relocating for a job, seeking insight on rentals/neighborhoods
Hi! I just accepted a job offer (yay) on the RWC Stanford campus. The start date is June 22. I currently live in Irvine, CA but have been lucky enough to have subsidized grad housing so I’m a bit overwhelmed trying to navigate the rental market right now. Any help, tips, or insight would be so appreciated! We’ve never been to the Bay Area. Some info:
I’ll have a 60k salary (I know this is not amazing but I’m very grateful and excited to be employed lol).
I will be moving with my partner who is currently applying for jobs and will likely earn around minimum wage.
We have cats and two vehicles.
Two bedroom is insane wishful thinking I’m assuming, so ideally a one bed, would handle a studio if it really saves a ton.
My questions: I’ve seen conflicting advice online about commuting far for cheaper housing vs living close to work when you first move out; any advice on that? Are there any neighborhoods I should prioritize looking at or just sort by cheapest online? Anything I should avoid? What are reasonable ranges for studios and one bedrooms and how low before it’s clearly a scam?
Tbh if there are any other questions you think I should be asking, I’d love to know that, too!
Thanks in advance ♡︎