Considering job in Pleasanton...Where to live? (Oakland, Berkeley: homes, transfer)

[skeeter85]

As the title implies, I am considering an offer in the Pleasanton area. I would prefer to take BART out to the area (up to 1 hour commute would be fine), but wouldn't be opposed to a reasonable commute by car (30-45mins).

So a couple of questions: We are a young couple in our early 20s and would prefer to live in a bit of an urban area - we are not huge fans of cookie-cutter suburbia. This seems to obviously rule out the Pleasanton/Dublin area.

Where should we be looking? On the BART line, it looks like the Lake Merritt section of Oakland and San Leandro would both be options. Any opinions on these areas? I realize Oakland isn't the safest city, but I've heard the lake area may be decent?

Also, how difficult would it be to live off a different section of the BART and transfer lines? And finally, is it feasible to carry a bike on BART? I would be riding at about 7am and 3pm. Any suggestions on other areas to consider would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by skeeter85

As the title implies, I am considering an offer in the Pleasanton area. I would prefer to take BART out to the area (up to 1 hour commute would be fine), but wouldn't be opposed to a reasonable commute by car (30-45mins).

So a couple of questions: We are a young couple in our early 20s and would prefer to live in a bit of an urban area - we are not huge fans of cookie-cutter suburbia. This seems to obviously rule out the Pleasanton/Dublin area.

Where should we be looking? On the BART line, it looks like the Lake Merritt section of Oakland and San Leandro would both be options. Any opinions on these areas? I realize Oakland isn't the safest city, but I've heard the lake area may be decent?

Also, how difficult would it be to live off a different section of the BART and transfer lines? And finally, is it feasible to carry a bike on BART? I would be riding at about 7am and 3pm. Any suggestions on other areas to consider would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

regarding BART -- you can take your bike onto BART, but you have to ride in the last car. Transferring is a breeze, although at some transfer stations you have to to switch platforms.

At the San Leandro BART there have been muggings and lots of car break in's lately... in my opinion that area is going downhill. But the area is very convenient with lots of places to live and very walkable. San Leandro police are pretty active...

But the Lake area is seeing more bad activity, too... from what I've read there is a general police crack down in East Oakland, and the bad guys have branched out from the ihome turf.... funny how that works.

[tande1n5]

The Pleasanton Line goes right into SF without changing lines, so you could always look in the city itself... you'll shell out $$ for it but it's the king of the urban feel. It's about an hour's ride on BART right on the dot, and a reverse commute to boot.

[skeeter85]

Thanks for the replies so far. I didn't realize riding from SF would only be an hour - thats definitely an option as well. Rents seem a bit cheaper in Berkeley, and I noticed there are a few BART stops there - Ashby, North Berkeley and Downtown Berkeley. Any suggestions regarding which stop to live by? We are looking for a one bedroom and can go up to $1500 or so. Thanks again!

[BerkeleyCali]

I really love the North Berkeley area, however if you are a young couple looking for a little bit of night life, I think Lake Merritt is a better option for you. Seems to be more young families with kids than singles in North Berkeley. ... still not "cookie-cutter" by any stretch though. Berkeley, just like Oakland, can be a very differnt neighborhood depending on what corner you turn.

There are some beautiful homes and neighborhoods that are only walking distance from Ashby Bart ... and then you turn a corner and it is scummy.

SF would be another great option, however the neighborhoods that I would suggest are not close to BART. I think the best places in the city for young professionals and single folks are those surrounding Golden Gate park, near UCSF, Noe Valley, Height-Ashbury, etc.

Edited to say: I can't believe I forgot to mention Rockridge. If I were in your position, the first place I would look would be Rockridge area (there is a BART station there too). It is a wonderful neighborhood with charming older homes that is much safer than other parts of Oakland. College Avenue is fantastic--lots of little shops, restaurants, a nice sense of diversity, and an appreciation for small business & higher education. Just my 2 cents.

[skeeter85]

Thanks for the replies. Any other suggestions?

[BearBranch]

Its a bit further out. But how about Emeryville. Free Emerygoround to the Bart station. Lots to do. Just across the bridge to SF. Lots of cool new housing stock. Cools cafes, art spaces. Next door to Berkeley.

[CoolBeans1]

Originally Posted by skeeter85

As the title implies, I am considering an offer in the Pleasanton area. I would prefer to take BART out to the area (up to 1 hour commute would be fine), but wouldn't be opposed to a reasonable commute by car (30-45mins).

So a couple of questions: We are a young couple in our early 20s and would prefer to live in a bit of an urban area - we are not huge fans of cookie-cutter suburbia. This seems to obviously rule out the Pleasanton/Dublin area.

Where should we be looking? On the BART line, it looks like the Lake Merritt section of Oakland and San Leandro would both be options. Any opinions on these areas? I realize Oakland isn't the safest city, but I've heard the lake area may be decent?

Also, how difficult would it be to live off a different section of the BART and transfer lines? And finally, is it feasible to carry a bike on BART? I would be riding at about 7am and 3pm. Any suggestions on other areas to consider would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

I am in a similar situation, so I was wondering where you ended up deciding to live. Did you ever consider Walnut Creek? I know that WC is still a suburb, but I am wondering if it is still an improvement from living in Pleasanton.

[18Montclair]

Both Pleasanton and Walnut Creek are both very desirable towns. Walnut Creek has a more walkable, lively downtown with tons of shopping, dining, bars etc. Pleasanton has great amenities too, just laid out differently. I prefer Walnut Creek's downtowns but I prefer Pleasanton's residential neighborhoods.

The drive between Pleasanton and WC can be pretty bad on 680 during commute times.

[humboldtrat]

This thread is 4 years old!