moving to oakland for work (San Francisco, Berkeley: apartments, to rent, credit)

[bond333]

I have a job offer to move to Oakland, from phoenix.
Its just my wife & I, we look to rent a Studio or a 1 bed.

I would be a first timer at California and my Salary is expected to be around 110K, wife is a home maker.

Looking for inputs/comments on the below -

1. Which areas/ ( name the apartments) are Safe to live near Oakland / Berkeley / Alameda ? ((I do not have a car, so prefer to depend on Public transport for all the needs)

2. Is household income a criteria to get a rented apartment ?

3. my budget is around 1800 per month, is this good enough for a safe place ?

please suggest safe apartments to live.

[Chuck5000]

Was just talking to a friend from Oakland yesterday - for a nice studio/1-bed in a nice neighborhood walking distance to shops, etc,, 1800 is just the start, and there is very little inventory available right now, especially near BART since you'd be competing with SF commuters. You might have to compromise on what you consider "safe" - is that safe "feeling" or will you look at statistics?

Look on San Francisco Bay Craigslist to get a sense of what's out there. Income will definitely be checked, you'll need a pay stub or a letter from your new employer. Your credit will probably be checked - it needs to be good.

You mentioned "specific apartments" - are you referring to apartment developments? There are not many of those in Oakland. What you will see is people referring you to neighborhoods. Inter-East Bay bus service is not that good, so getting around without a car or by being near BART is tough, IMO.

You might do better thinking of a bicycle or bus commute if it's not too long. Or, you get a car, and try the island of Alameda, or a place up in the hills or midlands of Oakland or Berkeley - because they're not walking distance to shops, they're less in demand, and easier to get. Sorry to not give you easier news.

[bond333]

Thank you Chuck5000.

By Safe - would like to stick to statistics and also like to feel real safe :-)

So with a car, Alameda looks a good option.

[jade408]

Piedmont Ave area of Oakland would work well for you. Live closer to Broadway for better bus service. I have Ok transit acess. Having a bike helps out. (I also have a car, many of my neighbors do not). I have car-free friends who live nearby and have no issues. Uber helps to fill in the gaps as needed. A bike would also work.

[bond333]

Thanks jade408, that helps a lot.