Relocating from DC to the Bay Area??? (San Francisco, Hayward: real estate, apartments)

[pearlypearl]

Hey guys. I will be relocating in October as my job is opening an office in San Mateo. I understand the cost of living is quite expensive there. Looking for suitable area to rent a 3 bedroom house or apartment. Single mother of 2...ages 14 and 7. Schools are very important as well as safety. please give me some advice!!! No family or friends. Just starting fresh ready to take on the West Coast. Thank u!!!

[04kL4nD]

What's your budget?

The DC area is expensive too, but prepare yourself for a sticker shock.

[pearlypearl]

I am working with a household income of about $60,000.

[04kL4nD]

I know the general rule is that you shouldn't spend more than a 1/3 of your pay on rent, but $1500 a month is not going to get you a 3BR apartment, let alone house, anywhere on the peninsula next San Mateo, or in a good school district. You will likely have to commute from the East Bay, so I'd look into Hayward, Newark, or Union City. Even then though, your options are somewhat limited.

[rich blackman]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

What's your budget?

The DC area is expensive too, but prepare yourself for a sticker shock.

This. I'm currently in the process of moving from DC to SF proper and the difference in real estate values is astonishing.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

I know the general rule is that you shouldn't spend more than a 1/3 of your pay on rent, but $1500 a month is not going to get you a 3BR apartment, let alone house, anywhere on the peninsula next San Mateo, or in a good school district. You will likely have to commute from the East Bay, so I'd look into Hayward, Newark, or Union City. Even then though, your options are somewhat limited.

I can't think of anywhere with 3 bedrooms for $1500. Even in the 3 cities you have outlined!

[Screen]

Agreed, I hate to say what everyone is thinking but...that budget just won't be possible anywhere in the bay for what you want. You'll have to stay in DC.

[Jason_show]

Unfortunately, a 3br apartment cannot be found anywhere near San Francisco for that budget. You can't even find a 1br for under $2500 in a decent neighborhood

[FabianS]

Listen to the people Pearl, they speak the truth. I've personally witnessed a few families like yours move here from the East and it always ends badly, unless you really love living in tiny apartments in crappy areas with bad schools where your kids get bullied for being East Coasters. Unlike MD and NOVA the Bay isn't really a good place for families, unless you manage to marry into a native family with money.

The grass isn't greener here unless you have the green.

[excelongt]

I agree with the previous posters. The hard truth is that 60k isnt going to cut it out in the Bay Area. Im moving there from NJ this month with household income of $130k. its just my wife and I and she does not have a job there yet. The insanely high costs of living have us somewhat worried, but we did a good job of saving on the East Coast to tap into if need be.