Nice nearby areas with a reasonable commute to San Fran (San Francisco: to rent, living)

[anitasum]

Can anyone provide some ideas on cities inland from the bay with reasonable commute times (30-45) minutes? What areas are a little more affordable than SF but also somewhat safe and nice? Yes, I know this is somewhat vague but I'm just looking for somewhere to start. Thanks!

[sonarrat]

That's a seriously broad question. When I lived there, it usually took me 30-35 minutes to get from the Outer Sunset near Lincoln to my work at the Burlingame/Millbrae border, using 280/380. Coming in I think would be about the same. as for the East Bay, it can sometimes be 45 minutes from San Francisco to Oakland by car, but if you took the train, then you could go as far out as Concord, Pleasanton, El Cerrito or Mountain View. So the way you pose your question only results in more questions. Need more detail before we can narrow it down.

[lrmsd]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

That's a seriously broad question. When I lived there, it usually took me 30-35 minutes to get from the Outer Sunset near Lincoln to my work at the Burlingame/Millbrae border, using 280/380. Coming in I think would be about the same. as for the East Bay, it can sometimes be 45 minutes from San Francisco to Oakland by car, but if you took the train, then you could go as far out as Concord, Pleasanton, El Cerrito or Mountain View. So the way you pose your question only results in more questions. Need more detail before we can narrow it down.

A *little bit* cheaper will be exactly that-and that is only when you get at least 45 min to an hour out of the city...That said,try Petaluma [southern sonoma co.],as well as santa rosa,which pushes you to an hour w/o traffic.
Pacifica,20 min south may be a bit cheaper these days-but it has gone up in price.
Lastly,Richmond or Pt. Richmond,and Vallejo-but those are not places that would be on my list of desireable living areas,though they are cheaper.

If you want to go further out,for cheaper cost and nice living,lower russian river communities [forestville,etc],and sonoma the town are additional options. good luck!

[anitasum]

Yes, I know it's vague but here's what I am looking for: Something inland where it's a little warmer and less foggy(if possible) with a 45 minute (or less) commute. I suppose if I could take the train and it were a little longer than that would be ok. Somewhere safe is obviously important and somewhere a bit easier on the wallet than SF. Thanks again for all the help and input.

[Uptown Oakland]

Originally Posted by anitasum

Yes, I know it's vague but here's what I am looking for: Something inland where it's a little warmer and less foggy(if possible) with a 45 minute (or less) commute. I suppose if I could take the train and it were a little longer than that would be ok. Somewhere safe is obviously important and somewhere a bit easier on the wallet than SF. Thanks again for all the help and input.

Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by Uptown Oakland

Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek.

I agree and also check out Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon - safe suburban towns and a BART station nearby for going into SF.

[anitasum]

Thank you so much for the inout!! I am already researching those areas.

[TVC15]

You might also consider the Peninsula. It's 25-30 minutes to drive to work on 101 from San Bruno to The City for my morning and evening commute. It is sunnier and warmer and less fog. You can find a very decent place to rent for less then what you will find in SF.

[firtree]

Oakland. Oakland. Oakland.
:-)

[mburns]

I would look at Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda. You can always commute with ferry.