Advice on Apartments in San Mateo / Burlingame (San Jose, Oakland: rentals, living)

[soccerbabe]

Hi everyone!
I've been looking for a place to live on the peninsula, and have looked for 2+ months with no luck. I work in SF, and currently live near San Jose and have been doing the long commute in via the Caltrain baby bullet. I'm looking to shorten the commute and live in a decent place (preferably with a pool). I'm looking for a 2 BR place that is quiet, clean, and close to Cal-train or Bart without being right near the tracks.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which apartments (or websites) to look at? I have been checking out apts on Craigslist, but haven't had any luck. The "nice" places are all upwards of $2200, which I may have to just bite the bullet and do it. I would like to spend between $1600 - $1800 per month because I'd like to save money. Please help! I've been spending all my weekends looking and I'm exhausted. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I've looked at apartmentratings.com, and almost all apts have bad ratings. Anyone know of any good apartments in the San Mateo or Burlingame area?

Thanks!

[sonarrat]

The state of rentals in that area is pretty sad. Lots of very expensive but unimpressive buildings; the peninsula is definitely pricier than the South Bay. Would you be open to the East Bay? You could possibly consider Rockridge, Uptown or the Old Oakland district. My feeling living on the peninsula was that it was too insular and sleepy to be interesting for long.

[humboldtrat]

Try Hillsdale Garden Apts. Hillsdale Garden Apartments in San Mateo, CA - San Mateo, California Apartment Rentals | Essex Property Trust. It's a large complex next to the Hillsdale mall and within walking distance of the Hillsdale Caltrain station. I have never lived there and know nothing else about the place.