Moving from London to Mountain View - help with rental prices needed! (San Francisco: apartments, rentals)

[Kats.]

My husband and I are moving to Mountain View through his work, which is based in Mountain View. We will be looking to rent a 3 bedroom home single family home - 2 bed is also fine, the important part is that it's a detached house as we're really sick of living in apartments (with neighbour noise)! Our budget is around $3500 per month, is this do-able? We want a modern kitchen and bathroom too.

I've researched a lot on Craig's List but not that many single family homes come up in Mountain View, there's a lot more flats and townhouses. Are there not that many single family homes to rent in Mountain View, or do they get snapped up really quickly or something?

We also really like the look of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Gatos but these areas seem to be more expensive and it doesn't look like nice, modern houses are available for $3500. What do you think, can we get what we're looking for in Mountain View for that price, or do we have to up the budget? Is is worth looking in the other areas or is there no way that we'll get what we want at that price?

Also, do we need air con for summers in Mountain View? Thanks!

[zitsky]

There are some days when air conditioning is nice but you don't need it all summer. It's a good thing to have, whether it's in a window unit or central A/C.

As far as rental prices, I think homes get snapped up quickly. I can tell you that I rent a 2 bed/1 Bath with separate office space in back unit for $2800 a month. (I'm the landlord.) I would keep looking for a house. The other cities you mentioned will be more expensive than Mountain View. You could also try Redwood City or Sunnyvale, but schools are not as good.

Mountain View is a very good place to live, if you can find something you can afford.

[Kats.]

Thanks for your reply. It does seem like homes go quickly, we will be prepared with our paperwork when we go to viewings so when we do find something we can offer straight away. That does help knowing what you rent your place out for, and good to know Mountain View is a good place too!

[ronaldojernkins]

Originally Posted by Kats.

Thanks for your reply. It does seem like homes go quickly, we will be prepared with our paperwork when we go to viewings so when we do find something we can offer straight away. That does help knowing what you rent your place out for, and good to know Mountain View is a good place too!

How much would your husband mind a commute? San Mateo and even Burlingame are very nice cities (with great downtowns) where you will likely get a better value. Also, you're only 20 minutes from San Francisco, with easy CalTrain access.

Like I said, the only downside is it would be a 25 minute commute. Frankly, I think it's worth it.

For instance, look at this listing. I know it's about $300 over your budget, but it gives you an idea of what you can get in Burlingame/San Mateo. You won't find anything like this in Mountain View.

3.5 BA, 2,860 sq. ft, Remodeled Home, Stunning Pano Bay Views (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2235656164.html - broken link)

[Kats.]

Originally Posted by ronaldojernkins

How much would your husband mind a commute? San Mateo and even Burlingame are very nice cities (with great downtowns) where you will likely get a better value. Also, you're only 20 minutes from San Francisco, with easy CalTrain access.

Like I said, the only downside is it would be a 25 minute commute. Frankly, I think it's worth it.

For instance, look at this listing. I know it's about $300 over your budget, but it gives you an idea of what you can get in Burlingame/San Mateo. You won't find anything like this in Mountain View.

3.5 BA, 2,860 sq. ft, Remodeled Home, Stunning Pano Bay Views (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa/2235656164.html - broken link)

Burlingame looks really nice - we looked briefly into Burlingame prices but it seems pretty expensive too, not sure if the difference is enough to make up for the commute. Thanks for the idea though, we will keep it on our radar.

[ronaldojernkins]

Originally Posted by Kats.

Burlingame looks really nice - we looked briefly into Burlingame prices but it seems pretty expensive too, not sure if the difference is enough to make up for the commute. Thanks for the idea though, we will keep it on our radar.

San Mateo is significantly cheaper, and there are some very nice areas in San Mateo.

The commute from Mountain View to San Mateo/Burlingame is about the same as Mountain View to Los Gatos.

[80skeys]

Yes you can rent a very nice 2 or 3 bedroom home in most areas on the Peninsula. If you're looking for really nice neighborhoods, concentrate on Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos, Burlinghame, Redwood Shores, Foster City, Saratoga.

[Kats.]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Yes you can rent a very nice 2 or 3 bedroom home in most areas on the Peninsula. If you're looking for really nice neighborhoods, concentrate on Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos, Burlinghame, Redwood Shores, Foster City, Saratoga.

Thanks for the info!

[theskillz39]

Originally Posted by Kats.

Thanks for the info!

The 94087 zipcode of Sunnyvale (basically between Homestead and El Camino) is pretty good as well.

[Nell Plotts]

Recognizing that not is on Zillow.com you might give it a spin as they have added rentals to their offerings.