apartment hunt Silicon Valley 2024 | touring 9 apts w/ rent prices, tips (*mostly Sunnyvale)
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- The trials and tribulations of apartment hunting in the Silicon Valley when you’re in your 30s with a dog. Come along with me to see the good, bad, ugly, and very expensive apartments of Sunnyvale, California.
If you haven’t yet, please ✨LIKE✨ this video. It really helps the CZcams algorithm as I’m growing my channel!
⏳ Timestamps
0:00 Living in the Silicon Valley, why no one likes it here
0:48 About me
1:14 Average 1 bedroom rent in Silicon Valley
2:26 Criteria for apt hunt
3:21 Budget and how I came to that number
4:50 Apartment #1 - Avalon
5:39 Apartment #2 - Solstice
6:38 Apartment #3 - Villa del Sol
7:25 Apartment #4 - Ironworks
8:02 Apartment #5 - Renaissance
8:17 Apartment #6 - Spruce
9:11 Apartment #7 - Shadowbrook
10:15 Apartment #8 - Arioso
11:07 Apartment #9 - Villa Granada
11:49 Overall impressions
12:28 Tips when apt hunting
13:47 Which apt did I choose?
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This was such a good video and description of the Bay. I moved here bright eyed and bushy tailed a few years ago and more recently I’ve started to question why I’m still here 😂😂
hahahaha at least there's plenty of good food 😆
I hope you're as "picky" with your choice of room mate as you are with finding an apartment. Anyway, the reason many of the housing in Silicon Valley are "meh" is that because the market would allow it. At some point, an available apartment is gold no matter the price. Let's be honest too, most of the "market" are from tech so most of them don't care about layouts, design, and walkability. They only start caring about that when they start families and need more space.
I love living here! I am not so picky about apartments though. I just look for a great location (good neighborhood) and that it’s big enough for what I need. It’s so beautiful here. I go for hikes and walks everyday and there’s so many really beautiful trails here. Food is great if you know where to go. There’s tons of stuff to do here and you can have a great social life if you put in the effort to have one. I’m a nurse in San Francisco living on the peninsula. I’m older than you but I really love it here. I don’t love the high cost of things but I don’t want to move.
It is really about putting in the effort to discover new spots and creating a solid community wherever you go, the weather right now is perf so cheers to many fab hikes to come this summer 😊
Very in depth analysis! I also saw no issues with sharing a dorm room with two other girls or a small house with three girls back in the day but absolutely can’t do it now!
Those were the simpler days 😌
Love this video. So helpful for me. Thank you
Love hearing that, thanks for watching ☺️
If you like a downtown walkable vibe look at Campbell or Los Gatos. I freaking love it here though.
I moved to my mom's in Santa Cruz and get to WFH full time. Win-win.
Well done video and honestly, I expected worse. I lived in Sunnyvale for 3 yrs and Santa Clara for 15.
Nice!! That sounds like a fab setup :)
from the east bay in my early 20s starting my search for my own place free of roommates so thank you for uploading such real content! ive been trying to find content of every day folks living here in the bay (: first time watching and i appreciate your personality and realness. best of luck to you on your journey ✌🏽💚
Thanks Katherine! So glad you found me and watched along. Hope you find yourself a cozy spot soon as well 🥰
I can totally relate. We moved from AZ to San Jose before covid because of better paid job. Since we moved here, I found myself hating this place with a passion. Everyone is rude. Nobody gives a turning signal while changing lane. I miss the life in AZ everyday.
I was born and raised in San Jose, we're not all rude. If you pass me walking in the neighborhood or trail, I will always smile and say hello. 😊
@@christiemoore8545 thank you for your kind words! Yeah not everyone is rude. There are still many nice people here. But generally the vibe here is a lot worse than many other states. We often joke that we want to go back to America.
They've migrated to Gold Country, where driving is now a nightmare. What are those octagonal red signs? No idea!
Move!
Somehow your video popped up on my feed but I totally agree with you. I’m almost close to 30 some more months and apartment hunting is stressful. I’m moving from one city to another in Washington and you have to make sure to tour and search because I don’t want to be in the middle of no where and have a view facing another apartment lol 😂 I know I’m thankful for extra income from being in the military but I can’t imagine having to have a roommate and factor in the cost of having one. Hope you find or found one you love!
That’s so sweet, you’re absolutely right! I’m so glad my video found you 😊
Text book case of “champagne taste on beer budget”. Wants walkable place, updated, good vibe, good layout, amenities etc on a low budget in an area where average techie makes 300k a year.
There are places that have everything she is looking for but she can’t afford it because she will be outgunned by techies making 2-3 times her income.
She needs to either lower her expectations or look outside of Silicon Valley.
There is no hunting. If you can afford $4k a month, close your eyes and pick one. Good luck! New sub. Glad that you're not in "tech". Will be interesting to see how a non-techie or as you said, the lowest paying healthcare position survives in Silicon Valley.
You will be seeing me on a lot of hikes and picnics this summer 😅
I lived in bay for 2 years in Campbell, 2020-2022. I like the walkability there. I had a 2 bed 2 bath (old complex, nothing fancy, 3,500/m).
Campbell is definitely really nice with a lively downtown area :)
If state/local governments gave more attention to public transportation in big cities things could improve significantly in terms of housing.
It sounds like you’re ready for a change but not in an urgent situation, so it’s good you can take your time to find the right place. Looking for a new place is so much work!!!. I had no idea apartment rental situation is so grim in the peninsula right now. Don’t rule out Mountain View, though. There are many small apartment complexes near downtown. They’re older, so they’re missing the fun sparkling bubbles, but they’re more cozy and interesting, and if walkability and location are important, they may be worth a look. Thanks for the apartment tours and the fun food analogies. So on point, relatable, and easy to imagine the vibe.
So true about Mountain View! There are def some hidden gems, I just gotta get out there and explore 👀 Also thanks so much for watching and leaving such a sweet comment Addy, it really means a lot :)
@@elisezliu Creating interesting content people want to watch is hard work! 😘
@@addytude 🫶🫶
I can relate. I'm in Sunnyvale currently and been meaning to move to an apartment where i can just walk to caltrain or stores. Nope, those locations are way too expensive.
Oof, as someone who grew up in SJ and still lives in the South Bay, I couldn’t disagree more! I love living here. Also, tip: Mountain View has rent control so while initial rents might be high, if you stay put year after year, you’ll save down the road. And I find MV really walkable.
Totally agree, I lived in Mountain View for a year in a shared house and it was actually quite lovely with the downtown area. The most challenging part seems to be finding a cozy rent controlled house :)
if you like indians
Haha... I used to live at the "DMV".... damn the price has gone up so much! I love your video - it perfectly describes the insanity of Bay Area housing/rental. I make decent money but it always makes my wonder if I am underpaid and how much people are making to live in these apartments or if are people spending 50% or more of their income on rent.
It is truly wild, we shall never know haha :) thanks so much for watching!
It's not "the" Silicon Valley; it's Silicon Valley. And San Jose isn't maybe included; it was the epicenter when the term was created. Also if you're looking to move to SF, now's the time to look. Lots of people left (no tech jobs, high crime, lifestyle feels kind of meh compared to recent years) so lots of vacancies and lower rents, especially compared to the South Bay (which has traditionally had a more stable population). You can find studios under $2000 these days, and maybe even some in the $1800 range.
Thanks for tuning in and the suggestion!
@@elisezliu i think SF is really depressing these days. that will turn around with time but it will be years. lots of empty office and retail space and crime. when office and retail space goes unfilled, the bank loans can't be paid.
it's not "the" south bay; its south bay stuffy.😂🤣
@@catea2551 only up from here, thanks for watching! ☺️
True but if you work in the Sunnyvale / mtn view area the commute is brutal.
I’ve done it myself for serveral years. Caltrain has stops along these cities, could use the train if the SF apt is near 4th and Townsend where the train station is
I lived in Sunnyvale for 20 years and I loved it
Hopefully you bought 20 years ago. 😊
Great video.. super real, funny and smart. Helpful to know I’m not the only one that feels like this about Silicon Valley apts
Thank you!! We’re all in this together 😅
Maybe try North SJ or Fremont
Thank you for making this video. I just moved a few weeks ago into a new apartment in Sunnyvale. Unless people live here they don’t understand how expensive it is. It’s such a rip off. When renting people also need to consider rent increase when their lease expires. In Sunnyvale they have the potential to raise your rent 10% every year. When you’re paying 3500 a month that’s a significant amount of money. The local government really has done nothing to rent to limit rent. They say they have rent control but 10% isn’t rent control.
That's why I moved out of my old apt in downtown Sunnyvale, the best is when you can find a nice homeowner that just wants to rent out their place to a stable renter :)
@@elisezliu I had to move after 10 years because of a housemates situation but I agree it’s best to find an apartment or someplace you can live where people actually own the apartment or townhome or space. The rent doesn’t go up that much..
this is SO informative thank you! are you going to put a portable ac unit or do these have ac already?
these apts should all have ac installed already but def double check and ask beforehand
Look in downtown San Jose, it’s very walkable and still freeway accessible. Plus there is VTA which can be very handy when you don’t want to drive. There is a studio in my neighborhood for less than 1,800. Lower cost apartments exist you just have to search more carefully. Good luck.
Nice, great tip! Thanks for sharing and tuning in :)
Less than 1800 for a studio downtown SJ. That neighborhood is sketchy.
I feel trauma just watching the housing options. The new peasant economy.
Move to Las Colinas, Texas. I am British, lived in South West Greater London, moved to Madrid, Spain, lived in Cambridge , Massachusetts, and, aside from Madrid, feel that I now have the best value of all the places I lived.
Wow what a line up! If I’m ever in Texas I’ll try to scope it out 👁️ thanks for sharing 😊
You need to try Fremont or Newark. Better prices and 15 minute commute.
You have great skin. What do you use for face wash & moisturizer- no pressure. Thxs
Try Willow Glen in the South Bay. I loved very happy in that community for five years. Even though it wasn’t walking distance to downtown, I used Uber. I think a huge criterion will probably cost 4K per month.
Based on the cities you mentioned that’s where they tech people earning six digits plus and naturally drive up the rents.
So true! I will have to check it out one of these weekends :)
I love the names 😂
Hello fellow RDN! I'm also a dietitian here in the South Bay!! I live in San José with roommates in a house, I pay around $800/mo for my single 8x12 bedroom, with shared bath and common areas. I actually like living in San José, didn't grow up here but am local to the Bay and there is definitely more to do here than where I grew up. Dietitian pay, it sucks so much that I either have to be partnered with a SO or live with family or live with housemates or pay more than 50% of my gross pay. Can't even invest in my retirement, save, and travel with a "decent" $2500+ 1 bed apartment with the amenities that I would like (like in unit laundry, a parking space) with this dietitian pay. I love my career but I agree us RDNs can't do much with the rents here. 😭
Hahahah it can be such rewarding work but definitely a financial struggle. I can’t imagine staying in this career for a lifetime and hope one day we can all meet our financial goals and travel comfortably with a job we love 🤗
Im paying mortgage for a cookie cutter in Santa Clara 😖, South bay is good for starting families with a small child. 20’s and 30’s are best in SF👌🏼 except parking and street cleaning, moving cars coz of street cleaning, fighting for permits/spaces, feces near car/garage/front door, but thats all part of the vibe. Everyday you will have a story to tell.. Enjoy your journey i’m wishing you all the best!
Hahah couldn’t agree more, we’re all out here just vibing as best we can ✌️
Moving to a suburb from a big Asian city killed me. Moving to SF has been the best decision.
Btw I stayed at Ironworks for a company stay and the floors and ceilings are paper thin.
Hahahaha good insider tip :) and totally, sf feels so much more alive!! so glad you made the move 😊
SV isn’t for everyone. Can’t deny it’s ridiculously expensive…but for me it’s worth it. Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. And FYI, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west 😊
Totally it can be really lovely 😊
Totally relate with so many things you said. I just moved to the South Bay but I agree apartment hunting takes a lot of work because there are so many of them and only so many you can visit in a day. Good tips and you nailed it on the head about these “cookie cutter” apartments that have no inspiration.
I know exactly how you feel, good luck on your hunt! May you find one with good natural light at least :)
#2 is the best best location we lived 6 blocks from there
Am I a Hungarian SAHM? Well, yes. Am I watching this video as if I would need this information anytime in the future? Also yes.
I literally JUST realized what SAHM meant 😂 welcome and thanks for tuning in!!
What does it mean?
@@xx-vw9ep stay at home mom!!
@@EvelinsAtelier Thanks very much for your reply. I'm half Hungarian. My father was from Budapest.
Nothing I saw justified those prices especially since you like to be out and and about which cost a lot of money as well.
For your future sake and short term goals of traveling living in the Bay doesn't make any sense.
I live in San Jose and have been able to travel throughout the country and see that yes the Bay has the best weather point blank but everything else is on par or better than here.
Hahaha you are spot on! It makes so much sense why people leave so they can stop the hustling/grinding in these expensive cities. Thanks for watching :)
I used to live in sunnyvale and its funny that everyone seems to have the same vibe about it. I moved to SF since and like it a lot more (although paying way more). I need to be able to walk places.
I always find myself itching to go up to the city on weekends, I’m glad you made the move :) and thanks for watching!
born and raised in the Bay Area, the last time I could afford a 1 bd 1bth apartment was in 1988, in Daly City, the rent was $595 a month. The good ole days!!
😂😭😅
I don't know how I found my way here, but I laughed so hard ... I lived in Shadowbrook for 5+ years in early 2000s while working at Google. Now "retired" we live in San Diego and haven't been back to the bay in over 10 years.
Hahaha that is amazing, I feel like people are always happier in SD 😊
Hi I am also looking for an apt around here I need a roommate have you found one ? I was raised in San Jose and lived in the east coast now I’m back in the Bay Area. It has been tough.
I put apt hunting on hold for now, good luck on your end and thanks for watching ☺️
People are completely out of their mind! Landlords for charging so much and people for paying it!
I love this kind of apartment hunting videos, glad to see one for silicone valley since most of these videos I have seen are of NYC. I feel rent is lower in the upper peninsula (daly city - SF) compared to South bay though
So glad you enjoyed and yes def agree! Thanks for watching 🤗
Bay Area resident here for 30+ years. Those locations are prime restate, you ain’t gonna find anything less than $2.5k for a 1 bedroom apartment. Your expectations are too high while your budget is too low.
That is absolutely correct 😅
Try Concord or Martinez. You can find an apartment for $1600-2000/month. I currently live in a studio cottage and only pay $1500/month with free pg & e.
That’s incredible! I shall :) thanks for watching!
That’s a helluva commute
It's your relative income position in your community that decides your happiness level. Silicon Valley and Seattle are not friendly for non-tech folks...
Could not agree more! It sometimes stokes ambition but makes feeling grateful more challenging
I would hav to put 2 bunkers in a one bedroom to afford those!!! hav you ever thot of moving away...far far away!!!
Rent price is insane
The problem these days is people want to have convenience. That’s gonna cost you. Some people want pets , but it will cost extra to rent. I commuted for many years just to have a house. I now have 3 dogs at my house and I got a new job 10 miles from my house, make $19 an hour more. It takes time to get the perfect setting 😂
You're living the dream! 👏 🐶
@@elisezliu thank you. God is great! Good luck to you my friend. Keep at it.
Have you ever considered moving to Europe? I don't know if it would be possible with your job but, any city that isn't London or Paris are Geneva (Switzerland in general is pretty expensive) are way cheaper than that and it's so beautiful and walkable and alive !
You read my mind!! I’ve had this exact thought for YEARS and totally get that feeling of aliveness in European cities. I just can’t figure out whether or not I just need to take more vacations or move completely 😅 but I am booking a trip to London/Edinburgh later this year so we shall see, thanks so much for watching btw!
@@elisezliu you’re welcome ! Edinburgh is one of the most precious cities in Europe, have a nice trip ✨
@@BreathSearch thank you will do 🥰
It’s so high everywhere now even a nice 1b in Dallas is $2300 plus
O dear, these days it really feels like we can only have 2 out of 3 (no roommates, enough money to travel, or savings) 🫠 also thanks for watching!
It’s not much better in Portland, Oregon. Thankfully we’ve been living in our apartment for 9 year's so, we paying below market. We absolutely love our complex.
@@TheNeuroticjetfan that’s amazing 🙌
This is so accurate. I can absolutely relate
Curious to know how many square feet they are.
The one I liked most was ~1,197 sq ft!
UNLESS you are in tech then you have NO economic reason to be in Silicon Valley. If you are young then don't move to SV in the first place. If you are in SV and not in tech then get some work experience live as cheap as possible and then MOVE out of SV.
Completely agree, that's definitely sound advice! :D
Wonder how much student loan debt she has
You talk too much, if you can't afford it then move somewhere else.!!!
Just don’t watch my videos in the future hector, but thanks for the insight, hope you’re having a fab Wednesday! 😊
ummmm cuz she did a video for people that want to hear her experience looking at rentals hector. that's why she was talking so much hector. are you sure you arent' heckler?
When sparkly waters are having a good giggle and a puddle walks in….