My husband works in San Francisco, but I work in Sunnyvale, where should we live for the best commute? (Fremont: apartment)

[LaurenIntern]

We have been looking in San Mateo, Redwood City, Fremont and Union City... but we are looking for a safe area within a reasonable budget (under 2000/month 2 bdr). Any ideas?? How is the commute from these areas? Would you suggest my husband taking the Bart or CalTrain if he works in San Fran? We are searching for an apartment from Missouri, but have jobs in Bay area starting next month, just no place to live... please help!

[jbunniii]

Where does/will he work in San Francisco? If on/near Market Street, then BART is an option. Caltrain is also feasible but requires an additional bus ride or 30 minute walk to get to the financial district.

BART doesn't extend very far down the peninsula, though; it ends in Millbrae. So if you live south of there and commute to SF, it's either Caltrain + walk or Caltrain + transfer to BART.

For best Caltrain commute speed/flexibility, try to live close to an express station, e.g. Mountain View or Palo Alto. Commuting from either of these to Sunnyvale by car isn't bad.

Fremont or Union City would be a long haul to both SF and Sunnyvale, well worth avoiding unless you prefer the east bay for some reason. If you want something equidistant between the SF and Sunnyvale then San Mateo is a much better choice; Redwood City wouldn't be bad either. $2k rent for a 2br should be achievable in all of the above-listed cities, except possibly Palo Alto.

Regarding specific commute times, I'm sure you can check the Caltrain and BART schedules online as easily as I can. Driving times to Sunnyvale depend on when exactly you are on the road and where in Sunnyvale, but roughly speaking Mountain View to Sunnyvale is about 15 minutes (use Central Expressway instead of 101 during rush hour if you can); Palo Alto closer to 30 if not near 101; Redwood City also about 30; San Mateo 35-40. Add 15-20 minutes if right in the middle of rush hour. Not sure about Fremont/Union City as I've never tried it during commute hours, but from everything I've heard, 880 is miserable.

[sonarrat]

In addition to what the poster above said, all of which is excellent info, Sunnyvale itself also has an express stop on the way to San Francisco, which is in the city's downtown area around Mathilda/Evelyn. Unfortunately, the privately-financed plan to rebuild the area with new housing and a shopping center has gone into receivership, but there are still lots of condos and rentals in the immediate area which may be to your liking.

[Shadow Dude]

If your commuting by car I'd chose the bay facing side of the peninsula not including San Francisco itself.

[JonHomeHunter]

Yeah it all depends on how you plan to commute. I would stay on the peninsula side though because then you'll save on toll (toll is increasing very soon) and overall traveling expenses.

[Mach50]

For the price and commute time, I think you need to concentrate on San Mateo, San Carlos and Redwood City. San Mateo will probably be the midpoint for both of you. My wife and I have done these exact commutes from RWC and it is pretty stress free.

Rule of thumb: Stay away from bridges, unless you absolutely have to commute over one.