Commute to Menlo Park (Sunnyvale, Santa Clara: apartments, to rent, house)

[mparker23]

Relocating to penninsula for job in Menlo Park.

Renter, not buyer.

Saving for home, so need cheap rent. But have two kids that I want in good elementary schools, meaning great teachers, quality parents/peers (not worried about higher grades, will be sending private if job works out).
Also want a safe neighborhood.

Currently looking at apartments (3 bedrooms) on craigslist and googling to locate some of the larger corporate run complexes that don't post there. Areas we are looking in are Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos and maybe as far as Santa Clara. I'd prefer to stay south (not north like San Mateo) since there is a private school in Los Altos that I will send my kids to once our finances turn for the better.

Can anyone speak to this plan, am i missing anything? Any gems within my criteria? We've never lived in the area and have no family/friends there so your help is very very much appreciated.

[humboldtrat]

I think you will have problems finding a 3 bedroom apt. Not many exist - most apts are either 1 or 2 bedrooms. You might have to rent a house for 3 bedrooms

Oak Creek Apartments is a large complex in Palo Alto near Stanford hospital/university - but no 3 bedroom apts. And this place isn't cheap. Palo Alto does have good schools.

[sonarrat]

Try Cupertino. Better stock of apartments than any of the others you mention, and easy commute on 280 to Menlo Park.