Burlingame vs San Carlos (San Francisco, San Mateo: to rent, homes, neighborhoods)

[snarkadoodle]

We need to move closer to my husband's job (from the East Bay), and have finally narrowed our search down to Burlingame and San Carlos. We like both towns for their solid public schools, nice commercial districts, and relative proximity to San Francisco. We also like the big trees and flat walkable neighborhoods in both cities.

In our opinion, the shopping and dining in Burlingame is better, but the homes are more affordable in San Carlos. Other than these factors, how do we choose? Are there aspects of both cities we aren't considering that might help us to decide where to move? Something we don't know about that is going to drive us crazy two years down the road?

Thanks!

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by snarkadoodle

We need to move closer to my husband's job (from the East Bay), and have finally narrowed our search down to Burlingame and San Carlos. We like both towns for their solid public schools, nice commercial districts, and relative proximity to San Francisco. We also like the big trees and flat walkable neighborhoods in both cities.

In our opinion, the shopping and dining in Burlingame is better, but the homes are more affordable in San Carlos. Other than these factors, how do we choose? Are there aspects of both cities we aren't considering that might help us to decide where to move? Something we don't know about that is going to drive us crazy two years down the road?

Thanks!

Both are great cities... I think it comes down to how far South do you want to be... San Mateo is nice too.

[funtimessf]

If you can afford Burlingame, I would choose it. It is more expensive but worth it. I especially like that they have an ordinance that does not allow residents to cut down trees.

[skyao]

i think you posted previously saying your budget was $900k to $1.2mm for a 3/2. Given that, burlingame is probably out of reach so San Carlos may be your only option.

Originally Posted by snarkadoodle

We need to move closer to my husband's job (from the East Bay), and have finally narrowed our search down to Burlingame and San Carlos. We like both towns for their solid public schools, nice commercial districts, and relative proximity to San Francisco. We also like the big trees and flat walkable neighborhoods in both cities.

In our opinion, the shopping and dining in Burlingame is better, but the homes are more affordable in San Carlos. Other than these factors, how do we choose? Are there aspects of both cities we aren't considering that might help us to decide where to move? Something we don't know about that is going to drive us crazy two years down the road?

Thanks!

[jaypee]

Nothing wrong with the cities in between neither: San Mateo and Belmont.

[snarkadoodle]

Originally Posted by skyao

i think you posted previously saying your budget was $900k to $1.2mm for a 3/2. Given that, burlingame is probably out of reach so San Carlos may be your only option.

The market is crazy all over the Bay Area; we're going to rent until things calm down.