Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Looking for areas to live? Commuting to Palo Alto

Looking for areas to live? Commuting to Palo Alto

Old Apr 26th, 2018, 03:39 PM
  #41  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I assume you read in the Chron recently that housing prices on the peninsula are the highest in the Bay Area. Huge jump from 1 year ago.

Stu Dudley
StuDudley is online now  
Old Apr 26th, 2018, 05:36 PM
  #42  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,630
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
>>I didn’t think it would be this impossible! Some must haves are space and an attached garage...
janisj is online now  
Old May 12th, 2018, 05:51 PM
  #43  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Update

Ok, it’s crunch time. I really need to get a spot soon and have narrowed it down. My priorities are good school district, at least one garage space or secured parking, and space. Looking for 2 bd 2 bath at least. I want an area like the city, interesting and family friendly. I am looking at a budget of 4-4500K up to a little under 5K. There’s SF (any suggested areas? I’ve heard close to fwy at least like Sunset, Bernal Heights or Potrero Hills, Mission Bay etc), Palo Alto and Mountain View. Any thoughts??? I like diversity. And even open to renting townhome or apartment (because it has included amenities like pool or fitness center). Also not sure how SF works in terms of schools. I’ve heard it goes by lottery but I know there are good schools in particular areas. I found a complex on Ocean Ave in SF I liked but garage parking was an extra 275 per car and I have at least two. One I can park on street but it has to be pretty safe area

Thanks you’ve all been SO helpful.
hautemama is offline  
Old May 13th, 2018, 07:41 AM
  #44  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 2 Posts
Wow. Doesn't sound like you've narrowed it down much. Your wish list might be unattainable for under $5000 and within commuting distance to Palo Alto.

For instance, Bernal Heights is a nice neighborhood, and very diverse, but I wouldn't want to commute daily to/from there.

You say you are "even open" to a townhome or apartment, but I'm thinking those are your only options in that budget. You might have to give up on the second bathroom, as well. And parking-- good luck.

How many people in your family? What is your deadline?
MoBro is offline  
Old May 13th, 2018, 09:40 AM
  #45  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There’s only 4 of us but two children so I think the 2nd bathroom is a must. I don’t mind commuting, a lot of my co workers live In SF (by cal train) or drive in... my only issue would be schools and I know SF can be tricky. It’s been difficult for sure. I should move by July or Aug latest bc my kids will need to get situated with starting school in the fall...
hautemama is offline  
Old May 13th, 2018, 09:56 AM
  #46  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Personally I’d live in the suburbs over the Sunset - there’s nothing particularly “City” about the Sunset except proximity to Golden Gate Park.

I do think schools in SF will be a challenge. I don’t know anyone who sends their kids to public school in SF. Bernal and Potrero would both be a relatively easy commute as they are in the southern part of the city near the freeways that lead to Palo Alto. Lots of traffic in that direction though.
sf7307 is offline  
Old May 13th, 2018, 04:34 PM
  #47  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>> a lot of my co workers live In SF (by cal train)
StuDudley is online now  
Old May 13th, 2018, 05:20 PM
  #48  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stu, is west portal the same as westlake?? I’ve seen Westwood park which I really liked. I also looked at some apartments on ocean Ave that were decent, there was a Whole Foods, target within walking distance but seems like a super hectic area with the muni right there. And probably traffic and driving can be nuts... seems like it would get congested etc. my problem is that I’m Indecisive (obviously). If we have to do 2 bd 1 Ba, we could make do for now until we find something we really like or decide to stay we could potentially buy. At this rate, it is depressing how expensive it is for what you get. I wanted to start off in complex living because then I would get the amenities like gym and pool, and easier to move in and out of a smaller space as opposed to a home. And it’s secure building and some have a play area for kids etc. I would love your opinions. Sounds like Potrero and near Caltrain are out bc not kid friendly. How about Sunset? Seems like a quieter part of the city. If I wanted to get close to city living, with the diversity and things to do etc, where would you suggest I go in the suburbs? Mountain View vs Palo Alto?? Or how about south San Fran or Pacifica?? Seems like I’m going around in circles. At this point I’m thinking of moving back home! LOL
hautemama is offline  
Old May 14th, 2018, 06:41 AM
  #49  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
West Portal is not Westlake. West Portal is along West Portal Ave. Lots of shops, restaurants, cafes, a movie theater, etc. It is a very nice neighborhood, but not on the tourist map.

The Sunset district is quiet, often fogged in during summers, and really not like most of the other areas people are suggesting. It seems like you are seeing an "active/alive" neighborhood - which is not my image of the Sunset - except for the "inner Sunset" along Irving between 6st St & 14th St.

Stu Dudley
StuDudley is online now  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Katherine19
United States
39
Nov 4th, 2011 02:21 PM
Looble
United States
16
Apr 5th, 2011 09:38 AM
PS
United States
8
Dec 30th, 2004 09:35 AM
JanePost
United States
6
Jun 9th, 2004 10:26 AM
Andy
United States
24
Nov 23rd, 2002 01:03 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -