Post #490533 by Coco Loco on Tue, Oct 27, 2009 10:45 PM

The Bay Area is great and I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you move here. Southern CA isn't shabby either though. :) I'm guessing that since you're moving inside of CA you may not experience as big of a sticker shock as if you were moving from out of state.

In terms of reasonable price, it depends on what you consider cost-effective. The Peninsula and some of San Jose tend to be higher in the price range. For example, Mountain View has good schools but a fixer upper can start at $800k.

The East Bay tends to be a bit more cost effective (as are parts of the North Bay). For example, North Alameda, by the navy base runs 500k and up. South East end and Bay Farm, where the better schools are runs 550k (if you're lucky) up to 900k+. El Cerrito and San Leandro are charming in their own respective ways, and more cost effective, but you may have to go with private schools.

As said before, it's a balance of what your own personal preferences are in terms of areas and needs. Do you like small town environments, older neighborhoods, newer urban area, outdoor woodsy, etc. I agree with previous posters that a great suggestion is to rent for a bit. You may get more for your money in terms of area and good schools. Renting a house in the East Bay in a good area will run you $1800 to $2400 a month. Hope that helps and good luck!