Hi Sam,
This is the other Sam. Sam I am...
You did not specify your budget, square footage, lot size. Keep in mind San Jose is no longer
a new city as it was before. 40 Years homes are common.

If you really like original hard wood(real oak) floor 45-50 years ago all homes had them. To refinish it is only $2.20/sf... If you work in SJ have a limited budget certain parts of 95127(Berreasa) hill side got homes with views.
They are very reasonable relatively speaking.

It is hard to get jumbo loan again so you need to have a price target only look at these areas.

I think it really depends on your lifestyle. There are homes just about everywhere in the Bay that suit your needs for the home. What kind of activities, amenities, landscape, do you prefer?

I am particular to the South Bay, warmer weather, more space and plenty to do for the recreation minded. So very cool areas I would consider with older homes: Rose Garden, Los Gatos, Willow Glen and even Mountain View & Palo Alto.

Hi Sam,
The Bay area is your oyster!
Your criterias are do-able, but the areas are too vast. Do you work from home? Is commuting distance a consideration? Most of us can set you up on a home search, but you will get hundreds of homes if we put in SF to south Bay! (1) and (2) are fine, (3) is acheivable even if not there, (4) and (5) are fine.
Please start with the MOST Desirable city/ies, a few at a time...
Also, what is your upper $$ limit, do you have pre-approval done, there are so many questions that need answers, and this is not the place for it.
You need to select a good Realtor, and sort things out one step at a time, in the home buying process...
Do get in touch with me if you like, be well and safe,
Nina Daruwalla

Additional clarifications. Thank you for the responses so far.
(5) School district is somewhat important, but not very important. (relative to other stated criteria)
(6) Commute is not very important but prefer a reasonable distance from either airport - SFO or SJC. I work in San Jose.
(7) Price range - open to a range from $350/sft up to $900/sft or so depending on location since I recognize that there's a spread between the locations I have mentioned.
(8) Fog free and somewhat sunny pocket within the City

Hi Sam,

Welcome to the Bay Ares. Thanks for your very well stated post. You have left out some very important info, such as where you are working or plan to work, whether you are
interested in a good school district. The commute in the Bay Area can be a nightmare so if commute and school districts is not a problem your request should be easy to fill. Please find a good Realtor to work with. Best of luck

Michael

Sam,
I appreciate the completeness of your parameters but ta little more information will be needed to give you useful guidance:
1. The potential commute is a major factor in such a decision Please let us know where your employment is located and the maximin commute time you are prepared to accept.
2. What is your price range. The areas you mention are hugely different for similar properties.
3. Is School quality important.
Thanks, Bill