Campbell vs. Sunnyvale vs. Mountain View (San Jose, Milpitas: fit in, apartment complexes, rentals)

[movingfromeast2west]

I am going to relocate from East coast to San Jose area soon. My company will be located in Milpitas not far from Ranch Market. I've spend sometime to get familiar with the surrounding area to see where should I rent an apartment. So far I've identified several area that I consider safe and close to work - Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Campbell, and maybe Willow Glen.

My planned budget for an apartment is $1650 - could be a real large one bedroom (>750sf) or a 2br/1b. I could go a little higher but I prefer to stay in this range so I can save for future house purchase. I am downsizing from a 3 bedroom house so it will be hard to fit in a small 1br. Other thing to consider is that I am single female in my late 30s. I don't like clubbing or bar hoping. I would prefer a nice walk in the neighborhood after dinner and go out hiking or participate other activities during the weekend. On the other hand, I also like to be able to meet similar age group people so I can potentially develop my LTR.

So far I really like Campbell - some of the apartment complexes (Sedona Lane, River Walk etc) on the S. Bascom Ave. are large and got good ratings on Apartment Ratings. They are not far from Milpitas, a straight 11-13 miles on 880 will get me to work and the rent cost is reasonable. Question is, 1) is 880 north a hell during commute time? 2) am I missing the social life by choosing to live in Campbell? 3) is this area good and safe area to live?

Sunnyvale and Mountain View seem to be a little more expensive and most apartments are smaller. Do they worth the extra cost? Would I have a better social life living here? Would the commute to Milpitas better from those area?

It's hard to figure out the area on map without actually being there. Thanks you all for your helpful input!!

[Luke9686]

Honestly there isn't a whole lot different about them. They are all very nice, bland suburbs with a cool downtown area.

Test the commute from all three areas during rush hour and see which one you can handle most.

[mstnghu2]

The commute from Mountain View or Sunnyvale to Milpitas will be easier than the commute from Campbell. From a budget standpoint though, you'll probably spend less for an apartment in Campbell. The commute from Campbell to Milpitas wouldn't be too bad. The commute on interstate 880 is much worse in the East Bay north of Milpitas than it is from Milpitas to Campbell.

I think Mt. View has a nicer downtown area than Campbell and would probably be better for having a social life. Sunnyvale has a semi-decent downtown strip if you could even call it that. There's really not much to do at all in Sunnyvale. Sunnyvale does tend to have slightly lower rent than Mt. View and you can easily get to downtown Mt. View and downtown Palo Alto to hang out if you want to.

[Snort]

Move to a place closest to your job. Commuting sucks.

[krudmonk]

Campbell is way better than the other two. It is less saturated with techie losers.

[Luke9686]

Actually since you're considering Campbell, you should check into the Willow Glen area of San Jose. Very nice.

[80skeys]

The commute from Mountain View or Sunnyvale to Milipitas is on Highway 237, which gets sort of backed up during commuting hours but not that bad. I don't know too much about Campbell but Mtn View and Sunnyvale are both nice places.

I feel like there's more stuff to do in the South Bay/Peninsula area than in Milpitas.

Unfortunately, rentals rose in the last few months. You used to be able to get a 2 bdrm in Sunnyvale for $1600, but now you're looking at $1800

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

The commute from Mountain View or Sunnyvale to Milipitas is on Highway 237, which gets sort of backed up during commuting hours but not that bad. I don't know too much about Campbell but Mtn View and Sunnyvale are both nice places.

Actually, the direction of commute from Mt View or Sunnyvale to Milpitas is much more favorable than the other way around, via 237.

[movingfromeast2west]

Thank you all for your input. Sounds like Campbell is a good choice, Sunnyvale and mountain view good too if I can find something that meets my needs and budget.

I did conside Willow Glen also, but not sure which area belong to willow glen. Just know that the downtown is near Lincoln and Willow. Also for Campbell, which area is the preferred area to live?

Thanks a lot!!!

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by Snort

Move to a place closest to your job. Commuting sucks.

This is what I'm thinking....What's wrong with Milpitas? In this area, you end up having to drive everywhere anyway...but if you can afford $!650 in rent, I'd live close to work in Milpitas and drive places on the weekends (since you probably will end up driving around on weekends anyway no matter where you live).