Work in Fremont, Live in SF? Am I Crazy?

[andyadhi01]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

YThe area from Noe Valley in the south to Duboce Park in the North is a really cool area and fairly affordable though the housing stock is rather decrepit depending on the apartment.

That area is affordable???? I thought thats Castro and its one of the more desirable and expensive parts of the city! Find me a decent 2 br there for <2500 and I am moving there...

[batransplant]

Im from LA and it is much easier to live in the city down south w/ kids there than in SF. There really isn't an SF equivalent to any of those areas you mentioned that I would live w/ kids, and I lived in Noe Valley/Mission area when I moved here during my pregnancy. You should look into San Jose area where you could walk to Santana Row, sort of a smaller 3rd St. Promenade type scene and much easier commute to Fremont. You can always go up to SF on the weekend. That is what most people do who want to enjoy the dining, shopping, and cultural activities of the city without the hassle, expense, and inconvenience of living there.

[gotigers123]

There are no artsy neighborhoods in San Jose that I am aware of. San Jose is not an urban city by any stretch. Someone mentioned Santana Row in San Jose. The poster stated that he's an urban type - I can't imagine him liking Santana Row.

Berkeley would be out of the question due to commute time, as would northern SF. I think commuting from Bernal Heights/Mission/Noe Valley/Glen Park would be do-able (50 minutes). I'd also consider certain parts of Oakland, like Lake Merritt or Temescal. Schools there would be poor however, so keep that in mind.

Most of the east bay outside of Oakland/Berkeley is quite sterile and very suburban. One town that's actually somewhat interesting is Sunol, which would be a super easy commute to Fremont. It has more of a small town secluded feel to it, which I personally found much more appealing than places like Fremont or Pleasanton.

[ssmaster]

in oakland consider TRESTLE GLEN/CROCKER HIGHLANDS ,ADAMSPOINT,LAKESIDE APARTMENT DISTRICT,LAKESHORE safe ,nice range of housing stock,restaurants
most important 15 minutes to sf and 30 minutes to fremont

[tired of being inside]

gotigers123, you're right. My wife and I are urban folks. That doesn't mean we need skyscrapers and lots of traffic, but definitely density, walkability, proximity to open space, and cool places to hang, like coffee houses, restaurants, the whole thing. We do like the Mission, haven't really looked at anything else outside of the downtown core (UnionSq, Financial, Chinatown, none of which is too kid friendly).

[gotigers123]

Originally Posted by tired of being inside

gotigers123, you're right. My wife and I are urban folks. That doesn't mean we need skyscrapers and lots of traffic, but definitely density, walkability, proximity to open space, and cool places to hang, like coffee houses, restaurants, the whole thing. We do like the Mission, haven't really looked at anything else outside of the downtown core (UnionSq, Financial, Chinatown, none of which is too kid friendly).

I live in the Mission now and I think it's a great neighborhood. However, the area isn't the most kid-friendly place. In fact, most of the neighborhood is downright anti-kid. If you're looking for a kid friendly place in the city (that also fits your other criteria), you should definitely check out Noe Valley. You'd still have access to the Mission restaurants/coffee/nightlife and you'd also have 24th St in Noe Valley.

I still think you should seriously consider parts of Oakland. Temescal and Lake Merritt would both fit your needs. It would shave 15 minutes off the commute, you wouldn't have to deal with crossing a bridge every day, the weather is better, you'd save money on rent, and parking your car would be much easier and cheaper.

[jade408]

I'd add Alameda to your list. It isn't urban, but completely walkable/bikeable and kid friendly. The "downtown" has both main street downtown and suburban strip mall. Main Street has lots of restaurants, bakeries, cafes, the usual suspects. The strip mall has safeway, trader joes and other suburban fare. There are lots of parks and a bay front beach. It's actually really charming.

[mayorhaggar]

Originally Posted by andyadhi01

That area is affordable???? I thought thats Castro and its one of the more desirable and expensive parts of the city! Find me a decent 2 br there for <2500 and I am moving there...

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY - Top Floor Apartment in Heart of Noe Valley (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/apa/1822540696.html - broken link)

Have fun moving there! If that listing is legit that is a great location.

[mayorhaggar]

Originally Posted by tired of being inside

gotigers123, you're right. My wife and I are urban folks. That doesn't mean we need skyscrapers and lots of traffic, but definitely density, walkability, proximity to open space, and cool places to hang, like coffee houses, restaurants, the whole thing. We do like the Mission, haven't really looked at anything else outside of the downtown core (UnionSq, Financial, Chinatown, none of which is too kid friendly).

I agree with gotigers that the "heart" of the Mission is not great for kids. Anywhere on or to the EAST of Mission Street is very dirty, sketchy, and there will be a lot of drug dealers and gang members. If you are on your own it's ok but I would not really recommend it for a single woman or for a family with young kids. Anywhere to the west of Valencia is a LOT better, quieter, safer and cleaner.