Anyone live in San Jose? Have a job offer that would move me there.

[RaiderJ]

I've received a very good job offer in San Jose, one in a computer technical field. Thinking about moving out there from Washington DC.

Anyone live in San Jose? Any thoughts about housing, commute times, other costs, activities, etc? I've been there a few times, but always good to have some other input!

EDIT: I'm currently paying ~$1,500/mo for rent/utilities/internet, what would that get me in San Jose, or within a 45min commute? I don't mind a drive, but I'd like to minimize it without living in a crappy part of town.

UPDATE: Will most likely take the offer I have here in DC. Thanks everyone for your input about San Jose!

 

[PricklyPete]

I've received a very good job offer in San Jose, one in a computer technical field. Thinking about moving out there from Washington DC.

Anyone live in San Jose? Any thoughts about housing, commute times, other costs, activities, etc? I've been there a few times, but always good to have some other input!

I personally love the area and still have it on my radar for future living. I specifically like Santa Cruz, but the whole are is nice.

It is expensive though...but you are already living in a relatively expensive are in Washington DC, so it shouldn't be too much of a shock. I would definitely go for it...for the weather alone. If you like outdoor activities, the area is awesome.

 

[PaNsyBoy8]

I live in santa clara, and i love the area. not the cheapest place to live, but its worth it.

 

[dr150]

What city is your job? San Jose proper? Palo Alto?...

Commutes can be long if you can't afford the super expensive housing.

San Jose is boring and souless (think Detroit, but with exceptional California weather)--only a city for work and nothing else........BUT.....a UNIVERSE of possibilities exists within 1-4 hours that make your hearts desire possible [San Francisco (a fantastic city), Santa Cruz (beaches/surfing), Carmel (golf), Lake Tahoe (skiing), Yosemite and other parks, Napa (wine/spas/food)].

If you're young, I'd look into living in fun/hip SF and train down to the valley for work....as living in San Jose will gut your desire for life.....

 

[polarmystery]

You ass, that's what I want to do

You took mur joorb! /Southpark

 

[RaiderJ]

How much does a decent place cost to rent that doesn't involve a large commute? I'd be traveling 20-30 percent of the time, so it may not be a huge concern. Also, any thoughts on dog-friendly places?

 

[Drako]

I live in San Jose, but have not rented in more than 20 years, so I'm out of touch with rental market now. However, I'm pretty sure costs will be slightly higher than what you see in the DC area.

San Jose is a nice area, with the ocean and mountains within easy driving distance. Plenty of interesting things to do here.

 

[RaiderJ]

You ass, that's what I want to do

You took mur joorb! /Southpark

What's your background? There are other positions in the company I'm looking at.

 

[soulcougher73]

I agree with the poster who said San Jose itself sucks. But the range of things to do within easy driving distance can make up for that. That alone is why CA is so expensive and desirable. So much to do within a half days drive.

 

[zoiks]

How much does a decent place cost to rent that doesn't involve a large commute? I'd be traveling 20-30 percent of the time, so it may not be a huge concern. Also, any thoughts on dog-friendly places?

I live in Sunnyvale nearby. However you can get a single bedroom apartment for about 1500 and that's on the high end. I suggest that you check craigslist for more information that can satisfy your senses.

 

[HopJokey]

I live in SJ. You can find a a decent 1 bedroom from 1200-1800 in the Southbay. Post here or PM me if you have any detailed questions. I'd be happy to assist.

 

[TuxDave]

If you're used to $1500/month rent, then you should be fine.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

i would do it.
i love it when the ground below me shakes several times a week.

 

[BoomerD]

I do not live in the San Jose area, nor have I ever, but I've worked all over the bay area, and IMO, San Jose has no character...or soul as dr150 put it...it has the advantage of being close to the ocean without actually being ON the ocean, of being relatively close to the mountains without having to deal with the snow during the winter, and has 2-3 seasons, like much of northern Kahleeforneeya. (our winters are like October in much of the country...lows in the 30's and rainy)

I suspect the other posters' statements about rent are pretty accurate. AFAIK, rents have gotten slightly more reasonable in recent years...although "reasonable" is a relative term.

There are a lot of "ghetto" areas in/around San Jose, so you'll definitely need someone local to help you find rentals in a decent area.

 

[SunnyD]

Do you know the way to San Jose?

 

[mooncancook]

Depends on where you live. I live in north SJ close to Great America, right next to many tech companies. 2 bedroom townhome nearby is around $1600 -1700/mo. Condo maybe slight cheaper. Similar price for luxury apartments. South SJ is definitely cheaper, though you'll probably have to deal with commute and traffic. What's the company or where exactly is it located?

 

[Drako]

I do not live in the San Jose area, nor have I ever, but I've worked all over the bay area, and IMO, San Jose has no character...or soul as dr150 put it...

I don't know - dr150 compared San Jose to Detroit, so I'm thinking he has never been to either city .

Also, don't you live in Modesto? It strikes me odd that someone living in the central valley would say San Jose has no character.

 

[polarmystery]

What's your background? There are other positions in the company I'm looking at.

Electrical Engineering, currently working in Defense. Used to work in the Power distribution industry.

 

[Miramonti]

San Jose is like hell, except more traffic.

 

[BoomerD]

I don't know - dr150 compared San Jose to Detroit, so I'm thinking he has never been to either city .

Also, don't you live in Modesto? It strikes me odd that someone living in the central valley would say San Jose has no character.

Whatchoo talkin bout?

Modesto has character...that of an over-ripe turd...but then again, Modesto isn't the 3rd largest cities in the state or the 10th largest in the USA...we're a small shit-hole town with agriculture as our main industry.

 

[dwell]

I lived in Los Gatos, which is one town over from San Jose, for a year. The town I lived in was really nice with great weather. San Jose was hit and miss but still a cool place to be.

 

[trmiv]

Where in San Jose is the job located? There are cheaper places to live than right in San Jose, but it depends where you're commuting to.

Don't take the advice of living in SF and commuting to San Jose. Sounds fun, but unless you are super into a really annoying daily commute it will suck.

 

[RaiderJ]

Depends on where you live. I live in north SJ close to Great America, right next to many tech companies. 2 bedroom townhome nearby is around $1600 -1700/mo. Condo maybe slight cheaper. Similar price for luxury apartments. South SJ is definitely cheaper, though you'll probably have to deal with commute and traffic. What's the company or where exactly is it located?

The company is near the San Jose airport. How far away is that from a decent townhome area? That price is about what I'd be looking at for a 2 bedroom. Would prefer a nice area and a longer commute vs. a short commute and "the ghetto".

 

[RaiderJ]

Electrical Engineering, currently working in Defense. Used to work in the Power distribution industry.

This company works with software and security type aspects, mostly commercial products. The Beltway is definitely the place to be for Defense work.

 

[GoSharks]

The company is near the San Jose airport. How far away is that from a decent townhome area? That price is about what I'd be looking at for a 2 bedroom. Would prefer a nice area and a longer commute vs. a short commute and "the ghetto".

10 mins from mooncancook