rupam

Nimrod

San Jose is a big (sprawling) city. Do you have a specific area in mind? Coming out here for work?
As far as the break-ins are concerned, I don't think it's any better or worse than anywhere else. SJPD has been a little thin for a few years, but they seem to be addressing the issues.

GotCorvette?

Bring lots of money with you. But you probably already know that.

Grzldvt1

Rent has simply gotten insane. rupam, give us some specifics. as to where you are going to be commuting to and from. Literally in a 15 mile radius the commute can be 15 minutes to 45 minutes. Plus I suspect many of us can hook you up on "Nextdoor" where there is always someone looking for a renter at a slightly lower cost. Might be a cottage, or?

rupam

Thanks. I know rent is insane and I have accepted that. My office is in downtown SJ but I work from home. Would be going to office only once or twice a week, so I can commute no problem.

Would prefer near downtown San Jose as my wife doesnt drive much yet (she is new yorker), so is looking to atleast be able to buy milk without taking out the car.

Fancy building, or apartment complex... in a safe neighborhood

rupam

Moving for good (hopefully) for work... would be working from home so commute no problem. Looking near downtown SJ... I know rent would be $3-3.5K for a 2 bedroom apartment, and have accepted that

Homer3D

I use to live in San Jose but moved away roughly 4 years ago. There were 2 places I would consider.

The 88.
http://88sanjose.com/
Location is great. It actually shares the building with Safeway so to go to the grocery store is just a quick ride down the elevator. Restaurants within easy walking distance (like right across the street). About 2 blocks from Cesar Chavez park where tons of local events are held. It has a secure parking garage.

The Axis
http://www.sanjoseaxis.com/
Very good location too. Slightly easier access to the freeway than the 88 but not as convenient to go to the grocery store. If you like being out and walking/biking, it is super close to the Guadalupe River Trail. I also like it is about a block or 2 from San Pedro Square with tons of places to eat, drink, events and live music. It is also about 2-3 blocks from Cesar Chavez park. And of course, secure parking.

* Edit: I should add if you are a hockey fan, the Axis is maybe a 10 minute walk to the arena where the San Jose Sharks play. They also have concerts and other events there too. This might be a PRO for some but for me, it is CON which is why I think the 88 is a better location. During events at the arena, the traffic is insane around where the Axis is located. But if you don't need to drive during that time, it is a non-issue.

As stated, it has been 4 years since I lived in San Jose so I may not be completely up to date on what the nice areas are any more.

Here is a good place to look for available rentals as well.
http://www.siliconvalleylofts.com/page/downtown-rentals

Nimrod

Given your working situation, I wouldn't let your office anchor you to downtown. Personally, I would be inclined to look for a house, townhouse or condo with its own garage. The Cambrian and Willow Glen areas are nice and not far from downtown. You might be pushing the upper end of your budget, though. I was born and raised in these areas and admit they are my personal comfort zones.

Sunnyvale Dave

I don't know if there is any safe place in California. The voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014. It turned many felonies into misdemeanors. From what I have heard from my neighbors, the cops don't even come out for car break ins. They have you file an online report.

I was so happy when I came here in 1968. I think I will be happier when I leave.

Grzldvt1

Take a look in the Santa Teresa area, and or Blossom Hill area. They are a bit distant from downtown, but pricing is a little less, and you can use the light rail to get to the office. When I was working in downtown San Jose, I could walk to the light rail station, take it two work and back, and never get in a car.
The main freeway through downtown San Jose which is 87, is borderline gridlock during commute. Looks at VTA.org and poke around the Light Rail areas. East San Jose, not so much as it is still a rougher area, but South San Jose is a very good place, unless downtown works for you.

DWillys

I live in the Cambrian area. Its a nice area and is considered affordable. You may be able to find something for $3500 if you're lucky. There's a home up the street that is pretty much a scraper. Sway back roof, corner lot, looks to be a wreck. It sold in 3 days at $850K and didn't really get market exposure. Normally homes are $1M+. And Cambrian is still considered affordable? Willow Glen - add $300K.

Z51JEFF

If commute isn’t an issue why are you stuck on San Jose? There’s plenty of nice city’s in the Easybay.