San Francisco apartments?
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- spellcheck
So I've been searching for apartments online in San Francisco and have been coming across a whole ton of bullshit. I've mostly been looking on craigslist, but is there any other sites that are better?
It seems like most of the CL stuff is either:
A.) not actually in San Francisco
B.) overpriced corporate housing bullshit
C.) overpriced/underwhelmingI'm not looking to live like a king by any means (600-800 sf with character (not carpet). Is that possible for under $1500? Ideally looking in Hayes Valley/Castro/Haight/Noe Valley.
Any help or prospective info is much appreciated.
- acescence0
if you're seeing stuff outside of sf, then you're not searching properly, there is a san francisco tab. and ingleside, glen park, etc.. is "san francisco" though it may be very far away from where you actually want to be. that said, 1500 is probably impossible for those neighborhoods. I paid 1500 in the haight in 1998.
- Tabs! Never even realized that! Thanks!
*feels like an idiotspellcheck - <<<monospaced
- Tabs! Never even realized that! Thanks!
- acescence0
the best thing to do is just walk around, but you need to be in town for that. also- avoid citi apartments like the plague.
- yes, citi is a joke.refunktion
- Trinity properties, also avoidkpl
- spellcheck0
Yeah, that's the problem. I don't live there (currently in the midwest), so the ability to just walk around is basically non-existent unfortunately. That is why I was hoping to find a more reliable source for apartments there. Thanks for the heads-up on citi.
It bums me out that you think finding something for under $1500 in those areas is next to impossible. I understand it's expensive, but isn't now the time to get out there and find a place? I was out there recently, and often the response was "It's a renter's market! Negotiate!"
So it gave me some hope.
- megabytes0
The renters market in SF is tough. To get a place you pretty much have to show up at the open house/showing with check in hand and a copy of your credit report, bank statement, and previous rental history. There's a lot of competition and I doubt anyone would negotiate the rent if the person behind you is willing to pay in full.
I made the move from the east coast last year and found it easier to get an apartment in the east bay than in the city. But I also had three days to find a place and sign a lease. Also helps to know where you're working so you don't end up with a ridiculous commute.
- epic_rim0
try the east bay (oakland).
SF is like 2k for a 1 bedroom. Out of fucking control, unless you "know" some people and can get in on a good deal. Otherwise, supply dictates demand.
- powertoni0
the best way to get a good apartment in sf is to be in a month-to month and look for something @ your leisure. i got my place is in hayes valley (1 br with basement workspace for 1400) because i used to live down the street and i happened to walk by when the ll was doing an open house. SF has TONS of kick-ass apartments but its not easy to get one.
- benbook0
I think its definitely possible to find a one bedroom $1500-$1700 in Hayes Valley/Castro/Noe Valley but it will probably be on the smaller side (500-600 sq feet). I lived in a one bedroom (500 sq feet) in the heart of Hayes Valley on Hayes Street between laguna and octavia for $1600. Do you want me to pass on my old landlords info?
I'm developing a website called tuberent with video walkthroughs of apartments so you don't have to run around san francisco looking for places! I have a video tour of my hayes valley apartment on the site right now. Would you like to see what you can get for $1600?
- Seanbot0
I moved here a few months ago, so I'll share some experience.
- What you are looking for is few and far between in your price point. You CAN find places, but you better be best friends with a leprechaun who is up on his luck. If you can lift it to $2000 you will have more choices and not spend a month scoping out places.
- Hayes Valley is overpriced due to the influx of restaurants and shopping. Look towards Haight/Panhandle area, it's a real fun area thats literally a 5 min bike or MUNI ride to Hayes Valley. Not to mention you are minutes from Golden Gate park.
- Stay away from Citi or any of the places that mass-post on CL. They are all slumlords.
- Also, have your credit report and a stack of checks handy.Seanbot
- spellcheck0
Thanks for the info guys. It is appreciated.
benbook, If you could send me your old landlords info that would be rad. and a link to the vid. tour.
Will do Seanbot. Citi=no-no!
- colin_s0
i am renting from citi now but that's because i was sort of in a similar situation. i fortunately haven't had the awful experiences that i've heard about, and i've been here about six months (in the tenderloin currently).
but prices can get pretty nightmarish. i say the best suggestion is getting a month to month while you look on foot for something else.
- instrmntl0
western addition is cheaper and near both hayes and haight. just dont live near any of the projects.
- Yeah...keep above Fillmore....Bargels
- cool. good info to know.spellcheck
- above geary on fillmore you mean? fillmore is north-south.kpl
- nikdaum0
I'm going through the apartment search as well in SF, but it's harder for me as I don't have a job. That makes the rent all the more annoying. Currently, we're staying in a decent, month-to-month furnished studio for around 1375 that includes utilities and internet. Okay for the time being.
- benbook0
Heres site iv been working on:
www.tuberent.com/trent
go ahead and register. then return to the home page and login by clicking the "get started button".The video that is on all of the listings is my apartment in hayes valley. all of the listings are just for testing and are not live. The site is not complete but should be done soon. what do you think? Way better than craigslist hunh?!!
- Taking a look now. Thanks!spellcheck
- what do you think of the site? is this something you would find helpful?benbook
- benbook0
Im gonna meet with my hayes valley landlord on wednesday and I'll let you know if she has anything available for you!
- Bargels0
I've lived in pretty much every neighborhood there. Try Western Addition/NOPA for your price range; I was paying $800 in a 3 bedroom, with all included plus backyard/washer dryer/garage. Just a few blocks from Haight, and a few min into downtown via bus or bike.
Don't live in Haight until you can pay enough for your own apt; otherwise you'll be sharing a room in a 6 bedroom house with a bunch of 'art' students at USF :) Plus, you'll realize soon enough there are much nicer areas to live in!
My friend just moved to the DogPatch. Out of the city a bit (T-line off the Embarcadero) but since it's still up-and-coming, rent is cheap, parking is everywhere, etc.
Good luck!
- Also, Nob Hill is pretty nice. I was paying $1200 for my own place; might want to check out there...Bargels
- spellcheck0
Thanks for the info everyone. Keep any and all info coming! Streets to avoid is very useful info to have. Especially since you will be walking down a perfectly legit street...and then bam! hood!
- lambsy0
bump
- benbook0
can you email me and I'll introduce you to my hayes valley landlord over email?
- e-wo0
It's definitely not impossible to get an apt in those spots for $1500 or under. You may have to sacrifice square footage a little, but it's there.