Planning a move to East Bay, San Francisco? Welcome to one of the most dynamic and diverse places in the United States. East Bay is a vibrant region east of San Francisco Bay that encompasses the East Bay counties of Alameda and Contra Costa.
What makes East Bay special? It combines the cultural richness of cities like Oakland and Berkeley with the natural beauty of the East Bay regional parks system. You can spend the morning hiking through redwood forests and then pull up a chair for world-class dining in the evening.
But moving to East Bay, San Francisco, is not for the faint of heart. Like other parts of the Bay Area, you’ll face one of the highest costs of living in the country and an incredibly competitive housing market. In other words, moving to East Bay is an adventure filled with both challenges and opportunities. This moving guide will help you make the most of that adventure.
Why Move to the East Bay?
The reasons for moving to East Bay, San Francisco, are as diverse as the region. Home to UC Berkeley and cutting-edge research facilities, the region is an innovation hub for students, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs of all stripes. It also boasts a vibrant arts scene, multicultural festival, and world-class dining. Don’t miss the famous Ethiopian cuisine in Oakland or the “Gourmet Ghetto” in Berkeley.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you will love the East Bay regional parks system. Head over to Tilden Regional Park to admire its botanical gardens and steam train. You can even take a dip in the lake. For a little spiritual rejuvenation, visit Redwood Regional Park to hike among the ancient coastal redwoods.
There’s a nearly endless list of stuff to do in East Bay. To fill up on cultural experiences, look no further than the historic Fox Theatre and Paramount Theatre for a thrilling performance. When it’s time to host your first gathering, the Grand Lake Farmers Market will have all the fresh, local ingredients you need for an unforgettable dinner.
Finally, the rest of the Bay Area is at your fingertips. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system can take you anywhere in the area, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley and beyond.
Preparing for the Move: What You Need to Know
Any big move, especially across states or even countries, requires massive preparation. The same is true when moving to East Bay. First, flex your research muscles and learn as much as you can about the region. East Bay is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own character, benefits, and drawbacks.
North Oakland and Berkeley tend to attract academics and artists. You will enjoy walkable neighborhoods with Victorian homes and a vibrant street culture. West Oakland is quickly coming into its own. You’re likely to find sleek warehouse conversions and new condos that are relatively affordable, at least by Bay Area standards. If your budget is more generous, look to Oakland Hills and Berkeley Hills, where you’ll find larger homes with stunning bay views. Finally, Alameda will give you island living with a small-town feel.
Once you have zeroed in on one or two neighborhoods to start your home search, research the transit options in your chosen area. Thanks to BART, Muni, and Caltrains, many residents find they can pare down to one vehicle or even live without one.
Get ready for the weather. The entire Bay Area is filled with microclimates, meaning your daily weather can vary dramatically depending on where you settle. Be sure to pack plenty of lightweight layers. The famous fog (“Karl” to the locals) means even summer days can quickly turn chilly. The good news is that East Bay often enjoys milder temperatures than San Francisco proper.
Next, gather important documents like proof of income, credit reports, and references. You’ll likely need these for your housing application. Finally, start building your network before you arrive. Join professional associations, contact your alumni group, or even check out neighborhood forums like Nextdoor to begin making connections.
How to Find Housing in the East Bay, San Francisco Area
One of the biggest challenges when moving to the San Francisco Bay Area is finding housing, especially if you’re on a budget. You’ll need patience, strategy, perhaps some luck, and — most importantly — realistic expectations to achieve success. Let’s be candid. The region has some of the highest housing costs in the nation.
The good news is that housing in East Bay is more reasonable than what you’ll get in many other parts of San Francisco. You also have many different housing options in this part of the Bay Area.
Berkeley and Oakland feature historic neighborhoods filled with charming Craftsman homes and Victorian apartments, while newer developments near BART stations will give you modern amenities. For those with a little more spending money, consider one of the luxury apartments that cluster around downtown Oakland and Emeryville’s waterfront.
If you’re on a budget, explore emerging neighborhoods in the Richmond or San Leandro districts. Meanwhile, El Cerrito and Albany offer quiet residential areas with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Further inland, you will get more space for your money in cities like Hayward and Castro Valley.
If you plan to buy, working with an experienced local Realtor is critical. They can steer you to neighborhoods matching your budget and “must-have” attributes. They also often know about units before they hit the market.
Finally, be ready to act fast. The market is highly competitive, and new apartments, condos, and houses — especially in affordable price ranges — get grabbed up quickly.
What to Expect After the Move: Settling In
Phew, you made it to East Bay. Now what? Your first few months in this metropolitan hub will certainly be an adventure as you discover the region’s unique rhythm, meet new people, and explore your local neighborhood. Give yourself time and space to adjust, especially if you’re moving from a state or country with a different vibe or culture. It will take a while to navigate the microclimates (get ready to keep a jacket on you at all times, even in the summer), decode the public transit routes, and find your new favorite local spots.
The region has a friendly, open-minded culture. Get ready to meet people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. To help your transition, consider joining a local neighborhood group, attending local events, or exploring the local farmers’ market. If you had a hobby, sport, or interest in your previous location, chances are you can find a similar interest group in the area.
Finally, if you really want to be accepted as a local, don’t “out” yourself by calling your new home “San Fran” or “Frisco.”
Managing the Cost of Living in the East Bay, San Francisco Area
There’s no way around it. Unless you’re coming from another megacity like New York, Los Angeles, London, Singapore, or Hong Kong, you will likely face some big sticker shock when moving to the East Bay. It’s not just the housing prices. The cost of living in the Bay Area is 70% higher than the national average.
Of course, there are always ways of living on a budget in any big city. One of your biggest costs in the East Bay counties will be housing. A powerful way to control costs is to downsize into a smaller home. That doesn’t mean you must sell or give away all your most prized possessions. Renting a storage unit will let you keep your larger items (like furniture, sports equipment, and holiday decorations) while living comfortably in a smaller space.
Other veteran tips to save money in East Bay include taking advantage of the area’s many public transportation options, shopping at local farmers markets, and enjoying free activities whenever possible. You have plenty to choose from, including hiking, visiting the beach, and visiting museums on free days.
Welcome to East Bay, San Francisco
Moving to East Bay is about so much more than just a change of address. In all likelihood, it will mean a change of lifestyle, too. You will be relocating to one of the world’s most dynamic and opportunity-rich regions. That’s exciting and will hopefully make up for the area’s challenges, like a sizzling hot housing market and a high cost of living.
We hope this moving guide to East Bay has given you valuable insight into your future home, including ways to live a great life on a budget. At Price Self Storage®, we’re here to help make moving to East Bay, San Francisco, as smooth as possible. Our conveniently located storage facility in Walnut Creek offers you flexible storage solutions, whether you’re downsizing, in between homes, or just need extra space while you settle into your new life.
Find a nearby Price Self Storage today.
