considering moving to SF

[hihhs]

We currently live in Hawaii but I'm considering a job offer from a company in San Francisco.
We've been there many times but never for more than 3-4 days each visit. If I accept the offer I'll need to be there early next year.

I need some advice.
1) We need to rent a house. Married, no kids, three small dogs (biggest is about 35 lbs)
Because of the dogs the city itself is out of the question. I need a house with a fenced yard.
I'm looking to spend a maximum of about $2k a month on rent. I'll be working in the city but I'm planning on a significant commute. We'll probably buy a house later but not for 6 months to year.

I'd really appreciate some advice on areas to look at, realtors to talk to, etc.


2) I've got termi slip-ons. Are they legal in CA?

[somegirl]

Good luck, it's a great place to live.

1. Actually there are probably more dog-friendly rentals in SF than many other places, but take a look at CL and see what you find.  Your budget definitely makes it harder.  The more affordable places close to SF include Pacifica, Daly City, and South SF, but some parts of them are not so nice and the weather will be cold and foggy.  Since you're willing to go farther out you can look in the east bay which will have better weather, just be wary as some areas are worse than others.  There is public transit from some parts of the east bay.

2. No, but it's not stopped the rest of us.   Just keep your stock exhaust handy in case you ever get a fix-it ticket.

[hihhs]

Somegirl-
Thanks for the reply.
So would my options get better at $2500 to $3k? I'm trying to figure out finances right now as I'd be paying a mortgage here and rent there for a while.

[somegirl]

Yes, but I'd do a search in your original budget on CL and see what you can find.  Then post up here and ask, we can tell you what the area is like and how your commute would be (might depend on if you are planning on commuting by moto, car, or public transit).

[hihhs]

Commuting by car and Monster. Probably most days in car, maybe one or two days on the bike.
I really only know the city itself and not very well.

House size doesn't matter so much (ours here is only 1200 square feet). The yard is more important because the dogs need at least a little space.

I really have no idea where to look. Concord seems like a possibility. Maybe Marin but probably too pricey.

Any suggestions?

[Spidey]

Where in the City would be working?  (if you know)  That can have a significant effect on your commute time.  It's a small city, but can be a PITA to work through if you have to commute from one side to another.  You might also want to consider places that are close to BART. 

Concord is pretty far out from SF.  

If you're looking for a house, 2k might not work in most places.  However, it would be possible to find an apt with backyard for the dogs in the City.  Like somegirl said, check CL.  I'd stay away from northbay as it'll be expensive, and the Golden Gate bridge commute in a car can be a real pregnant dog.  There are pretty cool ferries that run across the Bay though.  I'd only consider it if you're working somewhere near the Marina.

Here's the BART map:



Map of the bay (for discussion purposes)

[Spidey]

You might want to look in the Avenues (west side of the city) in SF.  It's foggy and feels kinda suburban, but it might fit what you're looking for:


An example:  http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/apa/1444927851.html

[Desmostro]

I would definitely gather up the reasons to live here and focus on keeping that collection tried and true. California is a place where you can find paradise but it can also swallow you up with expenses, long commutes and exhausting surroundings.
An hour commute = 8 hours a week. That's pretty much a day you loose a week in traffic.

If you live in Marin, say San Rafael, you can take the Ferry to the city. Instead of being exhausting, its quite energizing and fun. The people are great, social. You can read the paper or get work done over a coffee. Walk outside and get a blast of sea breeze. Next thing you know you're at work or back home. Park free in the ferry lot in Larkspur. Its bliss.

Places south of the city you can take the train in. Same deal, not as nice, but pretty nice. Stay away from long bus rides. IMHO.

Expensive to less expensive in Marin--->>> Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax. Map it.
All great places to live. Green, quiet, MUCH warmer and sunnier than San Francisco. All 5 - 10 min.s to the ferry. Fairfax is more like 15 - 30 min.'s with traffic. The Ferry is 45mins and lands at the base of Market St. (ferry building) where you can take trains, street cars, BART, Bus etc anywhere else.

There are plenty of places in the city with little yards by the way. They are a bit pricier. But if you factor in commute expenses it can almost even out. The bridge costs $6. (Only going into the city) gas, parking, wear etc. Parking $ is like a second rent.
Motorcycles cross the Golden Gate bridge free during commute hours as well as other bridges. You can find free places to park in the city if you're clever (MOTORCYCLE NOT CAR). Really cheep otherwise.

Decent places in the city that are less $$$ Potrero Hill, Bernal Heights, Diamond Heights, Some parts of the Mission are pretty cool depending on your taste. Check them out.

Good luck  We'll grab a   when you get here!

[Spidey]

Man, now you have me cruising CL for housing stuff instead of doing my work.  Island-dwellin' bastard!!!  

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/apa/1445758882.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/apa/1445590461.html

Alameda (East Bay):  http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/apa/1443876187.html  (A friend/co-worker of mine is running for City Council there -- dunno why that matters).

[hihhs]

Man, now you have me cruising CL for housing stuff instead of doing my work.  Island-dwellin' bastard!!! 

Soon to be former Island-dwellin' bastard!

Thanks so much for all the help. I'm surfin the web like crazy. Most of the people I know in SF work for my current employer or are former clients and filthy rich (with VERY unrealistic housing suggestions RE ATHERTON)


We (SO and I) always loved SF and I'm really excited to ride with out being covered in sweat and clinically dehydrated.

[hihhs]

Desmostro-
We are definitely trying to take a realistic view of the pros/cons of SF living. Hawaii is crazy expensive also but in a different way. Housing is high, groceries insane, and shipping on motorcycle parts is just painful.

Plus I have lived in various tropical locations for 20 years and I'd like to be cool once in a while. Plus city-living has a lot to offer.

A ferry ride commute sounds great. I had not thought of that.

[Spidey]

(with VERY unrealistic housing suggestions RE ATHERTON)

   If you up your monthly rent from 2k to 20k, you might be able to find something there.  Though I'm sure renting is a misdemeanor in Atherton.

Check out the ferries and other commute options at transit.511.org.   

[hihhs]

Yep. That one ZERO makes a huge difference!
I find the mega-rich very entertaining.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Foster City is terribly dog friendly. Not a lot of fenced in yards but a lot of dog parks and trails. Almost everyone who lives out there had a dog, btw.

[somegirl]

Foster City is terribly dog friendly. Not a lot of fenced in yards but a lot of dog parks and trails. Almost everyone who lives out there had a dog, btw.

Yes, when I was looking for dog-friendly rentals a few years ago it mostly came down to SF, Berkeley and Foster City.  I chose Foster City because it was convenient for my work.