quote:

---

Originally posted by cali95gt:
Sounds like Palo Alto would be your best fit. Things are much more expensive on this side so expect that.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Luke87GT:

Also, I haven't checked racial demographics, but from my visit to the Peninsula last week (Menlo Park, Mountain View, Redwood City), it was overwhelmingly Asian/Indian. Is that accurate, or were the white/black/Hispanic people staying home that weekend for some reason?

---

As you have discovered, the peninsula has a large Asian population and I like it. For sure, the peninsula is a great place to live and I feel lucky to be able to bicycle commute to work 2 hours a day, 5 days a week.
 

---

Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
I see more Hispanic/black/whites in Redwood City/Menlo Park. I don't normally see that many asians/indians here you might have been more in Mountain View kuz I know for a fact they're EVERYWHERE in Sunnyvale.
 

---

Posted by BUKSING (Member # 6594) on :
 
Peninsula < East Bay
 

---

Posted by PurpleNotch (Member # 2902) on :
 
Born and raised SSF - 33 years now. The peninsula is an awesome place to live as well as the east bay/south bay. For we're your looking to stay I would say try downtown San Mateo area. It's central to all the bays. In San Mateo you have downtown San Mateo which has pool halls, bars, dance clubs, movie theatre and a big mall and then your central to everywhere. You can go to Burlingame downtown, Foster City, San Carlos downtown, Palo Alto downtown all of these places within a 15-30 minute drive from San Mateo or roll over the San Mateo bridge and hit Hayward, San Leandro, Fremont, you could head up to the bay bridge head out to the east bay I mean really it's centrally located its ideal for you. Also keep in mind its about a 30-45 minute drive either way to get into SF or head to SJ and the same to the east bay. As far as the demographic of nationality you have it all seriously. There are all races on the peninsula and yes depends where you might be geographically in that city but you will see all races and for the most part everyone is nice keep in mind that's not all places. Just saying I have been all over the peninsula from Daly City to San Jose and its pretty diverse. Just find your favorite type of food, find the mall you like the best and experience all the downtowns each city has one unique and there are lots of people ranging from the high schoolers up to the 30 something year old professional business folks at the bar for drink after work. Also keep in mind you have Facebook out of Palo Alto and Google in Mountain View. We have allot going on over here
 

---

Posted by 87droptop50 (Member # 7185) on :
 
San Mateo is a really nice area to live ... When I move out of San Bruno I would live in any city from south San Fransisco to San Carlos .
 

---

Posted by SF Coupe (Member # 1810) on :
 
I was born and raised on the peninsula and lived in SF for several years. I met my wife in SF and moved back here after I got married. Nothing on the peninsula comes close to the energy and vibe of the city, and everything is more spread out. I commuted from SF to the peninsula for two years and it sucked. Now that I'm older I wouldn't put up with that.

The best nightlife areas are Palo Alto, Bgame Ave, San Mateo, and San Carlos Laurel Ave. If you want to live in a nice area expect to pay a lot. The weather is nicer than the east bay and there are a lot of high paying jobs close by. The weather is noticeably better south of San Mateo, San Mateo and north is windier and cooler than Belmont south due to the passes in the coastal range.

Generally the further west of El Camino the better the neighborhood and it will be mostly white with some Asians and Indians. Close to El Camino or east of El Camino is not so great.

All in all it's a great place to live.
 

---

Posted by 0089GT (Member # 9996) on :
 
YOU DONT WANNA LIVE IN THE CITY AND PAY THAT RENT...daly city is not really a good option because the weather is horrible...you could live in south san francisco thats where i am at now its really nice and you are 10 min away from 101 and 280...you are pretty much the middle of the peninsula..

a little background on the area around orange avenue you can find really nice houses/condos but its somewhat pricey apartments are everywhere and theres a really nice complex called archstone its pretty pricey around 2000+ for a 2 bedrooms and a two baths a living room, kitchen but its worth it my friend moved in there and she loves it, very safe, warm and welcoming

also there is houses/apartments in san bruno really nice as well and price is pretty up there but you live in a calm neighborhood and you are close to alll the major freeways and what not.

what is your price range what are you looking for?
 

---

Posted by autumnstang97 (Member # 6111) on :
 
i lived in Belmont and working in SF. my commute wasnt bad it was 20 minutes.

however, i live in SF now, and it sucks. rent is high, shady stuff everywhere, no parking, over crowded, asshole drivers, ect. Im sure you can find a great spot in san mateo, belmont, burlingame ect for a few bucks less than SF
 

---

Posted by v-town coupe (Member # 2771) on :
 
My wife grew up in San Carlos, they have really transformed the downtown area into an upper scale dinning experience, there are a lot of older folks in that area, but I dig its small town vibe. A buddy of mine lived in San Bruno , he never had any problems and lived close to the mall. Didn't seem like there was a great deal of "other things" around there, houses were very close together, small garages etc. after staying on the peninsula every weekend for 7 years I would have to say San Mateo probably will fit best Luke. You could go further south but then your commute will start to increase. Of course palo alto near the school would be great, but the cost and extended commute may not be what you want. Maybe you should roll to San Carlos for the downtown celebrations ( I believe it's on Thursdays) you may like, sneakers sports bar is a good place to eat, hangout.
 

---

Posted by lxhatch5.0 (Member # 6319) on :
 
I personally like the Stanford Palo Alto area. U have professionals and college students mingling down in University ave. U have Stanford shopping mall. Down on Sand Hill ave they have some nice condos for rent. 280 and 101 are close. Ur close to Mt View RWC San Mateo If u ever want to hit their down areas and bar hop/club.

Cal Berkley Area < Stanford Area
 

---

Posted by 92stangLX (Member # 3252) on :
 
Peninsula = boring

I lived in Belmont for 2 1/2 years when I moved in with my GF. It was the right thing to do for our relationship but I was literally pulling my hair out every day.

I would suggest living in SF. Bernal Heights, Glen Park, Balboa, etc.

The commute isn't too bad if you avoid 101.. Good luck
 

---

Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
Hi folks, that's a very helpful summary of the area and I very much appreciate you guys taking the time to steer me in the right direction.

At this point my plan is to jump on Caltrains and check out downtown SM, Burlingame, and PA to see which gives me the best feeling.

I'll let you guys know what I decide.

Thanks!
 

---

Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
Also, I've primarily been using craigslist to find a place.

Any other popular web-sites/references I should also use?

What about property management companies? Any recommendations there?

Thanks,

Luke
 

---

Posted by cali95gt (Member # 8940) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Luke87GT:
Also, I've primarily been using craigslist to find a place.

Any other popular web-sites/references I should also use?

What about property management companies? Any recommendations there?

Thanks,
Zillow has a lot of listings. download the app on your phone and it lays it all out on a map
Luke

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Venom:
Maybe it was me?? Down town loves :-)

---