Need suggestions for home rental neighborhoods in the peninsula (near SSF) (San Francisco: apartment, house)

[McPhreak]

My wife and I have new jobs in South San Francisco and are looking for a neighborhood to move to. We have no children, but we do own an active dog so are looking at renting a house over an apartment. I have no clue about the area so I'm hoping some of you have some great suggestions on where to look to rent based on our criteria below.

1) Both of us HATE commutes. We also both work long and sometimes unusual hours so the closer we can live to work, the better.

2) Since we own a dog, having a dog friendly park to walk the dog is a big plus.

3) We are coming from 7 years of Baltimore city living so we can tolerate some less than ideal neighborhoods. We can also tolerate a fair amount of noise.

4) Looking to spend as close to 2k/month as possible. Don't need a huge house. Would like a garage and backyard space though.

5) Walking distance to restaurants and grocery stores a big plus but not entirely necessary.

I'm thinking SF is probably out of the question since renting a house close to SSF will cost an arm and a leg. I see a lot of people mention living in San Mateo and Burlingame, but how are the neighborhoods in closer neighborhoods such as SSF itself and San Bruno?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by McPhreak

I see a lot of people mention living in San Mateo and Burlingame, but how are the neighborhoods in closer neighborhoods such as SSF itself and San Bruno?

SSF and San Bruno are close to the jet noise of SFO airport. Planes taking off fly right over those 2 towns. Also, SSF and San Bruno get more wind and fog from being close to the ocean. The further south you go (towards Burlingame and San Mateo), the less fog and wind and more sun.

To rent a house with a garage and back yard that isn't a dump for less than $2K might be difficult. You might have to raise that.