SF (Russian Hill) to Oakland (Lake Merritt) Commute? (neighborhoods, safety)

[gnomatic]

Originally Posted by jenny2015ATW

Okay - help me out! From what I can see (from my desk in another city 150 miles away) via google, is that the best option would be the Powell/Hyde...light rail? Bus? And that would go directly to Bart....I am planning a visit soon to experiment with some route options. Would the 41 or 45 be a better way to go? The Oakland side is easy, the 19th street Bart is around the block from my office.

The 41/45 is probably the fastest, an alternative (to avoid the Civic Center area) is take 10 or 12 from Pacific..it's a weird route that goes around through Chinatown and then to the financial district to Montgomery BART.

It's mostly people commuting down to financial district from top of the hills on the cable cars in the morning (tourist tend to go the other direction). It's probably as fast as the bus in most cases, as loading/unloading tend to be faster on the cable car going downhill in the morning.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by jenny2015ATW

Okay - help me out! From what I can see (from my desk in another city 150 miles away) via google, is that the best option would be the Powell/Hyde...light rail? Bus? And that would go directly to Bart....I am planning a visit soon to experiment with some route options. Would the 41 or 45 be a better way to go?

In the mornings I would stand at the corner of Union and Hyde and just take the one that comes first. In the evenings try taking the 41 from Embacadero Bart and the 45 from Montgomery Bart and see which one you prefer. You can also take the Cable Car in the morning to Powell Station.

[jenny2015ATW]

Originally Posted by capoeira

In the mornings I would stand at the corner of Union and Hyde and just take the one that comes first. In the evenings try taking the 41 from Embacadero Bart and the 45 from Montgomery Bart and see which one you prefer. You can also take the Cable Car in the morning to Powell Station.

I actually like the sound of that. Can't tell you all how much I appreciate the suggestions and tips!!

[jade408]

Where by "lake Merritt" are you going? 19th Bart may be closer. But much of grand around the lake isn't well connected by frequent transit.

[jenny2015ATW]

Originally Posted by jade408

Where by "lake Merritt" are you going? 19th Bart may be closer. But much of grand around the lake isn't well connected by frequent transit.

In oakland I'll actually be at Harrison and 19th. From what I've see (or been told) that is my closest Bart station for work.

[NorCalLover]

The commute you describe is doable. Not awesome, but definitely possible. After getting the SF experience for a year or two you might want to move to Lake Merritt. It's a great area and you could walk to work.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by jenny2015ATW

In oakland I'll actually be at Harrison and 19th. From what I've see (or been told) that is my closest Bart station for work.

Yup. And right by the Bart exit on 19/broadway is Donut Savant. They have yummy donut holes and slightly bigger treats.

[daepro]

I know that you said you wanted to live in the SF. But I do urge that when you come to the Bay Area you check out the area where you will be working around Lake Merritt. It is really quite pleasant, with many of the aspects of SF you may be looking for but without the commuter hassle. If you wanted to visit "the city" you can always head there from Oakland. Just a suggestion to keep an open mind.

[bay2bay]

Skip MUNI, get a bike -- bike to BART. It will save you money and time.

[jenny2015ATW]

Thanks for the responses. I definitely am not closing myself to considering oakland. A friend lives on lake merritt and her place is gorgeous and seems safe. One of the reasons I'm renting a room to begin with (month to month) is so that I can make a change quickly when I need. Never having lived in the city, I just want to have that experience for a bit