What is the best city NEAR SF to live in? (Oakland: rental, houses)

[lucidsea]

I'd love to live in SF but it's so costly there. It seems like a better idea, economically, to live in one of the surrounding cities. What do you think?

Thanks

[uptown_urbanist]

What is it about SF that you like? If you can be a little more specific about your favorite things about the city, or what kind of place or neighborhood you prefer (and some rough idea of price range) then people can probably give you better advice as to what surrounding areas would be a good fit.

Keep in mind that there are a range of neighborhoods in SF, too, with some (admittedly relatively) affordable options. Depending on where you're working and living transportation can be a factor, too; we offset some of our higher rental price by not having to own a car, which may not be as easy in some parts of the Bay Area. And if you live too far away then even public transportation costs can add up.

Speaking from experience (not in SF, but elsewhere) it can be really frustrating to live near, but not in, the city you really love. On the other hand, there are lots of interesting places to live around the region outside of SF itself.

[reljab]

That depends,
if you have kids or plan to have them, than you should consider Pleasanton.
It has direct Bart (train) connection to the city.

[emmekay]

I live in Windsor, one and a half hours North of SF. It's affordable, friendly, and near the best spots in the Wine Country. Check it out!

[katerinaver]

Yes it is vey expensive. Generally speaking Sf is somewhat more expensive than the surrounding neighburhoods in the peninsula. Look into San Bruno, Millbrae, San Mateo. The rent is a little cheaper there. We rent a one bedroom for $1200, but on avarage rent is about $1300-2000!

[ANC]

Look into Pacifica. Ten minutes and you're in the city. Quiet town, right on the beach.

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

Daly City is about 15min from downtown SF (20min by BART) and is generally affordable.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Berkeley, Oakland, Daly City ... you get some of the "City" feel (DC even has row houses) and yet it's much cheaper. Of course, need to pay attention to which hood, there are rough patches in all three places.

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

Berkeley, Oakland, Daly City ... you get some of the "City" feel (DC even has row houses) and yet it's much cheaper. Of course, need to pay attention to which hood, there are rough patches in all three places.

Yeah DC gets a bit more sketch as you get closer to the Mission but I stay out near Skyline blvd which is pretty clean.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by iTsLiKeAnEgG

Yeah DC gets a bit more sketch as you get closer to the Mission but I stay out near Skyline blvd which is pretty clean.

Also, Westlake is excellent. The redone mall there is a key feature.