When Searching For Apartments
Many people rely on popular housing websites, such as Craigslist, to search for apartments. These sites can be a great way to start and figure out the average prices for certain neighborhoods and areas. For instance, some Mountain View apartments in one area may be less expensive than those in another area of the city. If you are searching sites like these, just make sure you act very quickly because any deals will be gone before you know it. It may be beneficial to skip the online listings all together and simple walk or bike around the neighborhoods you are interested in living in, and look for rent signs. Sometimes, landlords who have signs up may be renting apartments below the average price in the area and you could score a deal that wasn’t highly publicized on the internet. Plus, you may end up saving time by physically being on premises because photos and descriptions online can only show you so much. That way, you’ll be able to catch the bargains faster. Also, knowing whether the building is under rent control and researching rent ordinances of the area should contribute to your quest in saving money down the line. Know what utilities you’ll be responsible for and the average price of them. Sometimes, the monthly rent will be higher but utilities may be less expensive so the overall cost of living is cheaper than in another place where the rent is lower but much more money goes to utilities. Finally, learn about what it’s like to actually live there. You’re less likely to pay rent for a place that is horrible to live in or regularly charges tenants various fees. There are a few websites you can go to find ratings and reviews from tenants who are living or have lived in the complex.

Using Amenities
Community amenities can either save you money or end up wasting your money. It all depends on what they are and how much you end up using them. For instance, if you need to use a gym frequently, living in an apartment building with a fitness center may save you more money than if you were a member at a local health club. But if you work out by jogging outside and wouldn’t set foot in a gym, then save the money and look for smaller apartment buildings that don’t have such features. Same goes for what many big complexes call a business center where you can fax documents, use computers, and hold meetings. If you see yourself taking advantage of these services for free on a regular basis, then it might be worth it, not having to pay to rent another place for meetings. But if you just need a simple place to rest your head each night, then save the money and look for smaller, simpler complexes. Some may not even have a leasing or manager’s office. But just keep in mind that some amenities such as a covered and gated parking can prevent damages or theft of your car, which could end up saving you a lot of stress and money in the end.

While many people once debated between public and private education for their children, in today’s economic climate, the choice between public school districts within an area has become an even greater consideration than before as people choose their housing options.  The Bay Area of Northern California is no exception; whether one wants to live in a city center or in more rural outlying areas, the quality of the local schools is nearly always at the top of a family’s list.
One excellent way to gather this information is to take a look at the website for the cities or areas you are considering.  Most cities provide comprehensive information about all aspects of their community including housing, schools and other important community services.

For example, on the website for Pleasanton, California, a small community situated in the Tri-Valley Region of the Bay Area, one can learn about the community as a whole and can also research Pleasanton apartments and homes.  In addition, information is available about the Pleasanton Unified School District which has not only been named a National District of Character, but also has 12 out of 14 schools designated as California Distinguished Schools.  If a family were interested in living in a smaller Bay Area community, this certainly would be one excellent reason to look for housing in Pleasanton.

On the other hand, if one were interested in a more urban area, the website for the city of Oakland, California is a good example of that type of community.  In addition to information about the Oakland Unified School District (and their 13 California Distinguished Schools), one can find information on everything from housing to recreation…there is even a link which describes the city’s 2006 “pothole blitz” project whereby 922 potholes were filled in 3 weeks! The ability to research the school district school-by-school in one place is certainly valuable to any parent when considering such a large community.

In fact, we are all very lucky that we live in a time when we are given access to so much valuable information at the click of a mouse!  Without a doubt, looking for housing and, more importantly, reviewing schools for our children has never been easier.  Furthermore, taking into consideration that the Bay Area is so large and that there are so many wonderful and diverse housing markets to choose from, it is amazing how much information we can gain before we even meet with a real estate agent!  Being able to narrow our housing choices in advance is very helpful and, while selecting a neighborhood is still a very personal experience that most people make first-hand, prior knowledge about the community and schools can only help all of us to make more informed housing decisions about Pleasanton, Oakland and everywhere in between!

As parents, we make choices every day which impact our children to one degree or another and there is no question that choosing an area to live in the Bay Area, and subsequently, choosing the best school for our children, is one of the most important and lasting choices we can make for them.

Finding a place to call home in the Bay Area is an adventure in and of itself—one that carries with it both a sense of excitement unequal to apartment hunting anywhere else, and a set of challenges unique to this part of the Golden State. Call them cozy, snug, homey or charming; the fact remains that apartments in and around San Francisco are small. So how can you be sure you’re getting the most for your money when it comes to your new bay area apartment or condo? Here are a few ideas for finding the perfect place for you:

Prioritize
Before taking a look at a single For Rent ad, it’s essential to decide what is most important for you in an apartment. Knowing what you can’t live without (and, in turn, the areas where you are willing to be flexible) will help you narrow down your choices before driving all over the city. For example, if sweeping vistas and a dishwasher are essential to you, then you might be willing to sacrifice counter space and live with smaller closets in exchange for a fully equipped unit in Mountain View apartments.

Know thy Neighborhood
Where an apartment or condo is located is just as important as what is in the space itself. Whether you’re working with a realtor, rental service or just scanning online ads, don’t forget to ask plenty of questions. Is there a garage with assigned spots? (Street parking in the Bay is notorious for being next to impossible to find) What’s the crime rate like for the area? If you have children, ask about nearby schools and parks. Taking the time to research a potential neighborhood before making a decision can save you from the heartache of falling in love with a unit, only to find out that you’re scared to come home after dark.

Commute is Key
This is California, after all, and getting to and from work can often seem like the longest part of your day. Many a renter has moved into a beautiful apartment overlooking the water, only to realize (4 months into their lease) that they just can’t handle the ridiculous morning commute. It might be worth it to you to pay a bit more rent in order to stay closer to the office. Also, don’t forget to look into the Bay Area’s public transportation options. You may just find that accessibility to the B.A.R.T and other commuter friendly alternatives can help you make the decision on where you want to call home.

There is no place in the U.S quite like the Bay Area. San Francisco, Napa, San Jose, Sacramento… every city has its own unique feeling- an urban beat, a quiet retreat, a simple escape. Finding the perfect place to live may just come down to doing your homework, and deciding which personality suits yours best. Happy hunting.