Relo: Intuit Current commute: 1h 15m Some houses in the South Bay look so cool, but then you go inside and it hasn’t been updated since ‘91. I’ve typically seen this in rental markets near universities, where landlords don’t really need to update to be competitive. I know it could seem petty, and I’m definitely aware of the cost of living in the Bay Area, but I’m hoping to find the best VALUE. Being that I’m an avid surfer, and would love to be close enough to the water to surf regularly, I’m hoping to find something in Santa Cruz. I love driving, I wake up early, don’t mind traffic and have always had an hour++ commute. I will be moving with my Wife and 2yo. Any advice? Is Santa Cruz -> Menlo Park/ Palo Alto doable? Thank in advance!
I do Santa Cruz to MTV on the bus. It's really far and hwy 17 gets crazy in the winter. If no bus I'd either move to the valley or work for Amazon's Santa Cruz office
How long does it take on the worst day?
There were a few times this winter when 17 closed for mudslides or down trees. 2+ hour tour of Watsonville. I generally get to work after 10 and the bus ride is about an hour in good weather. Santa Cruz is kinda bad for kids. Not a ton of daycare options and aside from ocean view park the playgrounds look like Children of Men. Unless your wife is staying home or you get a live in nanny it's not gonna work.
A co-worker commutes from Santa Cruz to MTV on a shuttle. It is 2 hours each way. Driving will be about the same unless you work 7-3. MPK/PA will be even longer. Sometimes hwy 17 is closed due to weather/accident then it can take 3-4 hours one way. We considered moving there, but didn’t due to commute.
That’s a horrible commute and you will have to do east coast commute hours (office by 7am / leave before 3pm). You are looking at a 2hr commute otherwise. You are better to live in areas like Campbell - though your commute will still be an hour each way. Getting over the hill takes 25min when going to Santa Cruz from Campbell. Easy for surf hours. I’d also say that you have a 2yr old. The days of sitting in the car on long commutes because you like it will most likely change as you will find your need to be present for school activities increase.
All good points. I will take Santa Cruz off my search. Thanks for the insight.
My buddy who works at SJPD won’t even allow us to take his kid (friends with mine) to Santa Cruz because of the gang activity. Wouldn’t go there :)
Huh? Since when is SC worse than SJ? Methheads and speed freaks, I get. But the gangs are in SJ and Central Ca / Salinas. Are you saying you cant even take them to the boardwalk?
He probably just doesn't trust you driving over 17
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Miserable commute but technically doable