Bay area neighborhoods for dummies

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I am a 29 year old traveler who will be at Kaiser Oakland for 3 months, possibly longer. I'm looking for housing but having never been to this area I need some help. I have found a beautiful newly remodeled apartment in Oak center across from Lowell park. There are about 4 other remodeled homes right next to it. I don't mind being in an area that is rough but I will be alone & just don't know if this area is dangerous The plus is that it's close to work. My other option is an even more beautiful brand new in law suite in pleasant hill. GPS says the commute is about 30mins but I'm not sure if this is realistic with traffic. My hours are 7am-7:30pm, so will I be able to avoid the traffic? An hour ago I started thinking maybe I should live in San Francisco to get the full experience. Is it overrated or worth the extra $? Im considering China Basin area. I figure I will be going opposite the traffic so the commute should be ok. Thanks for your feedback

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Specializes in i can read really good lol.

Thats area is ok Oakland isnt as bad as people think. I would def not commute from san fran not worth it and it cost way to much to live there just visit often and you will get the same experience.

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Every part of the Bay area is interesting. I think living in Oakland is worthwhile. Commuting from SF is certainly OK, but expensive. Besides bridge tolls and gas (I often just think about the real cost of operating a car to put things in perspective: 50 cents a mile!), parking in SF is probably going to cost you. I'd save the living in SF experience for when you work in the city. Pleasant Hill would just be silly and hot to work in Oakland.

I've lived in the Oakland area in a much higher crime area than where you are considering and it was fine. I bicycled to Kaiser Oakland so I was much more exposed to possible issues than you likely will be. The biggest issue might be someone breaking into your car at the Kaiser parking - hopefully they have improved the security there. You will be close to Jack London Square and the ferry to Alameda, and Lake Merritt from your proposed housing.

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I'm not an expert on Oakland areas, but if it's a nice apartment then it's most likely in a nicer area. I would recommend avoiding San Francisco. It's extremely expensive for what it is and is overcrowded. You'd get stuck in traffic forever just driving to your house. If you're driving before 7am and after 7:30 you would avoid most traffic on the freeway.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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Traffic is awful all morning long. I would add at least another 20 minutes to your expected commute, just in case.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I wouldn't move to SF if you can avoid it. The Bay Bridge commute is horrific, and bridge tolls add up quickly. Plus, parking is an absolute bear. You can get around the Bay Area much more easily from Oakland.

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Thanks everyone! From your information I decided to take the apartment in Oakland. I was really shocked by the cost of living in san francisco & the fact that most places don't offer parking. I'm also shocked there aren't more bridges I can see how that commute would get old. The place in Oakland also allows me to pocket 400$ a month from my stipend. Thanks again I start on the 14th.

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Hope it works out well.

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