Most affordable places to live bay area

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There’s a lot to love about San Francisco. It’s one of the most sought-after areas in the U.S. due to its natural beauty, stunning architecture, world-class food, and tech-driven job market. The downside? There’s been massive increase in housing costs –– so much so that it's become virtually unaffordable for all but the richest of the rich. 

The price of rent, real estate, and the overall cost of living in San Francisco are among the highest in the world. Factor in the increasing homeless population and the growing crime rate, and it makes sense that many are starting to opt for more suburban living in smaller, quieter neighborhoods, where life is a little cheaper and less stressful.

If you're in the market for new digs near San Francisco, here are the best suburban neighborhoods in and around the Bay Area.

1. Oakland

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Considered the "Brooklyn of the Bay," Oakland has quickly become one of the top alternatives to living in San Francisco, leading to an influx of urban influences, great food, and even more diversity than the city over the bridge. 

Even though it’s just a short drive away, Oakland’s weather is noticeably better than San Francisco’s, with more days of a sunlight, warmer and drier summers, and a milder winter. There is still plenty of the Bay’s signature fog, however. The location of Oakland also gets you closer to Berkeley. 

Pushed out by the high rents of San Francisco, Oakland has become home for the largest concentration of artists in the U.S. The city has always been home to a number of galleries, but even more have blossomed in the Uptown area in recent years. Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply love art, Oakland will give you ample opportunity to explore your creativity.

2. Hayward

Though it lacks the urban grit that makes Oakland such a desirable place to live, Hayward is affectionately called the “Heart of the Bay” for good reason. Living here provides easy access to San Fran, San Jose, Mountain View, and the rest of Silicon Valley, with an easy enough commute for those working in tech. And if you don’t want to drive, there are two BART stations in town.

Unlike San Francisco, you’ll have a good chance of living in a house, though there has been a huge influx of mixed-use apartments and other housing units in recent years. Hayward is turning into the next best (and affordable) alternative to San Francisco, great for millennials, young families, and former students of California State University, East Bay.

3. San Jose

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If you’re looking for a more affordable place to live in the Bay Area, San Jose is a popular option, particularly if you're in the tech business. 

San Jose's economy has been named the fastest-growing in the U.S., and that growth and economic stability has been driven by the tech industry. All of this has made San Jose one of the most modern cities in America. The money flowing into the region has allowed for a great deal of redevelopment for residents and tourists to enjoy.

Granted, with all of that money floating around, San Jose has seen an uptick in rents and home values. Still, it's more affordable than San Francisco and you'll likely get more space for your money. 

4. Vallejo 

In spite of being a sleepy, small-town-feel neighborhood, Vallejo comes with some major big city perks. For starters, it’s located a mere 15 miles from Napa Valley, so a weekend wine tasting is just a short drive away.

Vallejo's abundant nature makes for thriving farmers markets, and has sparked an active artist community. Downtown Vallejo hosts a monthly art walk and offers a stellar theater and nightlife scene. Around the marina area, you can enjoy everything from kayaking to surfing too.

5. Walnut Creek 

Ideal for families, Walnut Creek offers plenty of art and culture while also maintaining a kid-friendly identity. The local craft brewing scene is great for parent date nights and millennial professionals alike. The park system is one of the best in the Bay Area as well.

Walnut Creek is far from any urban center, but nearby Mount Diablo State Park, Briones Regional Park, and the Lafayette Reservoir really let you breathe in nature and enjoy a retreat from the city.

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