Live in Berkeley, work in San Francisco?
I am moving to the Bay Area to work next summer. I am fresh out of college and from Illinois. I was wondering if it would be more economical to live somewhere else, such as Berkeley. I will be working right in the Embarcadero Center so I could easily take the BART. Anyone have any insight as to how it is to live in Berkeley? Or other ideas? I would love to save as much money as possible and enjoy a personal life. San Francisco - 8 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
It would definitely be more cost-effective to live in Berkeley or other city along the BART line. You might even consider going further inland to Walnut Creek or Pleasanton, although the auto traffic along that corridor can be hellish.
Answer 2 :
i used to live in chi... its badass out here and the weed is good too!!!
Answer 3 :
I live all the way out at the end of one of the BART lines and can say it's definitely the way to go, rather than fighting an hour and a half of traffic each direction. Unfortunately, the areas between SF and Walnut Creek (and in Marin and on the peninsula) are pretty expensive to live in. Many people are buying out beyond the end of the lines and driving to BART to afford it. If you're single and can afford to live in Berkeley it's a great way to go. But if you need a home and good schools you'll have to look further out. Good luck!
Answer 4 :
You might want to try the Rockridge area of Oakland rather than Berkeley. It has alot going on without the crazys of Berkeley.
Answer 5 :
Berkeley isnt cheap either. You are very lucky to have your job since there are so few jobs exactly right in SF. Check out www.baysidevillage.com and you can walk to work. Bart fares are expensive. Plus the Berkeley Bart station is near UC campus and you probably have had enough campus life.
Answer 6 :
As previously noted, Berkeley is not inexpensive either. You have to weigh in the pros & cons of cheaper vs. commute. I would recommend living in SF if possible.
Answer 7 :
Yes you can live elsewhere to save money if that's what you want to do. But the city can be a very fun place to live, especially right out of college if your job pays well enough. Live like a 40-year old when you are 40. For now, have a fun singles lifestyles in The City.
Answer 8 :
Berkeley is a lovely town, and as you already know, it's an easy commute to San Francisco via BART. There's a BART station right near Telegraph Avenue, which is one of the best parts of town. That said, Berkeley is very expensive in its own right, as previous respondents have indicated. My strategy would be this: Look for an apartment/house based on price FIRST, then location second. San Francisco is the second most expensive housing market in the U.S. (right behind New York City), but comparable bargains can still be found. Try looking in the Richmond District of San Francisco; it's considered a remote quadrant by native SF-ers, but it's a positively gorgeous location (adjacent to Baker Beach and Land's End), and the rents are much cheaper than other parts of the city. If you don't find the price you're looking for in San Francisco, expand your search along transit lines, but don't limit yourself to BART -- the Caltrain runs south out of San Francisco, and it a very pleasant way to commute. It's a double-decker train, and I've taken it many times and found it to be one of the most hassle-free train experiences in the country. If you look at "CalTrain" towns like Burlingame, San Mateo and the like, you'll eventually find a place that meets your requirements. All it takes is determination, a bit of luck, and perserverance. Good luck, and enjoy San Francisco!! Kango Traveler
I am moving to the Bay Area to work next summer. I am fresh out of college and from Illinois. I was wondering if it would be more economical to live somewhere else, such as Berkeley. I will be working right in the Embarcadero Center so I could easily take the BART. Anyone have any insight as to how it is to live in Berkeley? Or other ideas? I would love to save as much money as possible and enjoy a personal life. San Francisco - 8 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
It would definitely be more cost-effective to live in Berkeley or other city along the BART line. You might even consider going further inland to Walnut Creek or Pleasanton, although the auto traffic along that corridor can be hellish.
Answer 2 :
i used to live in chi... its badass out here and the weed is good too!!!
Answer 3 :
I live all the way out at the end of one of the BART lines and can say it's definitely the way to go, rather than fighting an hour and a half of traffic each direction. Unfortunately, the areas between SF and Walnut Creek (and in Marin and on the peninsula) are pretty expensive to live in. Many people are buying out beyond the end of the lines and driving to BART to afford it. If you're single and can afford to live in Berkeley it's a great way to go. But if you need a home and good schools you'll have to look further out. Good luck!
Answer 4 :
You might want to try the Rockridge area of Oakland rather than Berkeley. It has alot going on without the crazys of Berkeley.
Answer 5 :
Berkeley isnt cheap either. You are very lucky to have your job since there are so few jobs exactly right in SF. Check out www.baysidevillage.com and you can walk to work. Bart fares are expensive. Plus the Berkeley Bart station is near UC campus and you probably have had enough campus life.
Answer 6 :
As previously noted, Berkeley is not inexpensive either. You have to weigh in the pros & cons of cheaper vs. commute. I would recommend living in SF if possible.
Answer 7 :
Yes you can live elsewhere to save money if that's what you want to do. But the city can be a very fun place to live, especially right out of college if your job pays well enough. Live like a 40-year old when you are 40. For now, have a fun singles lifestyles in The City.
Answer 8 :
Berkeley is a lovely town, and as you already know, it's an easy commute to San Francisco via BART. There's a BART station right near Telegraph Avenue, which is one of the best parts of town. That said, Berkeley is very expensive in its own right, as previous respondents have indicated. My strategy would be this: Look for an apartment/house based on price FIRST, then location second. San Francisco is the second most expensive housing market in the U.S. (right behind New York City), but comparable bargains can still be found. Try looking in the Richmond District of San Francisco; it's considered a remote quadrant by native SF-ers, but it's a positively gorgeous location (adjacent to Baker Beach and Land's End), and the rents are much cheaper than other parts of the city. If you don't find the price you're looking for in San Francisco, expand your search along transit lines, but don't limit yourself to BART -- the Caltrain runs south out of San Francisco, and it a very pleasant way to commute. It's a double-decker train, and I've taken it many times and found it to be one of the most hassle-free train experiences in the country. If you look at "CalTrain" towns like Burlingame, San Mateo and the like, you'll eventually find a place that meets your requirements. All it takes is determination, a bit of luck, and perserverance. Good luck, and enjoy San Francisco!! Kango Traveler
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