Suggested neighborhoods if working in Menlo Park? (Redwood City, Mountain View: apartment complex, rental market)

[adr3naline]

Hi All,

I am likely accepting an offer for an employer in Menlo Park and am not sure where I should be looking for housing. Currently living in Downtown LA.

- Will be renting
- Would like to stay at/under $4000 per mo (parking doesn't have to be included in that)
- 1br, <900sqft, apartment complex
- Married couple, both ~30yrs old
- Both work in tech, and will be tied to Silicon Valley employers
- Public transit preferred, <30min commute desired
- if driving, <20min commute desired
- We like to hike, mountain bike, and be closer to the connivences of a "downtown" area

Where do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[Ruth4Truth]

If you're working in Menlo Park, live in Menlo Park. You can easily afford it. Do your own research on Craigslist, to find what you want, and get a feel for the rental market. There are even some 2-br. places well within your budget (older buildings). Menlo Park is a cool little community. BTW, the Bay Area hasn't until recently, needed A/C. Some buildings won't have it. you may need a window unit, or portable A/C, to have on hand when a heat wave hits. You'll thank me. In any case, when you inquire about a rental, ask if it has A/C.

[adr3naline]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

If you're working in Menlo Park, live in Menlo Park. You can easily afford it. Do your own research on Craigslist, to find what you want, and get a feel for the rental market. There are even some 2-br. places well within your budget (older buildings). Menlo Park is a cool little community. BTW, the Bay Area hasn't until recently, needed A/C. Most buildings won't have it. Get yourself a window unit, or portable A/C, to have on hand when a heat wave hits. You'll thank me. In any case, when you inquire about a rental, ask if it has A/C.

Thanks. We’re primarily looking at newer construction large developments, so A/C included. We’re just not sure where we should look to maximize our QOL.

E.g: there’s a train that goes to Redwood in a reasonable time and Redwood is happenin' place, so expand search to Redwood. (not sure if true, just an example)

[dogandcat]

Originally Posted by adr3naline

Thanks. We’re primarily looking at newer construction large developments, so A/C included. We’re just not sure where we should look to maximize our QOL.

E.g: there’s a train that goes to Redwood in a reasonable time and Redwood is happenin' place, so expand search to Redwood. (not sure if true, just an example)

With your very healthy budget, stay in Menlo Park or Palo Alto. You do no need Redwood city since it is add to your commute time for getting the same value. I love Redwood and especially their downtown just thinking about your convenience...


If work is in Facebook, you can consider renting right near Facebook in North East Menlo Park - their newer apartment buildings right near the campus should be safe, and you can walk or bike to work. I assume the majority of people who rent there are Facebook workers. But I would rent near Menlo Park downtown with your budget... More fun and safety.

[jdhpa]

I agree Menlo Park or Palo Alto. I would stay away from East Palo Alto.

[joey_mcmarbles]

Downtown Palo Alto or Downtown Menlo Park are your best bet. DO NOT move to East Menlo Park (east of 101).

[joejerryronnie]

Nothing new to add, just take the advice already given - PA or MP.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by adr3naline

Thanks. We’re primarily looking at newer construction large developments, so A/C included. We’re just not sure where we should look to maximize our QOL.

E.g: there’s a train that goes to Redwood in a reasonable time and Redwood is happenin' place, so expand search to Redwood. (not sure if true, just an example)

Menlo Park is happening' enough, and there's newer construction downtown. It's a great downtown, with a lot of character, IMO.

[ZeApelido]

Originally Posted by adr3naline

Hi All,

I am likely accepting an offer for an employer in Menlo Park and am not sure where I should be looking for housing. Currently living in Downtown LA.

- Will be renting
- Would like to stay at/under $4000 per mo (parking doesn't have to be included in that)
- 1br, <900sqft, apartment complex
- Married couple, both ~30yrs old
- Both work in tech, and will be tied to Silicon Valley employers
- Public transit preferred, <30min commute desired
- if driving, <20min commute desired
- We like to hike, mountain bike, and be closer to the connivences of a "downtown" area

Where do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

I don't renting costs will be an issue.

How close do you desire to be to a "downtown" and how much of a "downtown" do you need?

I would also consider Redwood City (btw City is part of the name, not just "Redwood" ) Downtown is definitely booming, might be more food options than Menlo Park. Palo Alto will have the most.

Of course there are other downtowns (ie. Mountain View) but I think you would be shifting further away from your outdoor preferences. IMO South RWC is the best gateway to the Santa Cruz mountains on the peninsula. I live in RWC near Woodside Rd, about halfway between hwys 101 and 280, and its easy access to a bunch of trails for trail running, hiking, mountain biking. I cycle directly from my house up the local mountain roads conveniently.

That said, Menlo Park would also be close enough for most of this, and I think is really nice.

[adr3naline]

This is all very helpful, thank you.

Question about "East" Menlo Park. @joey_mcmarbles you mention this is everything East of the 101. Did you mean the 82? Looks like there's very little life to the West/North of the 101 near Menlo Park...East Palo Alto included.