How is the traffic from Pleasanton to north San Jose? (Fremont: home, neighborhoods)

[kyuan]

My husband is considering a job in the north San Jose area and we're heard that living in Pleasanton or Fremont is a good choice and should be cheaper than live near San Jose. There is concern is for the commute. Could somebody share the experience of how the traffic in 680 and 880? How long usually takes from Pleasanton/Fremont to north san jose erea if both start and end point is easy to 680/880 free way?

[mstnghu2]

Pleasanton and Fremont are not cheaper than San Jose. You might want to list some of what you're looking for in a place to live and you might get some other recommendations.

Pleasanton and Fremont may be good choices for you based on other criteria, but not because they would be cheaper. Pleasanton is actually quite upscale, with many wealthy residents. Fremont also has some very upscale neighborhoods as well, but is much bigger than Pleasanton so has a lot more variety in income levels and home prices.

Traffic to and from Pleasanton and north San Jose can be pretty bad, but not as bad as some Bay Area commutes. Fremont traffic is bad as well but would be easier than from Pleasanton. Neither commute would be great, but are not that terrible and many people do it every day.

What other search criteria do you have in looking for a place to live?

[never-more]

Depending on the location you pick, you will need to take either 680 or 880 in order to get into San Jose although both are congested during rush hour. Fremont is a large town but depending on the area you pick it's closer to your husband's job than if you chose Pleasanton.

[OrangeSunset]

680 and 880 are pretty much a parking lot during commuting hours. I would not recommend it.

I also agree with earlier posts about Pleasanton and Fremont not being cheaper than San Jose. Some areas of San Jose can be actually cheaper...it really depends what you are looking for.

[sonarrat]

Pleasanton tends to be where folks go if they want the suburban lifestyle, good schools, and a fairly central location without the huge price tag of a Saratoga or Palo Alto. You can't really compare them in price to Fremont or San Jose, aside from the small areas with strong school districts.

[SFBayBoomer]

Of the two cities named, I would prefer to commute to San Jose from Fremont rather than Pleasanton.

If you are not interested in San Jose, perhaps you could look into Milpitas, since it is very close to (and north of) San Jose.

[kyuan]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions!