Need suggestions: Relocating to Bay Area from LA (Los Angeles, San Francisco: apartments, rentals)

[vishucool]

Hello Everyone,

We (My Wife and I) are originally from INDIA and currently based out of Los Angeles, CA.
We have been in US for last 4 years and we will be moving to San Francisco Bay Area in 1 month, as I have accepted a Job Offer from a Company based in San Mateo, CA.

We are pretty new to the Bay Area and currently looking for Accommodation options and we would want to stay in an Apartment.
We have some queries / concerns about which localities we should target to stay in Bay Area and we have also listed our priorities below.
It would be great if you could take out time and respond with views and suggestions, as that could be very beneficial for us.

Priority# 1: Safety
We would definitely want to stay in a Safe Apartment / Community / Locality where we can be relaxed to roam around late nights and we need not worry about possibilities of theft / burglary or any other such activities. I know no one can guarantee to be a 100% safe place, but we would like to stay in safer areas.

Priority# 2: Apartment Condition
Good Maintenance and Services by Apartment. Preferably remodeled apartments with newer Kitchen appliances, free of mold, cockroaches, bugs etc. We do not want to spend too much on rent either, say not more than $1500 per month for a 1 BedRoom Apartment

Priority# 3: Amenities provided by the Housing Community
We would want all the basic amenities like Laundry facility, Covered Parking, Kitchen Appliances, would prefer a Fitness Center (not must)

Priority# 4: Commute Convenience
Distance from San Mateo (ideally not more than 30 mins drive). Close to Shopping / Grocery Stores and Public Transport

Priority# 5: Weather
We would prefer an area that is not heavily affected by the fog, and not very cold

I know, there are too many questions here. But I would really appreciate feedback for any of the above.

Thanks in advance
VM

[jaypee]

For your Pri 1, most of the Peninsula cities should suffice. Ideally, you want to stay west of the 101 freeway. Now, Pri 2 is going to be tough to fulfill at $1500/month ... you're not likely going to get anything remotely new-ish at this price point. Check craigslist for rentals in San Mateo, Belmont, Millbrae, San Carlos, Burlingame, Foster City to see how realistic your budget is.

[jaypee]

You're not going to find spanking new or remodeled apartments in the Peninsula at your price point.

Here are some you should consider:

Spacious 1 Bed, 1 BA, Parking, Pool

Top Floor, Great Location, On-site Laundry Facility, Garbage Included

800ft² - top corner unit w/balcony laurelwood

[jellokatt]

as far as safety goes, anyplace up here is 1000 times safer than anyplace in the l.a. area. i've never felt threatened up here (even when i lived in an area that there was a lot of drug use and prostitution, it always felt a LOT safer than even beverly hills or santa monica - at least up here, i've never been chased by people or had trash cans thrown at my car by random crazies).

[justinbro2002]

your probably not gonna find a very desirable apartment in your price range on the penninsula. You should expect to spend alteast another $800-1000 for a decent place or you can drive across the bridge to the east bay and get something in your price range.

[ccm123]

Try the East Bay (Fremont) for that price range.

[darkeconomist]

Originally Posted by vishucool

Priority# 1: Safety
We would definitely want to stay in a Safe Apartment / Community / Locality where we can be relaxed to roam around late nights and we need not worry about possibilities of theft / burglary or any other such activities. I know no one can guarantee to be a 100% safe place, but we would like to stay in safer areas.

Priority# 2: Apartment Condition
Good Maintenance and Services by Apartment. Preferably remodeled apartments with newer Kitchen appliances, free of mold, cockroaches, bugs etc. We do not want to spend too much on rent either, say not more than $1500 per month for a 1 BedRoom Apartment

Priority# 3: Amenities provided by the Housing Community
We would want all the basic amenities like Laundry facility, Covered Parking, Kitchen Appliances, would prefer a Fitness Center (not must)

Priority# 4: Commute Convenience
Distance from San Mateo (ideally not more than 30 mins drive). Close to Shopping / Grocery Stores and Public Transport

A reverse commute from, say, Daly City might suit you. But, between #2 and #4, you're looking at an uphill battle; $1500 is slightly below average for a good 1 bedroom rental, and only get higher as you get in to better neighborhoods, closer to business districts, or in to newer structures.

[vrhunski]

1500$ is way too low 2300+ for all those priorities should be fine + You need to rent furniture.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by jellokatt

as far as safety goes, anyplace up here is 1000 times safer than anyplace in the l.a. area. i've never felt threatened up here (even when i lived in an area that there was a lot of drug use and prostitution, it always felt a LOT safer than even beverly hills or santa monica - at least up here, i've never been chased by people or had trash cans thrown at my car by random crazies).

You really going to say EPA, Tenderloin, or BV/HP is safer than Beverly Hills or Santa Monica?

To the OP:
You might be able to find a place in Redwood City in your price range, but investigate it first. There are some sketchy blocks in that town - ergo, the lower prices.