June 2, 2008

On San Leandro (Or Why It’s Tiresome To Buy Underwear In Berkeley)

It thrills me that I can rely on my readers for swift, in-depth information on subjects where I lack knowledge.

My post on San Leandro (pictured above) was prompted by David, a reader who describes himself as “a former Berkeley/Oakland/Alameda snob” who has now outdone himself by providing an insider’s guide to San Leandro.

It’s worth knowing that David is in contract on a “cosmetic fixer house” in San Leandro that’s “1,700+ sq ft for $435K, with closing costs covered by seller, who’s also clearing the pest report ($25,000 in total credits+repair work)”. The house sold listed last year for $609K and David reckons after it is updated (new kitchen and floors), he’ll be spending about $270/sq ft.

So this is someone who knows what he’s doing.

Here’s his lowdown on SL:

Bay-O-Vista you get views, but limited “walkability”. Estudillo Estates you get nicer housing stock, the lowest crime and better school, but it’s much pricier. Broadmoor you can get a better school (depending on which side of Bancroft you’re on), decent housing stock, much cheaper, and just as walkable as Estudillo Estates (but a bit more crime as it’s proximal to Oakland).

Assumption Parish is a bit less walkable, but flat, still pretty low crime (esp. if you’re on the side closer to Estudillo) but the housing stock is 90%+ 1950 ranchers, which is great if you like that style (I don’t).

Cons: The shopping is not as good as Berkeley, Grand Lake or Rockridge certainly. However, there are a few decent shops, there’s a farmers’ market downtown on wed. evenings now, and one on the weekend at Bayfair. There’s also Bayfair for your mall needs (it’s tiresome trying to buy simple underwear etc in Berkeley).

Pros: Easy access to Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley for your Trader Joe’s or other desires, or if you need to go to Chez Panisse or whatever. Easy commute to SF–BART’s just 25 minutes to the Embarcadero from SL, also have AC Transbay express bus to SF. A tougher, but possible car commute to the Peninsula or South Bay; ideal for the two commute family (one to SF, one to SJ/Peninsula). I also think it’s generally “nicer” (looking, set-up, shopping, crime etc) than Hayward/Fremont.

And of course, the much cheaper housing. Berkeley will always have people willing to pay to be in Berkeley, but I really don’t understand those willing to pay up for Oakland for higher crime, higher property taxes (btw, SL is 1.25%, Oakland is 1.46% for a typical house), generally bad schools, and many neighborhoods are actually less convenient for commuters (say up the winding roads in Montclair).

As for crime, I think SL has had one murder in the past two years. Muggings and burglaries are also much less than Berkeley. SL cops actually respond to citizens’ calls and complaints. Heck, even the mayor does.

Your comments, as always, are welcome.

[Photo credit:www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc14202.php]