new to San Jose (Corona, Alameda: budget, apartments, trip)

[DarezGhost]

Hello people,

I just recently moved from Orlando, FL to San Jose for a job at a major tech company. The first major obstacle that I faced when I arrived was finding an apartment. The prices of even small 1br apartments is just insane, I couldn't find anything within reasonable range both in terms of price and distance to work. However, after a week of searching, I was able to find a place that met my budget and work commute requirements. The apartment is located at the intersection of 1st Street N and Taylor Street. Now that I have settled in (completing 1 week tomorrow), I'm trying to get used to the surroundings. One of the main things that is causing problems for me at the moment is that there seem to be no fast food drive thru's around here! :P I am single, and generally don't cook. I eat lunch at work, and then get something on the way home from work for dinner. So basically to get dinner, I have to either (1) drop at a relatively expensive place and pay 10 to 15 bucks a meal, or (2) go out of my way to find a mcdonalds or burger king or kfc and waste money on gas. The closest drive thru to my apartment is a Carl Jr's in the stripmall on Coleman ave. But their food is disgusting The problem is amplified on the weekends, because I have to worry about 2 meals :P So, if anyone can help me discover some drive thru's around the area, or perhaps recommend a daily meal plan, I would really appreciate it! thanks in advance!

[Luke9686]

START COOKING!!! Thats my recommendation for a meal plan. Not only is eating fast food everyday expensive, it's also very unhealthy.

If you go straight down Taylor to The Alameda there is several choices right in that area. There is a TOGO's (sandwiches), Subway, A little sandwich shop (I think its called The Sandwich Shop), and several GREAT Mexican joints.

The Alameda is about 5 blocks past Coleman. You could go north on 1st and I'm Sure West Hedding has some options too. Thats the problem with living that close to downtown... Not many drive thru's.

Did you look on Craigslist for apartments?? I found several around $1K closer to restaurants, shops, etc...

[xThomasTroublex]

Dude, drive-thru dining is way unhealthy. I'm not sure how adventurous you are, but there are tons of great ethnic restaurants in your area. Most of these places are very reasonably priced and it can be a nice change of pace from the norm. Japantown is pretty close by and there are a number of great noodle/sushi shops. Personally, I like Hukilau which a Hawaiian-themed restaurant and bar. You may also want to check out the big Chinese/Vietnamese plaza off of Brokaw (I think). Lots of good, cheap eats there. Likewise, there are lots of wonderful taquerias and panederias in the Taylor Street area as well. Hmm, you should also definitely check out the Falafel Drive-In on San Carlos. If all of this still sounds a little out of your comfort zone... check out Sonoma Chicken, Specialties Bakery, the clubhouse at SJ Muni, and Top Dog - All of which should be relatively cheap, fast, and close by.

I often search for new places on yelp.com as well as the Metro. Both are a great resource.

[MichaelinWA]

The aforementioned Togos is a good alternative to conventional fast food joints. There is - or used to be - one on 1st.

When I lived downtown, I liked Taqueria Corona. Really good, reasonably priced Mexican food, in Japantown of all places.

[aguamarina4u]

Take a trip to Trader Joe's and stock up on their ready made meals in the freezer and fresh sections. Plus they have a fine selection of already made salads and such.

[DMenscha]

I think you should keep going with the junk food and start guzzling Pepsi's at work. Dude! you gotta geek out entirely! Gain 50 or 100 pounds. If you don't already own "Supersize Me" rent it!

It's no fun to cook for one, but seriously, grab a cookbook and make something just like it says. Then you'll have leftovers for a few days. If you get good at cooking, you may even attract a member of the opposite sex!

[sonarrat]

I suppose you could take 87 to the Popeye's on Capitol Expressway. It's true that there isn't much downtown - you have to go south to find much of anything. There's also a McDonald's I used to go to on North First north of Brokaw, you can take the light-rail.

[Luke9686]

[quote=Hmm, you should also definitely check out the Falafel Drive-In on San Carlos. QUOTE]


Excellent suggestion. I love that place!

[So Cal Dreams]

Congrats on the new position, and Orlando to San Jose is a looooong move.

However, if you are single still young and want to enjoy yourself. This is the wrong city. I moved here about two years ago and cannot stand it.

Good luck with the girls, If you like attractive women who have an ounce of personality this is not the spot. Socal is where its at. In San Jose your gonna get sick of meeting girls who are a 5 or 6 on the scale, but expect to be treated like a dime. Its stupid.

I hate to rain on your parade but this city sucks.

Peace out

[krudmonk]

Yeah, San Jose is not the place to get the juvenile MTV lifestyle. Go down south for that crap.