I finally took the plunge... now, please help me decide (San Jose: apartment complex, rentals)

[EastCoastTransplant]

Hi everyone,

I've lived on the East Coast (Pittsburgh, NYC and Boston area) for the past 16 years - have always loved San Francisco and the Bay Area but never thought I would move there. But I'm going to - in June/July of this year. And boy, am I looking forward to this move and interacting with you folks )

Now, the help part. My workplace is in Milpitas (right off 880) - I'm trying to decide where to live so the commute is not a nightmare. Some things to consider in my scenario are;

1. I travel a lot on the job so access to an airport (preferably SFO) is more important than the daily commute to Milpitas - so I can tolerate 45 - 60 minutes (maybe even 90) because it will be a couple of days a week at most.

2. I'm a single male, not really into clubbing or the bar scene but someplace where there's evening activities (museums, jazz (YES), movies etc.) would be a big plus (for the few nights I'll be in town)

3. My mother (widowed, elderly) will live with me (at least 6-8 months a year). We are originally from India and it would be nice to find a neighborhood with a strong Indian community so she can keep herself occupied.

Any suggestions on where to concentrate my search? I'm looking to either rent (2-3 beds, 2 baths, up to $2500/month) or perhaps even buy if I find a good value (budget up to $600,000)

Thank you all in advance and I'm eagerly anticipating joining your community and learning more about the Bay Area.

[gizmo980]

My first thoughts are Fremont, Mountain View and Sunnyvale... all have a very strong Indian presence, fairly easy commute to Milpitas, rentals within your price range, and some nearby activities. You'd probably like downtown Mtn. View on Castro Street, which has lots of ethnic restaurants and "civilized" bars. I'm not an expert on these towns, but I think you should look into them!

[EastCoastTransplant]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

My first thoughts are Fremont, Mountain View and Sunnyvale... all have a very strong Indian presence, fairly easy commute to Milpitas, rentals within your price range, and some nearby activities. You'd probably like downtown Mtn. View on Castro Street, which has lots of ethnic restaurants and "civilized" bars. I'm not an expert on these towns, but I think you should look into them!

Thanks Gizmo - I plan to be there this weekend and next week and do some apartment/house hunting. I will certainly look into these areas you suggest.

Thanks again!

[HIGH!Lonesome]

When you said you finally took the plunge, for a minute there I thought you actually meant you plunged off the GoldeGate bridge then went home and got on your computer.

The southbay is you best bet as far as commuting and greater cultural ties to your likings.
WELCOME to the BAY AREA!!!!

[EastCoastTransplant]

Originally Posted by HIGH!Lonesome

When you said you finally took the plunge, for a minute there I thought you actually meant you plunged off the GoldeGate bridge then went home and got on your computer.

The southbay is you best bet as far as commuting and greater cultural ties to your likings.
WELCOME to the BAY AREA!!!!

LOL, guess I should have chosen my words carefully

That would be weird, to jump off the bridge and then return to post it

Thanks for the welcome - I'm looking forward to snow free winters!!!!!

[mkdude_08]

In regards to being near an airport, you may also want to consider simply living very close to a BART station since the BART stops right at SFO. That way you avoid traffic and parking fees. I live near the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station and it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to SFO which is about the same as if I were to drive it. But, I get to pay lower rent since it's further from the City.

[gizmo980]

Good advice mkdude... but if you're in the South Bay, Muneta airport is close and easy to deal with (aside from their parking/loading Nazis, LOL). SFO is accessible by BART, though, and I think Oakland is too.

[EastCoastTransplant]

Originally Posted by mkdude_08

In regards to being near an airport, you may also want to consider simply living very close to a BART station since the BART stops right at SFO. That way you avoid traffic and parking fees. I live near the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station and it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to SFO which is about the same as if I were to drive it. But, I get to pay lower rent since it's further from the City.

That's a good idea mkdude - I did see some nice places on Craigslist in the Pleasanton/Livermore area - my future co-workers warned me against going further east on the 580 corridor - said traffic would be a nightmare!

[ruffytdog]

In the 95134 area code (milan dr. and navaro dr.), I was looking for a condo to buy and noticed a big indian presence in that area. I know there was an apartment complex in that neighborhood too ( i believe it was an avalon apt complex). This neighborhood is practically only a minute or 2 from milpitas border.

I commute by plane and sfo is terrible for getting you in and out on time. If you're flying domestically, then I would fly to/from oakland or san jose airport.

[coolbay]

I would say Sunnyvale, Santa Clara or Mountain View are the best location in your case. San Jose airport is comparatively good with SFO.

In Sunnyvale you will find lot of Indians, Indian Grocery and food places.

I used to travel a lot from San Jose Airport. I used hotel parking which is cheaper compared to airport and you can use their shuttle service.

I do not know traffic flow towards east (237 milipitas) but I remember the congestion at the junction of 880 and 101 ( well all the hwy junctions have same problem !) . If Hwy 880 is bad then living close to Mountain View or Sunnyvale is good where you can take 237 east to Milipitas.

Also, It's a buyers market now, so you may find best deals in buying a house.

Good Luck and Welcome to Silicon Valley :-)