Which SF/Oak neighborhood is right for me?

[iversonian]

I know there have been a couple other posts regarding where to live in SF and I've looked over those, but none of the OPs really fit my profile very well. I've been working in SF for about a year, living way in the East Bay and I'm looking to move closer.

Iversonian's Profile:
Bio: single asian male, 26.
Work: Financial District, couple blocks south of Market (Embarcadero stop)
Budget: $1200-$1700
Car: a must, and I hate looking around for parking. Willing to pay up to $200/month to garage it (factor into overall budget).
Space: I have a lot of stuff and will probably need 700+ sqft to myself.
Roommates: open to the possibility, but have a strong preference against. I would pay a hefty premium not to have one.
Nightlife: I don't go out too often. I work and study quite a lot. However, one of the reasons behind the move is that I'm looking to change that.
Commute: Hate. Outer Richmond, with its 45min bus rides, is out.
Weather: Tolerant of foggy weather. Other people have a comparative advantage in enjoying the sun. I'll spend the points elsewhere, like in being 5min closer to the freeway.
Crime: low fear of, but also low tolerance for degenerate types in my neighborhood
Gun: check

Also, plusses are:
Being close to Cal
Living in a newer building (I really hate the 1920s style buildings. Nice to look at, awful to live in)
Having restaurants, cafes, and parks close by (but who doesn't?)

When I say SF, I'm also including Oakland/Alameda/Berkeley (it's actually a shorter commute by BART than most of SF). You might be wondering why I'm asking, since I seem to be knowledgeable enough. Well, although I work in SF, I haven't actually been around town all that much. I mostly spend my time in the East/South Bay. Like, I don't think I've ever been in Outer Sunset or Outer Richmond before. I'll certainly take a good look around before I sign anything, but some advance scouting reports would be nice. Thanks in advance.

[Oski]

Lafayette or Orinda might be good for you. I would also recommend Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill or Concord.

I know you would actually be moving FURTHER east, but all of these communities are close to BART. Also, the commute (about 45 min) is long enough for you to take a nap, or read the paper.

I used to live in Pleasant Hill and work in S.F. (and go to school at Hastings). I really enjoyed the commute and the community.

[Poofler]

Try looking around the North Berkeley/Albany BART station. Close enough to Cal and nicer than the Telegraph/North Oakland area.

[Leaky Eye]

You can live in SOMA on that budget and walk to work. Sunny there too.

[microbet]

If you really don't like degenerates in your neighborhood, maybe Albany or El Cerrito or Alameda, or over the hill in Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga if you don't mind the extra commute time.

The ferry ride from Alameda is pretty short.

[redsoxsalty]

if you're serious about berkeley, the best neighborhoods are either on college ave, or north of hearst around shattuck, euclid, etc. pm if you're serious about living in berkeley and want an opinion about different neighborhoods/costs.

[iversonian]

Is rent around Berkeley in line with similar areas, or is it inflated due to students' demand for housing? Cuz I don't need to live "on campus." I'll just be going there maybe once every other week and a little more frequently during the summer.

[Poofler]

[ QUOTE ]
Is rent around Berkeley in line with similar areas, or is it inflated due to students' demand for housing? Cuz I don't need to live "on campus." I'll just be going there maybe once every other week and a little more frequently during the summer.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's a little inflated, but not out of your price range.

[Oranzith]

<-- Cal undergrad, hi everyone. I r pay $500/month to live in my frat. yeeee

[Poofler]

Lol, I did the same around 2000-2002. Practically joined for the rent. Which frat?