Where to Live (When Working in Redwood City)

[OMama]

DH and I (and the kids) are coming on an exploratory trip next week. Woo hoo! I've got California fever! Anyway, there is a strong chance he would work in Redwood City. We have talked about it and he doesn't want a commute that is longer than an hour. He is also very interested in mass transit. So, where could we live??? Our requirements are having a single residence house (as opposed to a condo, townhouse, duplex), a fenced yard (doesn't have to be big, but I must be able to grow fruits and vegetables), near good public schools, and not right next to freeways or airports. We would be able to afford something in the 600K to 700K range. And we would most likely move in about 1.5 years, so I know the market will be a little different then as well. Suggestions?

[OMama]

Anyone ? . . . I'm open to suggestions!

[california_mom]

I grew up in RWC and it's changed a bit. I don't think the schools there are any good. The train line (CalTrain) runs through RWC, starts in San Fran and ends in San Jose (or Santa Clara). You can live anywhere along that line. A friend of mine bought a house 6 months ago in San Mateo on 23rd Ave off of El Camino Real (cute neighborhood, 1500 sq ft fixer w/ a big backyard) for $800k. I know that's over your price range, but that's just to give you an idea. Baby's callin' so I'll try and write more later...

[mamadebug]

Just to give you an idea....we just sold our house in Redwood City - it is a 2 bedroom/1 bath built in the 40s, a couple of blocks off the freeway in a not so good area and it was $575,000. It is a really cute house, and we have put a ton of work into it, although it still needs more. It is pretty hard to find what you are describing in that price range on the peninsula. We are now looking for a rental, and are shocked at what rentals cost. Redwood City doesn't have very good public schools with the exception of a couple of programs. Perhaps San Jose could work for you - Willow Glen is a very cute area that we thought about moving to a couple of years ago, and is a little less expensive and has pretty good schools, I think. Half Moon Bay could be a fun option. You might be able to find what you are looking for in SF, although not sure on the schools. I could go on and on, but don't want to ramble. If you want to know more, let me know!