Bay Area after the Military (San Francisco, Daly City: apartments, rentals, low crime)

[piffler]

Hello all. I am currently in the US Army and am planning to relocate to the Bay Area. I will be out in November and will start school in the spring semester. Unfortunately I went to a for profit school prior to the army so my degree isn't worth anything so I will start back at community college with my GI Bill. Out of the schools in that area I want to attend Skyline College in San Bruno. I am still a bit early but I have been looking at apartments in San Bruno, San Mateo, and Burlingame. Rentals appear to be the same prices, are there any other cities with a short, easy commute to San Bruno with rent around $2100-$2200? I will receive a monthly housing allowance of $3800 as long as I am in school full time but it will be for 9 months out of the year( I will have to save while paying rent so i can pay the other three months). I will also be in the reserves in the area but that's less than $300 for a weekend per month. I am a California native but my girlfriend is here with me and she lives here in Europe. She will eventually come to CA as well so I am looking for places in that price range with relatively low crime and a short distance to San Bruno if not in the city itself. My #1 concern is her safety but in the price range. Any information/opinions will be helpful. Thank you!

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by piffler

Out of the schools in that area I want to attend Skyline College in San Bruno. I am still a bit early but I have been looking at apartments in San Bruno, San Mateo, and Burlingame. Rentals appear to be the same prices, are there any other cities with a short, easy commute to San Bruno with rent around $2100-$2200?

Also look at Pacifica, Daly City and South San Francisco.

[neutrino78x]

OP thank you for your service. US Navy submarines here, rank/rate STS3(SS). That's submarine sonar tech, paygrade E-4. Got out in 2003. Be sure you are looking at ROOMS for rent on craigslist. It is far cheaper than trying to afford a whole apartment to yourself (although that can be done too).

Here's $775/month in San Mateo.

Furnished bedroom, Family home

Here's the craigslist search (hopefully this link works)

SF bay area rooms for rent & shares available - craigslist

These silly civilians think you can only afford to live in an area if you can afford to buy a SFH...since you are in the military I know that living in a room in a house where others live won't be an issue. Just like living in the barracks on base.

[neutrino78x]

This one you live with a guy and a girl, both under 30 years old, I think that would be cool, if I could afford $975/month I would want it.

Room for rent in shared house

[piffler]

Originally Posted by capoeira

Also look at Pacifica, Daly City and South San Francisco.

Thank you. Checked all three out. Pacifica may be my new favorite

[piffler]

Originally Posted by neutrino78x

OP thank you for your service. US Navy submarines here, rank/rate STS3(SS). That's submarine sonar tech, paygrade E-4. Got out in 2003. Be sure you are looking at ROOMS for rent on craigslist. It is far cheaper than trying to afford a whole apartment to yourself (although that can be done too).

Here's $775/month in San Mateo.

Furnished bedroom, Family home

Here's the craigslist search (hopefully this link works)

SF bay area rooms for rent & shares available - craigslist

These silly civilians think you can only afford to live in an area if you can afford to buy a SFH...since you are in the military I know that living in a room in a house where others live won't be an issue. Just like living in the barracks on base.

Hooah, thank you for your service as well. Thanks for the links, i think having a room mate would be a good option since i will likely be alone for about 6 months or so.It even gives me an opportunity to save, thanks for the information. I will keep my eyes on craigslist as an alternative.