Where should I go- Please help me! (San Jose, San Francisco: relocating, budget)

[Xtreme532]

Hi Everyone,

I am contemplating relocating to the San Jose area soon. My wife and I both plan on having good jobs (as does everyone I guess) and we have never lived in CA. I have already prepared myself for the shock, but I am coming out there soon to check it out, but have no idea where to begin. My wife and I are both young (early twenties) and very active ( we love biking, climbing, running, hiking, all of that outdoor stuff) and we also enjoy areas where we can cruise in on our bikes at night for dinner, or to a cafe or something. A place where you dont have to go far to do things like eat and get groceries and relax. With all of that in mind, just starting out we wont be able to afford much. So where should I be sure to look during my weekend out there as far as places to live goes? Not to worried about the commute and I like to have quick access to trails and parks. So with all of that said please reccommend to me some places you think I would enjoy to live so I can check them out when I come. Basically where are the "spots" for active young couples? Thanks a lot!!

[aguamarina4u]

Check out the west side of Morgan Hill. Use Google maps to view it and see all the parks and resv/lakes that surround this town. Uvas Road by Uvas Resv is stunning and so pretty to bike and the scenic Canada Road over by Coyote Resv is absolutely beautiful, very popular spots for those who like to ride bikes.

We even have a Trader Joe's in town now:-)

[J-Lu]

If you want to be in the San Jose area, I would recommend either Campbell or Los Gatos. I would say live in Campbell (near Pruneyard area) and hang out in Los Gatos. LG has a lot of restaurants and good biking/running trails. There are lots of young and fit people around. And it's a very beautiful little town. It's expensive, but if you are both working you should be able to afford a 1 br apt.

[gizmo980]

I'd suggest looking into Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, or Campbell. Mountain View in particular has what you're looking for, but it might be on the expensive side of your budget (not sure what that is!). My sister and her husband live there, and seem to have similar lifestyles to you... they are in their early-mid 30s, but very active, social & outdoors-y types. Mtn. View has a great downtown, Castro St., where people sit and drink coffee/tea or dine at the MANY good restaurants. It's also fairly bike-friendly, since most of the town is flat (as opposed to many other cities around here)... Steven's Creek trail is a popular place to bike and roller-blade. Though I should warn you to bike safely, since my sister's neighbor was recently killed by an oncoming car! I don't remember exactly where it happened, but this guy was an expert rider, so it's definitely a concern. Anyway, these are my suggestions, but it would help to know how much you'd like to spend - and also whether you're considering anything north of Santa Clara cty.

[gigi927]

I agree with Gizmo and the other poster that mentioned both Mountain View and Los Gatos. Both have great little downtown areas that are walkable and fun, both are gorgeous areas and close to airport. Tons of recreational opportunites nearby - hiking, biking, tennis, you name it.

Mountain View is closer in to San Francisco if you're wanting to ever go there for their dining and nightlife. We lived in Mountain View for 3 years when we were DINKs and had a blast. It's expensive, but a great lifestyle. Definitely go visit and check out Los Charros Mexican restaurant...if it's still there. A good old place from Mountain View's less upscale days!