Not sure if this is a general topic or not so mods move as necessary!
I am considering an opportunity in Bay Area where if happens will require me to be in the Financial District / Downtown. Comparing to Chicago area, Bay area prices etc are simply sobering. Not knowing many people in real life that lives in Bay Area, I like to get some feedback on the ones who live there as to what are good pockets to live in with decent schools and decent commute to Down town SF/ can one drive in to the city or have to take BART. Is there any good area around Bay area where a starter home is not touching million ? and Overall if Job is exceptional but commute is awful, housing is downsized would people consider Bay area worth living in ? I know lot of thoughts here as I am thinking out loud. Any thoughts are welcome.
Well, houses in the neighboring county to Marin up north are quite decent and affordable however commuting is A PAIN!!! I know a relative who had to commute every day, and it was very hard on her so even though houses and apartments in a nice area in Marin are very expensive, she decided to to splurge her money on that to avoid commuting. Tbh, there is no "decent" commute to SF, doesn't matter if you are driving from the north, from the east, (Berkeley Area), and although I am not too familiar with commuting from south SF, I am sure it is a pain as well. As far as is it worth living here, depends on the person you ask but with tripling of the population in the last 10 years, at least in the area I know, I would say yes, it is very much worth it... mostly for your family, idk how it would be for you, if you have to commute every day.
Thanks Aqua. The home prices in Bay area are simply sobering vs. Chicago suburbs. A home similar to where we live no is in 7 figure range. I am just surprised. Well i have couple of weeks to think this through before flying in to Bay area for a day long interview process. Do you know if Concord area is good for a young family to live for few years ? I like the home prices there and see a BART station in the city so real commute may be just train.