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To me those listings don't pass the smell test. Either they are very desperate, the place is a total dump or the listing is fake. I've noticed rental listings where someone has pulled photo's from zillow to use in their CL ad and then ask a ridiculous low price. Idea is to scam people to send personal info such as SSN, address, bank account #'s etc and they either steal your identity or scam you out of a deposit fee. In those cities a 2 bdrm apt should go for at least double what they are asking.
These are likely in law type dwellings.Those are typically cheaper. Good climate in the south bay if you have a pool or bbq space, otherwise boring. Do not commute for more than a couple miles.
I know many of you live, or have lived in the Bay Area, thoughts?
To me those listings don't pass the smell test. Either they are very desperate, the place is a total dump or the listing is fake. I've noticed rental listings where someone has pulled photo's from zillow to use in their CL ad and then ask a ridiculous low price. Idea is to scam people to send personal info such as SSN, address, bank account #'s etc and they either steal your identity or scam you out of a deposit fee. In those cities a 2 bdrm apt should go for at least double what they are asking.
What time (and how) do you plan on commuting?
Do you have kids that you might want to send to the local schools?
One daughter in 4th grade. I think she will be in a private school before the end of the year regardless if we move or not. I feel like if I continue to send her to public school I'm telling her it's ok to waste your time, the natural conclusion of which is a dead end job where you do the same thing. Public schools are fucked.
I still like the Bay Area, but I don't love it anymore. I'm tired of the (literal) shit and masses of homeless, and the high income and sales taxes in California, not to mention the high rents and house prices. On the flip side, there are a lot of jobs, the salaries are good, and there is a huge and thriving tech community. It's Hollywood for programmers, but then Hollywood itself has shit on the sidewalks.
I think you said you live in the South Bay area. Have you looked at San Marcos?
I'm actually a little burnt out on cities, considering a move out east, if north, maybe Ramona. Guessing the schools out there would be better as well, just for the simple fact that the student to teacher ratio is lower. The only reason Bay Area crossed my mind is a possible fast track to my career.
One scam is that the "owner" lists for a very low rent, then claims to be out of the country and asks for first, last, and security checks by mail. You'll never see the money again.
Patrick saysI still like the Bay Area, but I don't love it anymore. I'm tired of the (literal) shit and masses of homeless, and the high income and sales taxes in California, not to mention the high rents and house prices. On the flip side, there are a lot of jobs, the salaries are good, and there is a huge and thriving tech community. It's Hollywood for programmers, but then Hollywood itself has shit on the sidewalks.
I'm going to agree with you here Patrick as being here in the Bay Area is wearing on me big lately. Here's my list of things that irritate me about this place:
1) Too many people that going anywhere on the weekend and not leaving to get there at 6am becomes a total shit show.
2) Homeless everywhere and they're aggressive.
3) Everyone has their hand out and is always crying poor. School board wants a new parcel tax, RM3 for increased bridge tolls, Bart will...
On the Peninsula you can expect to pay $2800-3000 for a 2bedroom apartment
But maybe I can cut into that a bit by only having one car, and biking, or even walking to work(my lifelong dream).
I think people who come here are often shocked at how much money they can make here yet how much less buying power they have compared to where they came from.
It's Hollywood for programmers, but then Hollywood itself has shit on the sidewalks
Sure...Who wouldn't want to bike or walk the streets in friendly San Mateo?
I think that if you are arriving in the Bay Area now your plan should be to live frugally, save as much money as possible, and flee the area as you retire in 10 years. If you are bringing an entire family, saving money is going to be very difficult.
Also, you should probably learn Spanish.
And are these rental listings legit:
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_rent/19545089_zpid/2-_beds/0-436320_price/0-1750_mp/38.455739,-121.37558,36.976226,-123.353119_rect/8_zm/
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/apa/d/spacious-home-for-rent/6664163250.html
Was expecting MUCH higher prices.