An Indian moving to mountain view/Palo alto from midwest (San Jose: apartment complex, rent)

[sweetu1995]

Greetings all forum members.

I am in so much dilemma about our possible move to CA soon and I need your sincere advice about renting studio/ 1 BR apt in mountain view or Palo Alto. Unfortunately, it would be impossible for me to visit these apts, however, all apt communities have mixed reviews and are very confusing. I do not know anyone there and would appreciate help if people on this forum would give their recommendations about apts they/friend/families are/were living in.

Background:
A recent tech graduate with a job offer in same area. I am a woman in 30's and have a toddler. (Daycare needed).
Budget: studio/1 BR ~ 1500$

Once again I thank y'all in advance for your advice.

Happy Holidays !

[Snort]

Can you stay in a hotel for a week when you're in the area while you have a look at apartments?

[sweetu1995]

I can try that, however, I was told that it is gonna take 2 weeks or more for paperwork and nicer apts may not be available at the last moment. It would be better if apt is ready to move in when I go there, so that I can ship my stuff easily and also can purchase necessary furniture in advance. If I wont reach to final conclusion about apt community, then staying at hotel may be the last option.

[mayorhaggar]

Apartments rent very fast in the Bay Area and most of the time they are vacant and ready to move into. You will want to meet with the landlord because there are a lot of scammers, also you want to make sure the place is nice.

[capoeira]

Here are some suggestions.

1) Consider adding Sunnyvale to your search list for more appartment options,especially the large professionally managed apartment complex type places. Sunnyvale is right next to Mountain View.

2) Use Yelp for apartment reviews in addition to apartment ratings. Some of the apartment rating reviews seems fake.

3)Check out Youtube for video tours of potential apartment candidates.

Apartments Sunnyvale

Palo Alto apartments - Google Search

[mayorhaggar]

And Palo Alto is about as expensive as it gets in Silicon Valley. I'd add Mountain View and Redwood City to your list of places to check out, maybe San Jose and Santa Clara. Fremont is just across the Dumbarton Bridge from Palo Alto and has cheaper rents. Lots of Indian immigrants living there.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by sweetu1995

I can try that, however, I was told that it is gonna take 2 weeks or more for paperwork and nicer apts may not be available at the last moment. It would be better if apt is ready to move in when I go there, so that I can ship my stuff easily and also can purchase necessary furniture in advance. If I wont reach to final conclusion about apt community, then staying at hotel may be the last option.

I think you've been misinformed. Credit check, show them your accepted job offer and write out your deposit, and you can usually easily move in the next day, as long as it's actually vacant.

$1500 should be a realistic budget for a 1-bedroom, but it won't get you a lot of space or amenities. Sunnyvale, which borders Mountain View to the south, is widely known here as a "little India".. recommend the area south of El Camino Real as having better schools and a nicer vibe.

[NJudah]

What about corporate short-term housing? It's expensive but it removes some of the stress of having to find an apartment right after getting of a plane.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by sweetu1995

I can try that, however, I was told that it is gonna take 2 weeks or more for paperwork and nicer apts may not be available at the last moment.

I wouldn't worry about that. There's so much movement around here, apartments are always available.

[chup76]

I would go with what the other poster mentioned and go with hotel/motel for a bit until you can do view the apartments in person.

Try also asking around at work. Some may be in a similar situation (single + kid) and may be able to offer advice on daycare.

You can also try sublet/temporary housing on craigslist too.