Rockridge. Yeah, that's right by where I live. I'm on the border of Rockridge and Temescal. It's a very nice area.

Great area! And there are a fair number of rentals available and a BART station.

Now I'm hungry for a fried chicken sandwich.

I had head (um, from this one website I looked at) that Ridgerock was nice as well?

Rockridge, maybe? I only know it as a BART stop, I'm afraid, but I've been told there's good shopping there.

When my cousin decided to buy a house, her real estate agent was immensely helpful in finding her something affordable (which her neighborhood in SF was not, anymore) and handy for transit so she still didn't need a car and could continue working in SF, etc. So don't be afraid to demand that kind of service if you go with an agent.

There are lots of college and companies in need of software engineers out here, for sure. i have every expectation y'all would be able to find suitable positions.

Now I'm hungry for a fried chicken sandwich.

Hee. I finally had one of those a few weeks ago.

I really love my location because I'm walking distance from three libraries (not that I've ever walked to the Temescal branch, but at least I COULD) and not that far a drive from the Main branch. It's one reason I haven't seriously looked at moving; I'm just so close to so many things I want to be close to, like my comic book store. And I'm a couple blocks from an elementary school, so it's a decent neighborhood. There was a break-in in one of the apartments in my complex last year, but otherwise, I feel pretty safe.

I'm also walking distance from two BART stations.

hopefully I'd be able to score something at a college or university or something.

Berkeley is just up College. There's also an art school close by.

Let me know when you're getting more serious and I can do some recon for you if you want. I really like my area.

Ahem, Jessica, Seattle is a fabulous place. And cheaper than NYC. Though obviously farther from your family.

Though obviously farther from your family.

Yeah, that would be tough. Both my parents and DH's are in DC, and both of my sisters are here in Brooklyn.

So should I move West too?

Yes

t /kneejerk reaction ignoring actual knowledge of job market and any other situational details

As far as places to live -- renting is good. I'm in Fremont, the south end of the East Bay. Last stop on Bart ( 45 min to SF on Bart) What makes it a good choice - San francisco or San Jose are ok for working. it makes job searching for Matt more flexible. However, it isn't always easy to get to SF on a week night -- It takes just long enough that time is a factor. Life style is more suburban than urban . We do have a brew pub . And a number of good restaurants and a huge variety of cusine.

Job situation for the tech world: right now , there are jobs. And most people will find something. However, there is a lot of overly picky, perfect matches only sort of attitude. So it isn't an easy search. Other jobs can be even harder.

Oakland isn't a bad choice. I'd just expect a job change to happen at some point when you start thinking about a permanent place to live.

I live in Oakland! But I may only be here for another year or so, and then I might trade places with you, Nora! Anyway, I love Oakland. I live in the Southern Eastern most part of it, though, mainly for commuting reasons (I live in the suburbs of Oakland). There are some fantastic restaurants, too!

Oooohhh!! House Swap!!

javachick moves into Tom and Nora's house and Tom and Nora move into the house that java's renting!!

And then we'll film it and make MILLIONS!!