san francisco alternative on the peninsula (Oakland, Fremont: condos, townhomes, neighborhoods)

[johnj12]

would really like to purchase a house in SF, but i would like to avoid the fog so there doesn't seem to be a lot of options.

there is so much to do in the city.

was wondering what would be the next best thing on the peninsula, where there is at least somethings to do, close enough where i can head into the city, has sunnier and warmer weather in the summer, and where people are progressive minded and friendly.

thanks.

[sonarrat]

The best option that wouldn't have fog would be Potrero Hill or Portola in SF itself. The way San Francisco is, the Golden Gate bridge can have dense fog and the Bay Bridge side will be clear as day.

[johnj12]

would be great if i could find a house there that i can afford.

not into condos/townhomes because of shared walls, or even being on top of someone in a flat, cause you can still hear their tv/stereo, unless you get lucky and move next to someone quiet.

[sonarrat]

Portola is actually very affordable by area standards. See for example: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed If that's still too much, then maybe you could consider some of the nice (but not posh) neighborhoods in Oakland like Ivy Hill, Grand Lake, Dimond. Don't think of it as a downgrade - you'll be very surprised.

[18Montclair]

Berkeley too. Very SFesque but not as crowded.

[PeixeGato]

Originally Posted by johnj12

would be great if i could find a house there that i can afford.

not into condos/townhomes because of shared walls, or even being on top of someone in a flat, cause you can still hear their tv/stereo, unless you get lucky and move next to someone quiet.

Are you sure city (i.e. SF proper) life is for you? You are essentially looking for a free standing house inside the city limits. There aren't many people who can afford that anywhere in the City.

It sounds like parts of Oakland or Berkeley would be more up your alley. Those have urban-like density, but free standing homes with yards, AND are close to SF itself. Of course, I don't know your budget, so that could throw a monkey wrench into it (again, they aren't "cheaper" alternatives, rather they are alternatives that seem to more closely resemble what you are looking for in a house).

[johnj12]

ill be working in redwood city, so east bay might be a tougher commute. and tougher to get into SF when i want to visit.

[sonarrat]

Hmm. Fremont would be a fairly easy commute but I don't think it would be a good match.

[mattja]

Palo Alto might be your style. Plenty of liberals there. Not exactly cheap.