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Finding an Apartment in San Jose (Silicon Valley)Apartment hunting in San Jose, CA is not easy with prices high, inventories low, and less than desirable locations. I grew up in Saratoga, just down the road from San Jose and all the surrounding cities. I lived in Campbell, San Jose, and Los Gatos in apartments so I know the market pretty well. You can start with the major apartment finder websites like Rent.com or Apartments.com and do a general search for bedrooms, cities, pets, etc. I always found that those sites were more of a marketing machine than a help and preferred to search on actually websites for specific apartment communities and complexes. Our page has quite a few listings in a variety of cities throughout the South Bay Area with places in Cupertino, Willow Glen, Blossom Hill, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. Many of the sites below have availability listings on their site so you can quickly browse what is offered, view photos, read amenities, etc. We always suggest driving around the area you want to live in and write down street names, complex names, and get a feel for the neighborhoods and shopping areas. Parking in most parts of San Jose is pretty crowded so make sure you apartment comes with a parking space (preferably covered). Many units will allow pets, but get that information up front before you waste your time viewing the unit only to find out that "Fido" isn't allowed. Freeway access is important as well since traffic conditions and long commutes can be a problem for many that live in the Silicon Valley. Hwy 17 runs over the hill from Santa Cruz and turns into 880 which goes towards Oakland. 280 runs north and south and ends where it meets 680 in the South Bay. Highway 101 is a mess most of the time and will take you from Gilroy to the San Francisco. Public transportation is lacking in the south Bay Area so don't expect to jump on Bart in San Jose and get around. Some of the newer apartment complexes in San Jose have great facilities - new pools, spas, fitness rooms, modern floor plans, and underground parking.
The cost of living is high in the Bay Area, and 1 BR apartments will normally set you back $1200 or more per month. Below are listings for some San Jose Apartment Rentals.
Apartment Inspection Checklist - take this on your walkthrus and jot down notes. Avoid Renters Remorse: parking, noise, etc. Check this list. Rules for Renting a Condo: Condos are a little different.. Your Credit Report: What is shows, what to look for. Other nearby cities to include in your search are: Milpitas, Fremont, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, San Mateo, Redwood City.
Buying a Home in San Jose: Real Estate Brokers and AgentsWhen looking for a home, whether for a corporate relocation or just moving across town, it always helps to begin with MLS listings to get an idea of what is on the market and what your $$ can buy. Start with MLS Listings. Then find a real estate agent you trust and are comfortable with. Keller Williams Realty (408-559-1069) serves the entire Silicon Valley region, aiding in finding a home or planning a relocation. Alain Pinel Realtors is another well-trusted local name (650-209-1502), traditionally dealing in higher end properties. RE/MAX agent Tom McEvoy covers the entire area as well. Get information on neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, etc. Check out the tools below:
School Reports: Find out school rankings and scores.
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