Moving from NYC to SF Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland: apartments, rentals)

[blueengineer]

Hi everyone! I’m currently contemplating an offer for a job out by Oakland international Airport. I am looking at apartments and it’s kind of overwhelming. Currently my budget is between 3000- 4000 for rent. Where are some good places( safe, able to go on walks, etc) to live? I don’t necessarily don’t want a long commute but the job is a hybrid model so I could tolerate the drive if I like it. Thanks.

[General I80]

Alameda is safe, and it's not as expensive as San Francisco. It's also right next to the airport.

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by General I80

Alameda is safe, and it's not as expensive as San Francisco. It's also right next to the airport.

Yes. It's got a lot to offer - old Victorians, 60s-70s suburbia homes that looks like Foster City, apartments. A good mix of people of various backgrounds.

[04kL4nD]

I’ll recommend Alameda as well. Parts of Oakland are very nice/safe, but crime has been a bit out of control lately.

[davdaven]

Alameda is the obvious choice. Beautiful town, safe, diverse, has a good variety of restaurants and bars, convenient to your workplace as well as all the highlights of Oakland and San Francisco. I recommend the Park Street side of the island. Webster Street side is fine too but not as lively, in addition to being further away from OAK. Bay Farm Island is pleasant but thoroughly residential, so it probably won't be your first choice. You should have no trouble finding your own decent apartment for less than $2K.

For example, a buddy of mine lived 3 blocks from here for 10 years and loved it: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/apa...319831314.html

[tstieber]

Alameda for the win! I would also highly recommend it. Relatively safe, nice small town atmosphere, great location.

[Ceece]

Back in the 60's my dad worked in Alameda and my parents used to spend weekends visiting open houses with plans to move there one day. I can still remember some of the beautiful houses we saw, some Victorians, some right on the water, and picking out 'my room'. Going to open houses became something we did as a family every couple of weeks. It never actually happened though since my dad finally admitted he didn't want to live where he worked and liked the separation. There was no real commute traffic in those days so they remained in their house in Hayward until he retired and moved elsewhere. I highly recommend Alameda!

[Ruth4Truth]

That's a great budget you have, OP! Is that for rent for one person, or a family? If it's just for you, or for a couple, you'll come in well under budget, if renting in Alameda. Even if you get a 2-br. place.

I'd check property management companies in the area, as well as Craigslist and the like. There's not much available at the moment on C-list. There hasn't been much turnover in rentals, due to Covid.

Good luck, and let us know where you end up!

[blueengineer]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

That's a great budget you have, OP! Is that for rent for one person, or a family? If it's just for you, or for a couple, you'll come in well under budget, if renting in Alameda. Even if you get a 2-br. place.

I'd check property management companies in the area, as well as Craigslist and the like. There's not much available at the moment on C-list. There hasn't been much turnover in rentals, due to Covid.

Good luck, and let us know where you end up!

It's for myself. I would prefer a 2 bedroom but I could do one if I absolutely have to.

[TheseGoTo11]

Walnut Creek if you're willing to commute a little. Better weather, very safe, and plenty of apartments.