Working in Palo Alto- where should we live? (San Francisco, Oakland: apartment, for rent)

[travelnursey]

I may be getting a job in Palo Alto, for which I'd have to work 3 12-hr shifts during the day. Right now, I'm living in Alameda (in corporate-paid housing), which my partner and I both LOVE. We are in our late 20s/early 30s, like to eat out, have drinks, go to jazz clubs occasionally, explore San Francisco and Oakland, go to farmers' markets, run on the beach, and generally enjoy an urban lifestyle (I know, Alameda isn't exactly "urban", but it is so close to everything, plus we really enjoy the quirkiness of the island). We have a small dog and no kids. I'd love to live in the City, and he wants to live near water (we're right by the beach right now in Alameda). Our limit for rent is around 1600.

Anyway we've ruled out San Mateo (he thinks it's in the middle of nowhere!). Where would be a good place for a young couple who is child-free and active to live? Or does staying put in Alameda and just commuting those 3 days out of the week not sound too crazy?

[humboldtrat]

If you're commuting 3 days a week, stay in Alameda

[atkinsbeach]

I'd stay in Alameda. Palo Alto is suburban boredom by my standards and I highly doubt that you will like what you would find for $1,600.00 per month rent. We pay well beyond that for an apartment just under 600 square feet.

[Jonotastic]

You may be able to get a 1 bedroom apt near the beach in Sunset for $1600, check craigslist.