Looking for a place close to SF caltrain (San Jose, Sunnyvale: apartment complexes, condos)

[tumor]

Hey,

I live in San Jose and am planning to relocate to SF. It is a rather bold decision for me because I work in Sunnyvale and so this would mean atleast an hour commute to work everyday!

I am ready to make the sacrifice of time, but what's really killing me is the rent! Apartment complexes such as Avalon, which is bang opposite the caltrain station are very expensive.. I will end up spending atleast $400 more every month, than what I pay in San Jose.

Is anyone aware of any apartment complexes which are cheaper and within walking distance from the SF caltrain station ? I dont care about the amenities.

SF is so damn expensive :-(

Thanks in advance !!

[Stacy From Cali]

Well your best bet is to not limit yourself to right next to the station. Even though it will make your commute longer you can always MUNI to Caltrain and find more affordable digs.

Or live next to BART and then catch the train in Milbrae.

[sonarrat]

The Archstone in that area is on the other side of I-80 from the station, if I remember correctly. It's at 3rd and Folsom. It's also very well priced - under $2000 for an apartment in a newer high-rise in the South of Market is the kind of pricing New Yorkers could only dream of. If you insist on being on the east side of I-80 in the South Beach area, $2000 will get you next to nothing. That's a neighborhood of $3000-4000 a month condos and flats.

If you are price sensitive then you are much better served in the South Bay.

[serenity78]

Hi - I don't know your price range, but check out SOMA Residences. It's a beautiful condo complex 1 mile from Caltrain but is in a grittier part of the city (it's getting gentrified but not yet there). The rents are really affordable for all the amenities you get and I thought the units were beautiful. I opted not to get a place there though, b/c I didn't want to live in a neighborhood that up-and-coming, but there is a luxury condo next door (SOMA Grand) and they are doing a lot to revitalize that area.

Otherwise, places like Bayside Village, Baycrest etc. are all really nice but are more or less in the same price range as Avalon.

BTW, unless you are a huge baseball fan, I wouldn't recommend living right near Caltrain. The neighorhood gets PACKED when there is a game. I'm really glad I live a little further away from there so I have peace and quiet.