Is anyone familiar with the Silicon Valley area?

[jackangel]

I'm planning on going out there and getting an apartment soon. I've been in San Jose and Sunnyvale before (summer internship), but I still don't know much about the area. From what I recall, most of it is a boring suburban sprawl. But, if I'm to get a job in the area, then I don't want to live too far away.

Are there any areas which are preferable, or that should be avoided? Any area which are relatively urban, with perhaps something more to offer a person in his late 20s (or at least the illusion of it, which should suffice).

I'm looking at apartments on the net, but even with basic criteria, there are many choices. Whatever I can do to narrow those choices down will be helpful. In your totally fucking awesome opinions, is there anything I should know?

 

[the nature boy]

they will hate you.

 

[from zero]

Is anyone familiar with the Silicon Valley area?

Nope.

 

[Bronze]

In 5 years of living in the southbay area, Fremont is the best place I've been so far. Rents are decent for the area, and crime is low. General demography is overwhelmingly asian and indian, which is cool because they generally keep to themselves. It's quiet with no nightlife, but it centered next to 3 major freeways, and San Fran is 50 minutes away.

 

[ohashi]

Nope.

 

[Dial_tone]

You are on crack if you're moving to Silicon Valley without a job already in hand. Rents still haven't returned to sane levels and the jobless rate must be astronomical.

 

[Dragon14]

I lived there for 20 years. Residence depends on job. EVERYTHING depends on job becuase the tech economy is crushed.

 

[IronLion]

I would live out toward santa cruz if i had to work in the sunnyvale/ san jo area....but that is the surfer in me talking

 

[ZKaudio]

Do yourself a favor. Move to orange county. Good looking women, decent job market, and best climate/beaches around.

 

[Bigblock]

I can't tell by our post if you have a job set up yet or not. Bear in mind that the commutes can be brutal! I'd target areas close to where you're gonna work because you'll be making the drive 5 days a week. Everything else that's fun to do isn't too far away anyway. All else being equal Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, & Fremont are all pretty well run & nice to live in, with plenty of apartments to choose from.