Moving to San Jose with teens and toddlers (Fremont, Santa Clara: upper-class, real estate market)

[res0113]

Relocating from Wash DC metro with kids age 14, 12, 2, 1. Even though we're leaving one of the most expensive housing areas, the prices in Northern California are eye-popping! Job in Mountain View. Looking to commute 45 minutes or less if possible. Will rent for first year (max $3500) but want to be in community where we will eventually purchase up to $650k for 3-4br home. We are used to bona fide suburbs but if we can find more of a walk-able community that's a bonus. Academically challenging high schools, kids sports programs, friendly, active community are most important features. Wishful thinking?? i hope not! Any suggestions for communities that might fit the criteria?

[Lanienguyen]

Nothing to say when you are leaving one of the most expensive housing area to the MOST expensive housing area.
The median house price in San Jose now is $900,000. So I really don't know what you can buy a home for $650K in San Jose.

Metro Home Prices Maintain Steady Growth in First Quarter of 2015 | PressReleasePoint

[res0113]

Understood. Can likely go higher but stepping outside of my comfort zone! Perhaps easier to be more general - looking for a middle/upper-class community that meets the characteristics described above, with a reasonable commute (<45-60minutes) to Mountain View. Good public school system (c//www.city-data.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=39662441halle nging, diverse, supportive/engaged community)

[mstnghu2]

Originally Posted by res0113

Understood. Can likely go higher but stepping outside of my comfort zone! Perhaps easier to be more general - looking for a middle/upper-class community that meets the characteristics described above, with a reasonable commute (<45-60minutes) to Mountain View. Good public school system (c//www.city-data.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=39662441halle nging, diverse, supportive/engaged community)

Sorry, but unless the real estate market crashes severely in the near future, you won't find a house based on what you're describing. Based on your criteria, expect to spend at least $750k+ to get your foot in the door in a neighborhood like that. San Jose is the biggest city in the region and has the largest supply of housing. Compared to some of the neighboring upscale cities/towns, many parts of San Jose would be considered a bargain...but you'd still be looking to spend about $750k at least to get into a middle to upper class neighborhood with good schools.

If you're looking for a strong sense of community and walkability in San Jose, you'd mainly be focusing on older more established areas like Willow Glen, Rose Garden or Naglee Park. Your budget makes that impossible though. Houses in those areas typically start around $900k and can go much higher...and these areas don't even have the best schools in San Jose.

FYI, the best schools in and around San Jose are typically found in Almaden Valley (San Jose), West San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos/Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto. All of these areas are very expensive. Directly northeast of San Jose are Milpitas and Fremont, both of which also have good to very good schools. Although these cities are cheaper than the others I mentioned, $650k still won't get you much. You definitely won't be in an upper class neighborhood.

[MediocreButArrogant]

The most budget friendly locations for your requirements would be West San Jose and Almaden Valley, but you'll need to just about double your housing budget if you want an SFH. You might want to rethink your move if that's not within your budget.

[res0113]

Ok... rental market, here we come! Community/lifestyle matters more than the house itself. Budget $4k/mo.

I appreciate the honesty - as painful as it may be to hear!

[comingbacktocali]

Originally Posted by res0113

Ok... rental market, here we come! Community/lifestyle matters more than the house itself. Budget $4k/mo.

I appreciate the honesty - as painful as it may be to hear!

you have come to the correct realization. but i'm a little confused bc you say job is in mountain view but you are moving to san jose (maybe just using that as a relative area?). there are no towns that fit your criteria where you could buy for that price within a 45 min commute of mountain view.

[res0113]

sorry, yes... I was using San Jose in a general sense as opposed to the SFO area. Looking for any town within a reasonable commute of Mountain View.
This thread has been pretty eye-opening, I must admit! I knew the area was expensive but didn't realize it was so difficult for a family making ~$275k/yr to find a pleasant, suitable neighborhood without spending 40% of our income on rent!
Open to any and all ideas! How about a 75 minute commute?

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

The easiest thing to do is put your criteria into Craigslist.

Here's a search of all of South Bay Area (includes Santa Clara, San Jose, Willow Glen, etc.):

I put in max $4,000 and 3 bedrooms:

SF bay area apartments / housing rentals - craigslist

Here's the same search for the peninsula (Mountain View, Palo Alto, etc.):

SF bay area apartments / housing rentals - craigslist

Here are results using the above, for the entire SF Bay Area:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/a...000&bedrooms=3

See what looks good, then look here at schools:

GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community

Then, use Google maps to see how far the commute would be. Then, look at Google maps during your actual commute times, to see how bad the traffic is, using the traffic feature.

I think people just need to see for themselves what they can get. It's easy to think we must not know what we're talking about, or the "right" person hasn't responded yet. So, see what you can see on the above links, then come back and ask specifics once you have poured yourself a stiff one :-)

[SportyandMisty]

An alternative for you to consider: send your kids to private school. Many people find they cannot afford to live in the public school district they want, so they live where they can and then send their kids to private school.