Relocating from Australia - seeking living recommendations (San Francisco, San Mateo: apartment complexes, lease)

[Ack!]

Hi All,

I'm currently living in Australia and will be relocating for a job opportunity in Foster City early next year. I am looking for recommendations on where to live, based on the following criteria:

* Single 20-something female
* Approx budget $1500/mo
* Safe area, close to shops and some nightlife (walking distance preferred)

I did a search and noticed some recommendations for Burlingame/San Mateo. Does anyone recommend living in Foster City itself based on my criteria (then I could possibly walk to work)?

Also, how bad would traffic be if I were commuting from Burlingame/San Mateo to Foster City? Are there hours where traffic can be avoided?

If there are specific apartment complexes that you can recommend, that would be great.

Any advice much appreciated!

[etoile_filante]

I wouldn't recommend living in Foster City, it's a very family-centric, residential kind of town with not much nightlife. San Mateo is a much better choice. San Mateo is adjacent to Foster City, so with a car the commute would be 5-10 minutes. Burlingame is adjacent to San Mateo, and the commute would be 15-20 minutes (you'd probably take El Camino, which has a lot of stoplights and buses).

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Ack!

Hi All,

I'm currently living in Australia and will be relocating for a job opportunity in Foster City early next year. I am looking for recommendations on where to live, based on the following criteria:

* Single 20-something female
* Approx budget $1500/mo
* Safe area, close to shops and some nightlife (walking distance preferred)

I did a search and noticed some recommendations for Burlingame/San Mateo. Does anyone recommend living in Foster City itself based on my criteria (then I could possibly walk to work)?

Also, how bad would traffic be if I were commuting from Burlingame/San Mateo to Foster City? Are there hours where traffic can be avoided?

If there are specific apartment complexes that you can recommend, that would be great.

Any advice much appreciated!

I'd recommend Burlingame or San Mateo. These cities have nice downtown areas and a nice living environment. Enjoy! I'm sure you'll love it here. I used to live in Gold Coast btw =].

[Ack!]

Thanks for the feedback, very much appreciated!

If I were to live in Burlinghame or San Mateo, would it be possible to take a bus/train to Foster City, or is that not worth the hassle and a car would be a better option?

Also, is anyone able to provide an indication of what utility costs are like? Just so I can perform some rough budgeting! I've had a job offer that has come in lower than expected, so I'm trying to see if it's a feasible option for me.

Cheers!

[etoile_filante]

You can use the trip planner at 511.org to see what kind of public transportation options you'd have (just plug in two addresses). Electric/TV/internet runs about $100 - $150/mo. depending on the time of year.

[bmw335xi]

I'd own a car if I didn't live in the city (San Francisco) even though public transportation is still available. Utilities will depend on the property you choose to rent or purchase. If you rent or buy a condo, you will have an HOA. The HOA usually includes some utilities. For example, I won a condo with a monthly HOA fee of $315. If you rent, the landlord will pay the HOA fee. This fee in my case includes security, gym, common areas, sewer, water, trash, and gas. My internet cost around $33/month, electricity around $45/month, cable TV around $30/month (810 sq ft condo).

[Ack!]

Cheers for the advice - I think having a car would make things a lot simpler too.

I've had a quick look on craigslist and there doesn't appear to be much in the way of share accommodation in San Mateo/Burlingame - is it less popular in these areas than say Downtown?

Just weighing up my options and I'd like to avoid committing to a 1 year lease (at least until I am convinced the area is for me) if possible.