Possibly relocating to the San Jose area. Looking for right area to rent single family home (Fremont: credit)

[jshepwnc]

I realize the housing costs in the south bay are ridiculous, knowing that though here is my criteria, what area(s) would you recommend me looking?

I would be working off of N. 7th st. in San Jose.

30-40 min commute
Monthly Rent: 2500-ish
3 bedroom with office/bonus room/basement or 4th bedroom
Single family home (no apts or duplexes!)

One son left in high school and he will be going into the 11th grade next fall. His focus is on music.

Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide

[sonarrat]

First detail, almost no homes have basements here, too expensive to dig/reinforce..

As a former music major, don't count on having strong music programs in the public schools. Most of the schools here are running ragged and can barely support their core curriculum. Unless your student is interested in marching band, I'd recommend looking for musical satisfaction in extracurricular ways..

Good areas to look at on your budget might include Morgan Hill, Fremont, and Blossom Valley in SJ.. the latter varies widely but I'm told has pretty good schools in the 95136 ZIP especially as you go west.

[jaijai]

You might want to consider Los Gatos.
If i needed to live on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz mountains it would be there.
It is pricey but i think with the 2500+, you'll be able to find a good rental.
The commute will be a short one and you'll only be about 1/2 hour (when not during the p.m. commute) from the coast, ie; Santa Cruz, etc..
It's a rather upscale community and i'm not sure but i imagine that their public schools are relatively good.

the Los Gatos CA Official Site!

[jshepwnc]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

First detail, almost no homes have basements here, too expensive to dig/reinforce..

As a former music major, don't count on having strong music programs in the public schools. Most of the schools here are running ragged and can barely support their core curriculum. Unless your student is interested in marching band, I'd recommend looking for musical satisfaction in extracurricular ways..

Good areas to look at on your budget might include Morgan Hill, Fremont, and Blossom Valley in SJ.. the latter varies widely but I'm told has pretty good schools in the 95136 ZIP especially as you go west.

Yea I figured a basement might be a stretch.
Public schools all over the country are in the same situation - blame no child left behind legislation.

Extracurricular is fine, as that is where he is getting his musical fix now.

I am not so interested in the school report cards as he only has two years of high school left and most of his credits so senior year will be a flex year anyways.
More interested in keeping him away from gang bangers and hard drugs.

[jshepwnc]

Originally Posted by jaijai

You might want to consider Los Gatos.
If i needed to live on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz mountains it would be there.
It is pricey but i think with the 2500+, you'll be able to find a good rental.
The commute will be a short one and you'll only be about 1/2 hour (when not during the p.m. commute) from the coast, ie; Santa Cruz, etc..
It's a rather upscale community and i'm not sure but i imagine that their public schools are relatively good.

the Los Gatos CA Official Site!

Thanks I'll check Los Gatos out.

[jshepwnc]

It appears that Los Gatos is a little (or a LOT) outside of my price range.

2,950/mo for 1,100 sf?
4,200/mo for 2,000 sf?

[jshepwnc]

Morgan Hill seems a bit more inline.

2,600 for 1,752 sf
2,400 for 1,716 sf

[jshepwnc]

Fremont
2,360 for 1,600 sf
2,500 for 2,102 sf

[jshepwnc]

How long would commute take from Morgan Hill or Fremont into (and out of) San Jose?

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by jshepwnc

It appears that Los Gatos is a little (or a LOT) outside of my price range.

2,950/mo for 1,100 sf?
4,200/mo for 2,000 sf?

Bummer.
I'm sorry about that.
I should have perused craigslist before i recommended it.