Where should a family of 5 live for job in the Silicon Valley?
We are relocating to the Bay area this coming Fall for job opportunities in Silicon Valley. We don't know the area at all and need to find a rental that would be suitable for a family of five plus a dog. We also want to keep the kids involved in competitive hockey. AND we need to find a home big enough to host out-of-town guests.
We are looking for recommendations on family-friendly, diverse neighborhoods with good public schools (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) and a good hockey club nearby.
We are used to commuting to work via public transit as long as the trip doesn't exceed half an hour to 45 minutes.
It would also be helpful if someone can give us a sense of the cost of renting versus the cost of buying a home.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Jul 30, 2017
Parent Replies
I would HIGHLY recommend you look into San Ramon/Danville/Pleasanton since your kids are into competitive hockey. I have a friend who coaches there, they have a great rink. Housing is less than the Silicon Valley, and the schools are excellent.
If you are intent on staying in the San Jose area I have a friend who is a hockey player/referee in that area. He plays at Sharks Stadium. Let me know if you would like an introduction.
We're in 95119 zip code in San Jose. Library in walking distance, cabana pool, sushi&Thai, pizza&fastfood, RiteAId. 3 grocery stores within 2 miles. My neighbor has all three kids in competitive hockey. They do both ice and roller and have some travel, to the midwest, Socal, and Southwest. Eldest is now senior in HS, been playing since he was itty. Youngest is 2nd grade, also playing since she was itty.
So that you can do some extrapolation, the median sale price in San Jose is $589/sq ft, in Danville is $478/sq ft, San Ramon is $472/sq ft, and Pleasanton is $498/sq ft.
For what you're looking for, I'd guess you'd be at minimum $4000/month rent.