is a bit upscale and expensive. The area has been redeveloped in recent years and many of the buildings are relatively new. South Beach / Mission Bay.

You might consider living on the peninsula (the area south of San Francisco) in one of the suburban towns along the Caltrain line (except near the airport because of the noise). Millbrae would be a good choice as there is a combined BART/Caltrain station there with plenty of parking. Rent will be a bit cheaper than living in SF.

[sonarrat]

South Beach, Financial District, or Potrero Hill. Visitacion Valley also has a Caltrain station (Bayshore), but I wouldn't recommend anyone unfamiliar with the area to live there. Look at South Beach first, the area right around the AT&T ballpark and the main Caltrain station.

[lubs12]

Thanks for the suggestions. I realize cost is a concern for most people in the Bay Area but since we'll likely be operating on a single income it's definitely a concern for us as well.

[bigdave01]

Are you looking for something more urban and vibrant, or a more suburban area? Like said earlier South Beach would be great, although its expensive, or in a more suburban town near a caltrain station.

[lubs12]

Urban is preferred but we are keeping all options open at this point. Studio apartment would be acceptable if necessary in order to make the area affordable.