Home purchase in peninsula/east bay - need recommendations (San Jose: transplants, apartment)

[duncus.colossus]

We’re recent transplants to the San Francisco Bay area, currently renting an apartment in Redwood City.

We are starting to research areas to buy a home in.
Ideally a 3 bedroom home, preferably detached, with 2 car covered parking, no more than $1 million. (Ideal home size > 1500 sq.ft)
Safe neighborhood a definite requirement. Schools not terribly important (no kids), as long as they aren’t bad. We're leaning towards new constructions, but wouldn't rule out resales.

My wife works in Menlo Park and I work in San Jose. As of now, my work time is fully flexible so I’m able to avoid peak traffic.
We’d like to keep commute short to the extent possible.
We were looking at new constructions in Newark and Fremont. Wife would cross Dumbarton and I’d take 880 South to San Jose, but also wanted to see if there are any other options, any areas to avoid or definitely look at etc.

This is likely too broad a question, but any pointers on locations, new constructions etc. would be highly appreciated.

[Lockdev]

You'd be much better of consulting a Realtor for this one. The market is insane right now and your needs are a little vague.

Good luck. It's a crazy time to buy a house here.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

If it was me, I'd buy in Menlo Park. Then your wife wouldn't have to commute in traffic. Life will be better, even if you don't get everything on your initial list. Crossing the bridge year-round would suck.

[smashystyle]

You should also consider San Jose proper. Menlo Park is really nice it I don't think it's in your budget.

I would suggest asking this question on the San Jose forum. You will get more informed opinions about the South Bay.

[sn63]

At peak commute times that commute is dreadful. I do the reverse commute and could not imagine sitting in that traffic.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

If it was me, I'd buy in Menlo Park. Then your wife wouldn't have to commute in traffic. Life will be better, even if you don't get everything on your initial list. Crossing the bridge year-round would suck.

Wow, you haven't been here lately, looks like.

Even small houses in The Willows (think VA hospital) are going for well over $1 million.

[Chuck5000]

I think that at $1m, the peninsula is out unless you find a townhouse in Santa Clara, maybe RWC or San Mateo near 101, and San Bruno, South San Francisco, or Daly city.

Menlo and San Jose is a very tough commute combination. Unless it's Facebook, where Union City or Newark becomes reasonable re: commutes, some compromise will probably have to happen. The Bay Area is pretty bad unless you both live and work near a rail line, or have a 10 minute drive.

Use maps.google.com directions feature to find commute times. I can't believe anything in Menlo would be available.

[Eastbaynative]

Hello, I am a Realtor in the East Bay. A NEW home in that Silicon Valley location for that price will be very tough. I've seen some homes in the Dublin area that are town house style. I just sold a NEW home in Oakley called Summerlake that is 2700 sq ft on a small Lake for $600,000. The backyard is right on the lake. Many people are buying in the Brentwood Oakley area and commuting to Silicon Valley or San Francisco because it is so much more affordable. BART will be coming this way also. The further East you go from Silicon Valley or San Francisco the better the pricing will be. Yes the commute will be worse but you get a lot more for your money. Any questions you might have i would be happy to help answer.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

New construction ... that will greatly hinder your search.

Welcome to the Bay Area.

Our houses are deep, deep, deep with OLD SPIRITS!

Mwahahahahah!

[Ruth4Truth]

There's new construction in good neighborhoods in San Jose, and some are rentals. If you need 3 br., you might consider renting; it might be the only way you could afford that. Consider also re-thinking your "needs". Some places that advertise as 2-br. are in reality 2 br. + a small office. That could work for you.

Does your wife's workplace offer transportation? That could give you more flexibility re: location, if the employer has a shuttle service.