Looking to buy home in Bay Area (East Bay or Fremont) for <$500k

[Mr. Fantastic]

Oakland has the highest violent crime rate in the state. The "nice areas" are huge McMansions in the hills that don't fall in the 500k range. Unless you want to live in killing fields with drug dealers at every corner, stay away from Oakland.

[gbufete]

Hi! I happened to live in Fremont, Ca. and I love it here. We have good schools here Public as well as Private. I have a 7th grader myself (will be 8th next year). At $500K - $600K, 3bd 2Baths SF is still possible (nowadays) but not 3,000 sq. ft., usually around 1,700 sq. ft. only. To Berkeley 30-40 minutes is possible but of course that depends on the flow of traffic. The BART (train system) is an option going to San Francisco or Berkeley or Oakland. I think you and your family will love it here.

I'd be glad if I could be of help to you. You can ask me any questions about Fremont, Union City, Newark (CA), Hayward and Milpitas. Those are the nearby cities. I'm actually a Realtor, but don't let it stop you from asking questions. I'm just here at the forum, hoping I could be of help (feel free to contact me [EMAIL="gigsb@yahoo.com"]gigsb@yahoo.com[/EMAIL]). Thanks and good luck!

[aslowdodge]

Unless you do a townhouse most of the tri valley is out which to me is the most desirous area to be in. Very good schools there and pretty safe. At $500K you might get a small 1200 sq ft, built in 60's tract home 3/2 needing a little work in Dublin. My friend is in escrow right now on that exactly. Be aware that it might not be easy as the lower priced homes sometimes get into bidding wars where the winner is the one who offered all cash at $30k over. For me living in a tiny house there is better than getting more house in any of the other areas.

[Mr. Fantastic]

You could possibly try a bit more inland and get what you want for your budget.

[gbufete]

Pleasanton, San Ramon, Dublin & Fremont, Milpitas are what I recommend. Check redfin.com for price idea, they're pretty much updated.

[jade408]

I'd avoid Antioch and Brentwood. They are really far out. I agree with the Tri-Valley. It is convenient and the schools are pretty good.

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by jade408

I'd avoid Antioch and Brentwood. They are really far out. I agree with the Tri-Valley. It is convenient and the schools are pretty good.

Antioch and Brentwood also has among the highest foreclosure rates in the area, so you may get some pretty good deals, but some of the neighborhoods have been impacted in terms of resident stability and it will also take a while for the home values to stabilize. Plus it's pretty far out - highway 4 is very frequently jammed.

[mburns]

Would your parents consider a town home in Oakland Hills or the Lamorinda area? There are some 3 brs. available, but they won't be 3000 sf.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Johnny Trotma

If you are an investor, landlord or looking to buy all cash, you can get very good ROI. We bring you renters and propeties. We have REO and forecloser contacts ready to sell for pennies on the dollar. You will be helping the economy and families looking to lease. Contact me today for more info at jtrotman@jlachic.com

And C-D ain't the place to advertise, so we already know you're either shady or grossly inattentive.

[California Vagabond]

You may already have heard of realtor.com, but if you haven't: it's a great place for plugging in parameters and seeing what's available in different areas. Best of luck in your search.