When to start looking for apartment close to menlo park?
Hello, I am originally from EU and won the h1b lottery. I did not yet get the visa, but hopefully there will not be any trouble. I am starting early October. When is not too early to look for apartments to rent? And when is it way too late? Or will 1month-ish be enough to find and sign the contract for rent? Since employer provides housing for 1 month. Another question as well: Where should I look for apartments? I am currently looking at zillow and craiglist. If it matters, I have never been to US so all advice is appreciated, especially housing. I am a bit anxious since I am moving with no furniture or anything, just clothes and I don't know anyone there. While we are at it, what's reasonable rent to pay there since prices on Zillow vary a lot. With/without roommate? TC: 115k salary, 150k stocks over 4 years, 65k bonus (newgrad)
The more time and effort you put into looking for a place, the more likely you will be to find a better one. Unfortunately the ratio of people to places to live in this area means it is difficult to find an amazing place to live compared to some other areas in the world. I rent a bedroom in a house in that area and I love it. I live with three other people. I personally prefer it to living alone in an apartment.
I wouldn't mind renting a bedroom in a house either. Was it furnished already or no? Also, how did you find it? Craiglist?
@maybeimmigrant Facebook has daily shuttles picking up and dropping people. You could look along the shuttle route. I do not work for Facebook but know a friend who uses the shuttle service. Good luck with your apartment search.
There are also a couple of Facebook pages you can check out. One of them is “Bay area Rooms and Apartments”.
Will join the group, thanks a lot! Any idea when the last shuttle go? I couldn't find any info, since I prefer to come in and leave later.
OP, where are you from?
To not give out too much info, from one of the Nordic countries.
I think you are French
Quite obvious, you’re joining Facebook, so welcome! Try Housing@ support / benefit provided to you. They’re quite helpful. Locations- Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale (in increasing order of distance/commute time - add 10 mins each time; in decreasing order of rent). Shuttles are pretty good at Fb, so you wouldn’t have to spend on commute unless you live way too off the route
Thank you! Will check it out once I have access to WP.
Are u single? Find a home that’s being rented out that’s shared with others. Rent is muchhhhh lower. Save your $.
Single male in mid 20s. Any advice where to look for roommates besides craiglist and the "Bay Area Rooms and Apartments"-group on FB?
Not sure what’s the best way today but those are good options. Rental companies may also be a good idea. It might help to live in temp housing for a couple of weeks while you figure this out.
Many tech companies will provide you with a service that will help you navigate neighborhoods and rentals based on what you need/are looking for. I’d ask your recruiter what is included in your relocation package as that will help determine what you need to figure out. And, depending on what you can afford, Times and locations will vary. If you have 5k/mo to spend, it can be quick and easy. If you have $1,500 it will be very difficult and take a long time. And you location choices limited.
Thank you, I read through that there is a service to help me find once I start. And they will find a housing for me for the first month, and also help me look. But I am also in a fb group for the company and people are already looking for roommates for september and they are all originally from US (just not California) that is why I am worried. Since they are starting to look before they start working. Most of people look to spend 1.8-2.3K from what I've seen in that group. Do you think it is possible to find one within a month for 2.3K?
I think it’s possible but you probably won’t be in Menlo Park. I’d look at San Jose, Santa Clara... your commute would be maybe 30ish minutes (other people, keep me honest here). If you are open to a roommate, that might be a good way for you not only to find a better place but also give you an immediate companion to explore the area. The Bay Area can be lonely at times. Being someone new, it can be especially isolating. A roommate may not be what you picture for yourself for the long term, but I do think it will be pivotal in your mental health and overall success for the personal side of your life.