Better to live in SF or SJ? (San Jose, Sunnyvale: university, pros and cons) - San Francisco - Oakland - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

mayjeff05 · 02-04-2007, 05:11 PM

My husband will be working in SJ, what's the pros and cons of living in SF vs SJ? FYI - we will start a family in a yr or so but don't want to give up our urban lifestyle...

JakeDog · 02-05-2007, 03:24 PM

"My husband will be working in SJ, what's the pros and cons of living in SF vs SJ? FYI - we will start a family in a yr or so but don't want to give up our urban lifestyle..."

Do I really need to put the pros for SF? It rocks-very urban, very pretty, lots to do. The downside is expense and the commute to SJ.

SJ flat out s*cks. It's mostly ugly, there is nothing to do, it's also expensive. There are some decent areas w/ commute distance but they are very expensive. There really isn't a comparison, but a commute from SF to SJ would be tough.

Dedalus · 02-05-2007, 04:05 PM

San Jo has its good points. There's a downtown cafe district that's up and coming, also some clubs. Sadly, Recycle Books had to leave downtown...it's still worth a visit.

Long live Ernie the Cat!

Dedalus · 02-05-2007, 07:09 PM

There are also many fine vietnamese restaurants. When I had a few dollars and wanted to treat myself, I'd go down Santa Clara Street, around 10th, and get me some lemongrass beef. Mmmmm.

JakeDog · 02-05-2007, 08:25 PM

"San Jo has its good points."

So does Dallas I'm sure, but it doesn't compare to SF. San Jose is a lot like LA, minus the beach and culture.

Dedalus · 02-05-2007, 08:42 PM

There is also the University Library, open to the public, and sorely missed by me.

And, Alum Rock Park, where you may find a spring with naturally carbonated, potable mineral water. Tastes like Alka-Seltzer. Some claim it's medicinal.

doodaa · 02-06-2007, 04:05 PM

Thank you for the feedback. We are looking into the Richmond, Sunset and Parkside area of SF. I've heard that the outer parts of Richmond and Sunset has bad weather compared to the inner parts, is this true? How bad does it get - grey and suicidal like Seattle?

Dedalus · 02-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doodaa

Thank you for the feedback. We are looking into the Richmond, Sunset and Parkside area of SF. I've heard that the outer parts of Richmond and Sunset has bad weather compared to the inner parts, is this true? How bad does it get - grey and suicidal like Seattle?

I never lived in Seattle. I did live at 27th and Balboa in SF for two years. That's the Richmond. Nicest place I ever lived.

If you're looking for bright and sunny, SF is not for you. I liked the mist and fog, myself. In San Jose, during the summer months, the sun is unrelenting. If you like warm weather, SJ might be better for you.

doodaa · 02-06-2007, 05:04 PM

We live in Boston so we def. know what bad weather is. I don't mind fog, just wondering if the fog is less or more in Outer, Central and Inner parts of Richmond, Sunset and Parkside? Also, what's your opinion on these areas i.e highly desirable? Thx...

humboldtrat · 02-06-2007, 05:27 PM

Why either SF or SJ? Why not some place in the middle such as Redwood City, Mountain View or Sunnyvale? Life in the big city can have its downside. SF and SJ are about 50 miles apart. It's going to be expensive no matter where you move to in the Bay Area and the traffic is lousy also no matter where you live. There are two major north/south freeways and Caltrain that run between SF and SJ. The weather is nice on the mid-peninsula. Usually it's cold, windy and foggy in SF even in summer and SJ can be in the 80's or 90's (and sometimes 100+) in the summer.