Moving to Redwood City, need tips ( rent , house, crime)

[stinkybrain]

I'm moving from SSF to Redwood City, which is the closest I can get to mountain view and still afford to rent a single family house. Can someone describe the people, atmosphere and provide other useful tips on living in Redwood City, like places to avoid renting, etc. Also, will I need a/c in the summer, day or night?

[sonarrat]

You may need A/C in the summer, but not at night. With the Pacific just over your shoulder, it always cools off to a comfortable temp after the sun goes down.

I've lived in both SSF and RWC, and they're like night and day. The Asian contingent is almost nonexistant in Redwood City. The Hispanic population, however is pronounced, proud and well served. Crime rates are almost equal, with RWC having a slight edge. Even the bad parts of the town aren't totally horrible. I'd just be wary of anything right on Middlefield Road - you might wind up a wee bit too close to a bar or nightclub for comfort. And generally, west of El Camino Real is considered more prestigious though it doesn't really change hugely until you get into the hills.

[MichaelinWA]

Do they still have those signs downtown, that say "Climate Best By Government Test?"

Originally Posted by sonarrat

You may need A/C in the summer, but not at night. With the Pacific just over your shoulder, it always cools off to a comfortable temp after the sun goes down.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by MichaelinWA

Do they still have those signs downtown, that say "Climate Best By Government Test?"

Yes, that sign arches over Broadway near the Caltrain station. Apparently it was a climatological test by the U.S. government back in the '30s which centered on Redwood City as its representative for the Bay Area. It tied with the Canary Islands and North Africa's coast.

[stinkybrain]

Thanks Sonarrat! From what I've seen on craigslist, I don't think any single family homes for rent in RWC have a/c. Oh, well. I'm not used to real summers anymore because SSF is absolutely freezing when that scary fog rolls in, though last summer wasn't too cold.

[sonarrat]

Yeah, they are very different. Nobody has A/C up here.. I've never even used the heater. But in Redwood City I had to keep the furnace on or I froze to death.