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Old 07-30-2013, 12:44 PM
 
11 posts, read 21,259 times
Reputation: 24

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Hi buddies - I'm currently living in Berkeley (downtown area) and am looking to relocate to somewhere quieter and hopefully get more for my money. I work at the University and even though the 5 minute commute is nice I'm willing to travel up to an hour each way.

I'm currently paying $1250 for a 1br apt w/ parking in Berkeley which is pretty decent based on everything else I've seen. I recently got a raise and am making $60,000 annually (doesnt go far here!) I don't think I can afford more than $1300-$1400 a month.

I'd really love to have a little house and a small yard but I'm not sure if its possible. I really love trees/plants and I'd like something bigger than a balcony to grow my own. Its a huge plus if the neighborhood is planted with mature trees that get autumn color and it'd be nice to have some on the apt/house property. It just really heightens my mood and reminds me more of where I grew up.
I'm not really a fan of further out in the Easy Bay because I don't like the heat but I'm willing to hear some suggestions.

I don't really care about having anything close by home. I like cooking and since I'm in Berkeley everyday for work I could always stay in the neighborhood for a nice dinner or whatever. Parks/open land close by is another huge plus. I love getting out and going for a hike/exploring the parks but I prefer it to be a quiet place not a family area.

Are there any neighborhoods that get a bad rap but aren't really so bad? I'm a younger guy and can take care of myself so I don't need to live in the fanciest neighborhood if it means I can have a small house. I've seen apartments in Marin - San Rafael and Novato that I could afford but I just wasn't sure if I was missing out on some other good areas. Just to be clear - boring neighborhood is fine, i'm looking for scenic (or close by it) and quiet.

Any suggestions would be great - look forward to hearing your input. Thanks!
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Old 07-30-2013, 01:07 PM
 
Location: Oakland, CA
28,226 posts, read 36,855,940 times
Reputation: 28563
Try Albany.

What kind of scenic do you want? On crow canyon in Castro Valley might fit the bill too. Perhaps El Sobronte.


On an autocorrecting iDevice.
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Old 07-30-2013, 01:14 PM
 
11 posts, read 21,259 times
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Quote:
What kind of scenic do you want?
Just some nice trees or green space close by...maybe a hill to look at from my house/apartment. I know close to water is expensive so just something nice to look at...
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Old 07-30-2013, 02:34 PM
 
75 posts, read 123,192 times
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$1400 / 1br - 700ft² - STUNNING, REMODELED, BRIGHT, FURNISHED, GARDEN, VIEW, $1,400-Jr 1 BDR (berkeley)

And you're close (a steep walk up though) to Tilden Park.

Lots of houses in the El Cerrito and Berkeley Hills have in law units just like this that sound suitable for you.
Full appliances too!
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Old 07-30-2013, 04:58 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,188 posts, read 107,790,902 times
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Have you looked around the Berkeley hills and Kensington? There are lots of neighborhoods there that fit your description. Some have in-law units. You can also look at upper Rockridge/Chabot Road, near Lake Temescal. Also around Claremont in Berkeley/Oakland there are places with an in-law or a studio in someone's backyard. I found one once that had a beautiful Zen garden and a swimming pool, even!

Make it a project to find your dream place, and be patient. Check the listings regularly, and call immediately when something comes up that catches your eye. You have to move fast, the best places go fast. I also found a place a couple of months ago in the Temescal that was 2 br. for $1500, ground floor garden apt., plenty of parking, in a duplex. These places are out there, you just have to visit Craigslist regularly.
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Old 08-12-2013, 01:55 AM
 
47 posts, read 272,089 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by calbears23 View Post
Hi buddies - I'm currently living in Berkeley (downtown area) and am looking to relocate to somewhere quieter and hopefully get more for my money... Thanks!
I'm coming in from the valley here and would like to find something near the uni. I'll be working a short distance away. Would you recommend something inexpensive yet relatively secure for a single female? I should be moving in a couple of weeks if all goes well. I love being around all the action. I'm past college, but still nothing bothers me about the college environment - just brings back memories, lol

Is that what you were referring to in your post?
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Old 08-12-2013, 10:47 AM
 
386 posts, read 797,208 times
Reputation: 195
El Sobrante seems pretty bucolic, especially towards Orinda and would be a short commute. Not sure about crime, safety, shopping or anything else about it though.
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Old 08-12-2013, 11:08 AM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,188 posts, read 107,790,902 times
Reputation: 116077
Quote:
Originally Posted by MyAnon View Post
I'm coming in from the valley here and would like to find something near the uni. I'll be working a short distance away. Would you recommend something inexpensive yet relatively secure for a single female? I should be moving in a couple of weeks if all goes well. I love being around all the action. I'm past college, but still nothing bothers me about the college environment - just brings back memories, lol

Is that what you were referring to in your post?
Berkeley has a lot of different neighborhoods, so you can be near the student scene, or you can escape it, it just depends on your preferences. Google a map of the city so you can see which streets are around and near the campus, so you'll be able to orient yourself when you're looking at listings on Craigslist.

The main issue with safety the last year or so has been with cell phone thefts around campus, downtown and College Avenue. Cellphone snatchings. Also, locating away from homeless hangouts would be wise. Personally, I'd avoid the downtown area and the immediate south side of campus, except to the southeast, toward the hills. When you're ready to rent and find some places you're seriously considering, post the locations here for more advice.
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Old 08-12-2013, 07:17 PM
 
12,823 posts, read 24,390,321 times
Reputation: 11042
Quote:
Originally Posted by jade408 View Post
Try Albany.

What kind of scenic do you want? On crow canyon in Castro Valley might fit the bill too. Perhaps El Sobronte.


On an autocorrecting iDevice.
I would add El Cerrito and even parts of the Richmond Hills. Also, of course, the usual hip (but not too hip?) places in Oakland.
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Old 08-13-2013, 12:08 AM
 
47 posts, read 272,089 times
Reputation: 78
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth View Post
Berkeley has a lot of different neighborhoods...
Personally, I'd avoid the downtown area and the immediate south side of campus, except to the southeast, toward the hills. When you're ready to rent and find some places you're seriously considering, post the locations here for more advice.
Okay, I sure will, thanks for your input. How about the intersection of MLK and University Ave? In just about every city I've seen, MLK Blvds are ridden with gang activity (drive-bys, graffiti, etc..) Is it the same in Berkeley?

Another area I found a place was on University and San Pablo, just down from the marina. Again, Amtrak stations are usually full of loitering of homeless and hoodlums. I should be able to go out to visit in a few days to look around.
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