Best place to rent and public transportation to SJSU? (San Jose: apartment, buy)

[ws123]

Hello;

I will be going to SJSU (San Jose State univ.) this fall.

I'd like to rent near SJSU a nice apt, but can't afford one since I like a nice apt and so far was not able to find something nice that is less than $1,100 or so.

So, I am now thinking of renting some distance away.

But the problem become commuting, and I do not like to spend an hr each day one way going to school and back. Will be tired by the time I get to school.

Where would be a good place to rent a nice apt, with easy public transportation to SJSU?

I am looked at fremont and hayward where rent seems to be lower and also more choices. But then driving on the fwy will be pain. I assume there is no bus services, or if there is, it will take forever.

Bart does not run between hayward and san jose. Too bad.

Should I think of other areas close to san jose where the driving will be less? Say los gatos, campbell? Santa clara and mountain view probably as expensive as san jose?

I can drive 20 minutes one way, that will be ok. But need to find place with nice apts that do not cost over say $1,200 most. I am a student and not working.

I'd really love to live in Daly city (cooler weather, less sun), but driving will be too long, and there are no trains at all, so this is out of question.

Morgan hill is probably too far, have to commute too much?

W.S.

[ws123]

I just found that caltrain can take one from San Bruno to san jose train station (very close to SJSU)

System Map

It takes 1 hr (but I won't be driving, so I do not care. I can sit in the train and read).

Has anyone used this service before?

I am thinking if this works, I can rent in Daly city, and drive and park in San Bruno and take the train to san jose (from station there to SJSU is only 1.8 miles, may be I buy a bike? and take it with me on the train. need to see if I can do that). It is kind'a expensive ($200+ per month for 4 zones), but worth it I think.

[sonarrat]

There IS an express bus from Fremont to SJSU campus, actually, and it's not too slow. Look up the 181.

San Bruno wouldn't save you much money over San Jose. I lived in SSF for a year and a half and worked in Burlingame, and I found the rents are consistently lower in SJ where I am now..

Another idea might be Gilroy, there is both Caltrain and express bus service into downtown SJ..

[silverkris]

Could you find something that is convenient to the VTA light rail line that goes downtown?

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by ws123

Hello;

I will be going to SJSU (San Jose State univ.) this fall.

I'd like to rent near SJSU a nice apt, but can't afford one since I like a nice apt and so far was not able to find something nice that is less than $1,100 or so.

So, I am now thinking of renting some distance away.

But the problem become commuting, and I do not like to spend an hr each day one way going to school and back. Will be tired by the time I get to school.

Where would be a good place to rent a nice apt, with easy public transportation to SJSU?

I am looked at fremont and hayward where rent seems to be lower and also more choices. But then driving on the fwy will be pain. I assume there is no bus services, or if there is, it will take forever.

Bart does not run between hayward and san jose. Too bad.

Should I think of other areas close to san jose where the driving will be less? Say los gatos, campbell? Santa clara and mountain view probably as expensive as san jose?

I can drive 20 minutes one way, that will be ok. But need to find place with nice apts that do not cost over say $1,200 most. I am a student and not working.

I'd really love to live in Daly city (cooler weather, less sun), but driving will be too long, and there are no trains at all, so this is out of question.

Morgan hill is probably too far, have to commute too much?

W.S.

Before you decide you can't afford an apartment, google Westwood Properties. for their phone #. Their rents are more reasonable than other downtown landlords. They are pickier about who they rent to, but their buildings are nicely maintained, although you won't get any frills. I have rented from them for 2 years and am quite happy with them.

[Rhymes with Orange]

Originally Posted by silverkris

Could you find something that is convenient to the VTA light rail line that goes downtown?

I would recommend this as light rail is pretty fast and reliable with a stations literally a block from SJSU campus.