Where to live between Milpitas and Santa Clara? (Vista, Bell: apartment complexes, leasing)

[saintforlife]

My wife and I will be moving to the Bay Area soon and I will be working in Milpitas (close to 237 and 880). My wife is planning to go to school next year at Santa Clara University. We are both young, Asian (Indian - don't know if that matters) and do not have any kids.

We are looking for an apartment preferably equidistant between my work and her school. I want to keep my daily commute between 10-15 minutes (max) if possible and do not want to deal with rush hour traffic. Can you guys suggest some safe neighborhoods with good apartment complexes which have restaurants, grocery stores etc. within a very short commute? We would also prefer a neighborhood that has parks, running/biking trails and is safe to walk around at night alone.

Also what can we expect to pay in terms of rent for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment in these areas? We are moving from Texas and have been told to brace for a sticker shock.

[silverkris]

One suggestion is Rivermark - on Montague Expressway in Santa Clara, which is a new residential complex that has a supermarket, some restaurants, a bank, etc. It's pretty convenient to Milpitas - no need to go by freeway, just drive east on Montague to get to Milpitas. To get to SCU, go the opposite way on Montague Expressway past 101. The only caveat is that it's a pretty new place so it's kind of sterile in my opinion; also I don't know what your budget is but it's probably pretty pricey.

[saintforlife]

Any other suggestions? Anybody have thoughts on these apartments:

1) Rivermark
2) Mertiage apts
3) Parc West apts
4) Mansion Grove apts
5) 550 Moreland apts
6) E'lan Apartments
7) Bella Vista Apts

[sonarrat]

Elan at River Oaks is close to where I work, wouldn't recommend it. Very thin walls. Looks attractive on the outside, nice leasing staff but not worth the luxury price.

550 Moreland looks really dramatic from the street, I imagine that's a pretty interesting place to live one way or the other..

[saintforlife]

What kind of rent can I expect to pay for a decent 1 bedroom apartment in the Milpitas/North Santa Clara area? Is is possible to find one something good for <$1200?

For me the most important things that I am looking for in the apartment are - low crime rate, gym, pool, young professionals/families, proximity to parks, stores and groceries.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by saintforlife

What kind of rent can I expect to pay for a decent 1 bedroom apartment in the Milpitas/North Santa Clara area? Is is possible to find one something good for <$1200?

For me the most important things that I am looking for in the apartment are - low crime rate, gym, pool, young professionals/families, proximity to parks, stores and groceries.

There is this: Spacious 1 bedroom homes with Central Air/Heat (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/apa/2085436913.html - broken link) but I couldn't be less impressed by where it is..

[SportyandMisty]

+1 on Rivermark. It is safe, convenient, diverse - you will recognize the aroma Indian cooking as you walk through the grounds. The management is responsive to any issues you might have. A friend is there; I believe he pays $1700 for a two bedroom apartment, but I could be wrong.

[arleigh]

isn't there a toll bridge ? I'd add that to your commuting . some on said they bumped it up to $5.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by arleigh

isn't there a toll bridge ? I'd add that to your commuting . some on said they bumped it up to $5.

Nope, 237 has no toll.

[milnivlek]

I live at The Enclave on Renaissance Drive off Tasman. It's next to the Rivermark area, though the rents are slightly cheaper (or at least they used to be -- not sure how that's going to change now that a Target store has opened just a 3 min drive away).