Expert: Ernest Tufft - 2/10/2009

Question
I am moving to california and was curious about the cost of owning a car and the need for a car. I drive a Toyota Prius and would be living, at least I think, in North Oakland close to Berkely and working in San Fran. Would I need a car to get to work and around? Do most people do without cars? Also, I think I have an area in mind but am unfamiliar with the areas. I am a single male (24) with a housing budget of 900 to 1300. I would like nice weather and low crime. What areas would best suit my desires? Where do most of the single college graduates live?

Thanks for your help

Tom

Answer
Tom,

Your Prius will be right in tune with Bay Area culture, but you will also find no desire to commute to SF with it.  The BART system from Berkeley/Oakland to MUNI connections in SF is great, and parking a car in SF is very expensive.

I can't say exactly whether or not your housing budge of 900 to 1300 is appropriate as there are all levels of quality, but you won't be living a life of luxury that's for sure.  Most university students share a house or stay in a small apartments close to the campus, but there are also those who commute via BART from farther away.  Oakland has a horrible reputation for crime, but then again there are also many neighborhoods where the gangsters don't go.  If you haven't found a place yet, I recommend that you try to decide that when you get here.  Don't lock yourself into long term lease, but rather find a place on a month to month rental contract so that you can move again when you find the more ideal spot.  There are some really great places in Berkeley/Oakland area, with weather that's more comfortable than SF on a year around basis, and there are just east through the Caldicott Tunnel in Walnut Creek/Concord area more spacious residential neighborhoods with good rental deals right now.  It will be easier to safely park your Prius there.

Good luck...alan