How would you compare these neighboring areas for quality of apartments - preferably < $3.5k/1br - food, and local society (book clubs, tech meetups)? I personally prefer a quiet and safe environment. (Poll: ideal recommendation, based on above.)
Why is MV > PA. I understand Sunnyvale is shit and los altos is for old money.
God I hate all of those areas. The most boring part of my life was when I lived down there. From your wants, it sounds like you’ll love it down there though.
What would you suggest?
As I said, sounds like the OP will love it. I’m far more of a NYC, DC, Chicago, or tropical weather person. Old school Silicon Valley is THE WORST (for someone like me)
PA at some point was crime capital
You might be confusing PA and EPA
Downtown San Jose. Everywhere is else is extremely boring. Even San Jose is pretty mild, but at least it's something.
If that’s the goal, the best you can do in the Bay is SF or Oakland. I don’t think the OP is looking for this though
You get more for your money in Sunnyvale. Los Altos and Palo Alto expensive. Mountain view's OK too but more expensive than Sunnyvale .
PA > MV > all Sunnyvale is great if you want to smell curry from your neighbors.
None of the above, they all suck. Move out of CA.
I thought you want to buy house but looks like you are planning to rent house. So, Mountain View!