Buying home-close to Berryessa and Lundy in North San Jose (Commodore neighborhood) (Oakland: first time home buyer)

[nupurhome]

We are a first time home buyers and liked a house in North San Jose zip code 95133 close to Berryessa, the stretch between Lundy and Flickinger. It is called Commodore neighborhood...
mostly big houses...2000+ sq.ft. I have few concerns and your response is appreciated.
1. How is the neighborhood/ location in general.
2. I liked the neighborhood itself where the house is located but I didn't like the streets when you go or come on US-101 and take Oakland road exit. It looks dirty and mostly factory/commercial place and Flea Market is also there. Does that really matter or affect living there?
Me or my husband would not need to take that route on regular basis. But I am concerned about the general feeling and the impression of the guests coming to my place.
I have read in internet that flea market is closing in 2010 and new construction will be coming up...which is a positive sign. Will it bring any change to the Oakland Rd Exit?

Will really appreciate any suggestion or feedback and will go a long way in our final decision....thanks in advance!

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by nupurhome

We are a first time home buyers and liked a house in North San Jose zip code 95133 close to Berryessa, the stretch between Lundy and Flickinger. It is called Commodore neighborhood...
mostly big houses...2000+ sq.ft. I have few concerns and your response is appreciated.
1. How is the neighborhood/ location in general.
2. I liked the neighborhood itself where the house is located but I didn't like the streets when you go or come on US-101 and take Oakland road exit. It looks dirty and mostly factory/commercial place and Flea Market is also there. Does that really matter or affect living there?
Me or my husband would not need to take that route on regular basis. But I am concerned about the general feeling and the impression of the guests coming to my place.
I have read in internet that flea market is closing in 2010 and new construction will be coming up...which is a positive sign. Will it bring any change to the Oakland Rd Exit?

Will really appreciate any suggestion or feedback and will go a long way in our final decision....thanks in advance!

In general, Berryessa is a middle class neighborhood. As far as the Commodore neighborhod specifically, I don't think anyone actually refers to it as that or has even heard of it....generally the whole area is just referred to as Berryessa.

Seems to have a lot of Asians there, but probably a mix. Some houses are not particularly well maintained, but most are ok. I think a lot of houses in the neighborhood were not well constructed (someone who I worked with who lived in that area said the same thing), and thus have a "faded out" kind of look even though they aren't all that old. So I'd be concerned about possible maintenance issues on a lot of those houses.

I can't answer much to your 2nd point. I did used to live in the general area, I don't think the industrial stuff is going to take down the neighborhood, but it doesn't look pretty.

[sonarrat]

Industrial has very slowly been on the way out of San Jose for the past century. Every year more of it vanishes and is replaced with more new housing or commercial space. At any rate, the specific area you're talking about is kind of a transitional zone between Berryessa and some of the seedier parts of East San Jose, but it's pretty and I believe the Berryessa BART station is going to be close by when it's eventually finished. That should have more of an impact on the Oakland Road exit than anything if you ask me..

[nupurhome]

Thank you so much for your replies...really appreciate that!
That brings another question to my mind....when is the BART coming in Berryessa? Any ideaaaa...

[sonarrat]

It's part of the first phase, and I believe they're looking good as far as funding goes. So we might see it in 5 years, but don't hold your breath.