San Jose vs. Pleasanton (Fremont, Sunnyvale: apartment, rental, crime)

[cand1781]

My husband's job was relocated to Sunnyvale. We are moving from NJ and have NO idea where to live.

Initially, we were looking at the San Jose area but are now considering Pleasanton. Our biggest concerns are school district/family friendly neighborhood and crime rate... however I don't want to rule out the commute either.

We have a 2 1/2 yr. old and I am pregnant and due in December. Therefore, I am not sure if we should focus on being closer to Sunnyvale so my husband won't be home from work ridiculously late, after sitting in ridiculous traffic, or focus on Pleasanton, where is just seems absolutely beautiful and lots to do with the kids. Fremont is also under consideration.


Any input is appreciated.

[humboldtrat]

Why not Sunnyvale itself? Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino are for the most part nice, safe suburbia.

[cand1781]

Looking for single family home, 3-4 bed, 2 bath, no more than $750K. Unfortunately, Sunnyvale, Mt. View and Cupertino have nothing in that price range.

[capoeira]

Pleasanton will be a nightmare commute to Sunnyvale. There is only one way to get there and this leads to tremendous traffic bottlenecks. I suggesting renting in Sunnyvale,Campbell or select parts of San Jose until you get to know the area.

[marcopolo666]

Originally Posted by capoeira

Pleasanton will be a nightmare commute to Sunnyvale. There is only one way to get there and this leads to tremendous traffic bottlenecks. I suggesting renting in Sunnyvale,Campbell or select parts of San Jose until you get to know the area.

Read this thread for more info :
http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-j...a-commute.html

Livermore is several miles further away from Sunnyvale than Pleasanton, but the botlenecks and commute possibilities are about the same.

[StandingRoomOnly]

Originally Posted by cand1781

Looking for single family home, 3-4 bed, 2 bath, no more than $750K. Unfortunately, Sunnyvale, Mt. View and Cupertino have nothing in that price range.

Actually Sunnyvale will have 3/4 bedroom houses in your price range of 750k. Although there is very low inventory right now since houses are FLYING off the market (literally). The houses won't be up-to-par with houses you will be able to be able to buy if you take the long commute, but I guess you decide whether you want a larger/newer/updated home or a short commute.

If you are looking at Pleasanton, may also want to look into Morgan Hill (both will be the same commute times from what I can see).

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by StandingRoomOnly

Actually Sunnyvale will have 3/4 bedroom houses in your price range of 750k. Although there is very low inventory right now since houses are FLYING off the market (literally). The houses won't be up-to-par with houses you will be able to be able to buy if you take the long commute, but I guess you decide whether you want a larger/newer/updated home or a short commute.
.

Yes, but these homes will not be in the neighborhoods with the best schools. To get that in Sunnyvale, expect to pay $1M+.

[5thgenSF]

how about menlo park?

$550, 000
1334 Carlton Avenue, Menlo Park CA - Trulia

[darkeconomist]

Originally Posted by capoeira

Pleasanton will be a nightmare commute to Sunnyvale. There is only one way to get there and this leads to tremendous traffic bottlenecks. I suggesting renting in Sunnyvale,Campbell or select parts of San Jose until you get to know the area.

2nd on the commute and on the rental suggestion. Rent an apartment for 6 months-1 year; you'll be better able to judge prices, commutes, etc. than you can right now. Simply, you need to acclimate to the south Bay before you jump in to a long-term living situation (i.e., a house).

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by 5thgenSF

how about menlo park?

$550, 000
1334 Carlton Avenue, Menlo Park CA - Trulia

That's in East Menlo Park with a complete Black/Hispanic population and has crime "issues". The area is somewhat run down.