Studio between Silicon Valley & San Francisco, young hip couple (San Jose: apartment, neighborhoods)

[hapynzfaerie]

We're a young couple (early 20s) searching for a studio apartment (~$1000/mo) in between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. One of us will be working in Silicon Valley, while the other will be going to school in San Francisco/Redwood City.

Must be:
-Within our budget
-Walkable/bikable neighborhood (we will be driving to and from work/school)
-Safe
-Restaurants/shopping nearby

Wish to be:
-Diverse (ethnicity wise)
-Good art scene
-Safe and accessible public transportation

We're located in Berkeley right now, and we LOVE it. Unfortunately, it's too far from Silicon Valley. So something like that ambiance would definitely work.

What neighborhoods should we start researching?? Anything will help! Thanks!

[zitsky]

You don't say exactly where in Silicon Valley you are working (it's a big place). San Mateo would probably meet your needs. It's about half way from SF & Mountain View. However, you may find it difficult to find an apartment in your price range. I found some 1BR/1BA for $1000-$1200 in San Mateo.

[hapynzfaerie]

Hey Zitsky, thanks for your reply! We did some research on San Mateo, and we're fearful its too suburban for us. We would like a more urban feel. My boyfriend is an electrical engineer who will probably be working in the Sunnyvale, Milpitas, or Mountainview areas.

[zitsky]

Originally Posted by hapynzfaerie

Hey Zitsky, thanks for your reply! We did some research on San Mateo, and we're fearful its too suburban for us. We would like a more urban feel. My boyfriend is an electrical engineer who will probably be working in the Sunnyvale, Milpitas, or Mountainview areas.

I would not consider San Mateo suburban. I think if you find San Mateo "suburban" then anything from San Francisco border to San Jose will feel the same to you. I would argue, having lived in Mountain View for 10 years, that the peninsula doesn't feel suburban at all. It's a collection of small towns that have grown into each other. Some like San Mateo, San Carlos, Palo Alto and Mountain View have more interesting downtown areas. I'm sure you have seen parts of the East Bay which I would say are classic suburbia. I can understand your attitude, being from Berkeley. You must know that there is nothing the size of Berkeley between SF and SJ, especially in your price range.

You said your boyfriend will work in the Sunnyvale/Mountain View area. Mountain View is a very nice city, but based on your comment, I don't think you would find it suitable. I'm afraid I don't know what else I could suggest. Sorry about that.