My in-laws are planning to move to the San Jose area to be closer to my SIL. They are on a fixed income + whatever we can give them each month, so are trying to keep their housing budget around $1000/mo for a 1 bd/1 ba apartment.
Are there any areas in San Jose that they should avoid? Any areas of the surrounding suburbs that should be avoided?
Thank you ladies for the wonderful advice. Due to their income, they should qualify for a rent-controlled senior citizens' complex. I have located several of them for them to look at, but had to warn them I knew nothing about the areas. I'll use your advice to check out the areas of the buildings I found.
Thanks again!! Another reason why I LOVE Mamapedia :)
San Jose is really large. I've been in San Jose over 8 years and still don't know the entire city. I would say don't look at East San Jose and most of Downtown. Look for places off of Hwy 85, Union, Camden, Almaden. Stay away of places off of Hwy 87 and 880, but some may be ok. Some areas off of Hwy 280 are OK.
Avoid places that charge $1000/mo, haha, jk! It will be challenging to find a place that cheap in a decent area. I've seen $1000/mo for a studio and closer to $1200/mo for a 1 bedroom. I agree with Linda and CM, although I live in a nice neighborhood close to 87 (Willow Glen) but CM is 98% right. San Jose is very patchy, so it's hard to generalize. If you have an area in mind, you should repost and we can be more specific. Craigslist has a pretty comprehensive list of available rentals. I would search listings in Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Mountain View, San Jose South, San Jose West, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Willow Glen/Cambrian. That will give you a start to see what is available. Cambrian, Campbell and Blossom Valley are more affordable. When you do narrow down the search, make sure you drive by the place multiple times at night - I ruled out a place a few years ago that way even though I was born in San Jose. There was a stabbing there recently (!) San Jose is generally a very safe city with lots of nice neighborhood so don't be detered. Good luck!
ETA: Oops! I don't know how I missed the fixed income part. Here is the city website that lists low income housing options, including a section for seniors:
Good old Yelp has some reviews that may be useful. Good luck!
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Low+Income+Senior+Ap...
San Jose encompasses a very large area. I've lived here since 1973 and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. Avoid the "Seven Trees" area and East SJ (unless in the foothills). You may find it difficult to find a place for $1000, especially in the more desirable places. There are lots of rental units off Saratoga Avenue near Williams, Hamilton Avenue, near San Tomas Aquino Road, Kiley, which is off Saratoga Ave & on Winchester near Williams Rd. Our kids have lived in a few different places in this area, considered "West" San Jose. Rent has been $1100 - $1300 per month for a single bedroom unit.
You might also check into Campbell, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Milpitas or Fremont...all nearby communities.
Bear in mind, depending on where your sister-in-law lives and your parents decide to settle, it can take up to an hour to get across town.
I'm not sure if a realtor from SJ might be able to assist you in finding a suitable place, but it might be worth a try. If you need a recommendation, I know a gal who might be able to help you or refer you to someone who can.
