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Comment by sAuronas | Hacker News Reader

That's because you're way out on the edge of the city in a commuter ghetto and by the looks of it you'd still be paying more than $2/SF to live in squalor (that unit is a dump, sorry). I apologize for the negativity but no one should be paying that much to commute without a nice spec (floors, kitchen and bath). You deserve better than that kitchen.

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You're not being negative. I'm just trying to understand the extent of the problem. I'm a student, and I've lived in worse than that for about $820. (It was right next to campus).

According to google maps, this was about 10 minutes away from the heart of San Francisco (when there was no traffic). I'm guessing google doesn't paint the whole picture, and it really is as far as you say it is.

Personally, if I had gotten a job in downtown SF with 6 figures, and no family, I'd have no problem living there and saving up. It doesn't look THAT bad does it? It's even got an outside area. Just my opinion though.

I lived a block away from that apartment. Note 2 things - theres only 2 or 3 of those available in the entire city (and you have to compete for them), you will have a slumlord-style landlord who won't tolerate any noise or usually a single guest, your fixtures won't work, there will be stabbings and shootings within a block of you (not west/east oakland, but enough to have to be careful at night).

Look into a small place downtown or downtown/Uptown Oakland which is a lot closer on Bart than many places in the city. It might be 10 mins driving but there's a lot to consider. Always visit the city and spend time getting a feel before you commit to a place.

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