I know quite a few people who moved out to the central valley some time ago who hate and regret that decision. You really can get a nicer home there, but if you look at your commute hours, you only get to enjoy it on the weekends. If you add children to the commuter mix, that can complicates matters further. In my opinion, a townhome in San Jose will be a better long term investment and pricing is quite favorable right now.

Mon May 12 2008, 13:58

Yes with gas prices as high as they have been, and the great prices available right now for affordable properties in San Jose. It is a great time to start looking in the San Jose Area.

Sun May 11 2008, 18:54

Simple answer to your question...NO! Not with today's gas price. You have many answers to your question, list to them and decide for yourself. Best to you in your search.

Sat May 10 2008, 15:40

The outer areas get hurt the worst in the down cycles. Long term value wise, being closer to the jobs will keep values higher. That being said, it's really more of a lifestyle decision for you. If you are going to buy now, be prepared to hold on to the property for the next 5 years. Can the condo suit you for that long? Is the extra space of the house going to be worth the sacrifice of the commute? A lot of people that moved inland here found themselves miserable because they were spending so much of their time commuting that they didn't get to enjoy the house and family. Plus, the wear and tear on a car and the price of gas should be seriously considered.

Sun Apr 27 2008, 15:42

Grace -

This comes down to a lifestyle question for you and your family. All the points below are valid. Many have made the choice to move further out because having more house is more important than commute. Some have moved further out so that they have a newer home for the price.

Others move out there and then realize they see their family less than an hour or two a day (some less) because of commute. Even others decide the stress that comes from the commute makes them worthless to their family when they do get home.

The flip side? I have friends who feel like living in the surrounding townships give them an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. They like having a pool, a yard, and enough rooms for the family instead of the small older home with a postage stamp of a yard here in the middle of everything.

If you have the ability to work from a home a day or two, that helps. It is a personal lifestyle choice and both areas have their advantages. I had the same choice and decided I could live with a 1950s "bungalow" over a four hour commute each day. I like walking to restaurants and coffee shops. But that is me. : )

Good luck.
CJ

Sun Apr 27 2008, 15:23

Hi Grace, This is Allyson, the advice you have received by the other Realtors is excellent advice.
You just need to hook up with a Realtor, let him/her know what you are looking for and the price range.
Then you can look at condo's/ bank owned properties/ or regular properties in your price range.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Just call or email me at allyson@homesbyallyson.com
or call at 408-705-6578
Sincerely,
Allyson

Sun Apr 27 2008, 11:47

Grace, Central Valley has declined in value so drastically in the past year. Sure you can now find an inexpensive home, but is it worth wear and tear on your car plus $4 a gallon to commute 4-5 hours a day? I don't see it getting any better any time soon out there. Buy in San Jose. Good luck.

Sat Apr 26 2008, 08:15

Grace,
Now is the time when those who have moved to Tracy and further into the valley are looking for homes closer to San Jose. We have all heard the horror stories about the commute on 580, save yourself the gas, the time and the frustration. Buy in San Jose! As I mentioned in my reply to your earlier question, it is a great time for Buyers in our market.
(If there is a chance for you and your husband to find good steady employment in the valley or you can work from home 2-3 days a week, that is the only way I would encourage you to buy a home there. It is all about your quality of life and there is no QOL on the freeway!)
Another thing to think about, with the HOA fees at $200-$300 a month, why not look for a small single family home for around 400K. With the short sales and REO's these properties are becoming available, you just need to be dilligent in your search. There are homes in the Alum Rock area that are pretty good neighborhoods that need to be sold. You can find yourself making a pretty good deal!
I hope that our answers encourage you to stay in the south bay and if I can be of further help please contact me.
Happy Home Buying and Stay in San Jose!

Charles Coachman
Keller Williams Realty
San Jose, CA
ccoachman@kwsv.com

Sat Apr 26 2008, 03:06

Grace,
Are you kidding??? With gas prices at $4/gallon and our lives being priceless, hands down buy in san jose. Here is a fact: Its buyer's market and you'll get a great deal no matter where you buy; having said that, homes in desirable areas will hold on to their value in tough economical times much better and will appreciate in good economical times much faster than homes in not so desirable areas. Compare prices in Tracy and in San Jose for the past 2 years and see which area has dropped more. It will take longer to recover prices in whichever area that has lost more of its housing value (I'll be happy to provide you this data). In 5 years you'll have more equity if you buy in a San Jose.
Hope this helps!

Fri Apr 25 2008, 19:15

NO!!! - Granted the sacrifice in living in a smaller home is tough - although I really feel that the toll on your lives, let alone the car, is too much to bear. Prices will also hold far better within central Silicon Valley than in the outskirts. Tracy's prices are very attractive now with all the short sales and foreclosures which is making a lot of people look there. I do think the market also is no where near the bottom in Tracy. That could mean a year or more of lowering prices. There are definitely good deals in San Jose condos now also.

Fri Apr 25 2008, 18:36