I am moving this month. The new place is an in-law unit. Originally I was planning on moving into a 1-bedroom apartment (don’t want roomates) but after some dedicated searching on craigslist for a place with a decent commute (within 20 mins of my work) I was frustrated to find its just not cost-effective to live alone within easy access of a workplace that happens to be right next to a huge Cisco systems campus, ergo all the apartment complexes in the area seem to cater to CEOs and high-paying engineers.
I unwittingly discovered the joys of an in-law quarters. I get a place that is cheaper than a 1-bedroom/studio (for the area) without having to deal with roomates in the same structure I live in. Basically I get my own tiny fortress of solitude- a studio apt built on top of a garage that is separate from the landlord’s house, and guarded by a friendly golden retriever. 5 mins from a major freeway, quiet (I think… :dubious: ) very nice neighborhood, and very friendly landlord.
After 8 months living in a ‘temporary’ hellhole I finally found a place I like+afford!
Glad you found a good place. I live in a nice 1 bedroom in Willow Glen, but have been considering downsizing to save some bucks. If you don’t mind, what neighborhood is your new place in? How did you find it? How much is it and about how big? Could you have a cat if you wanted to?
Its in Fremont, near 680. $995/month, which is kind of steep for the size, but utilities, internet and cable tv are included. Also AC/Heater, and a washing machine dryer I get to use exclusively and the type I don’t have to constantly shovel quarters into to run a load of laundry Other places with similar proximity to work typically ran for $1200+ a month for a 1 bedroom apartment OR had maximum income limits/waiting lists. The two main factors I had were 1. Commute to work and 2. Not having to share a kitchen/bathroom with roomates.
Pros/cons of in-law quarters
Cons:
-Often tiny; many homeowners convert to cram a kitchenette/etc in a space that was originally only intended to be a big bedroom.
-Size means less room for furniture/stuff
Pros:
-You get an apartment that is generally a unit all of its own, so noise is less of a factor (my best friend lived underneath a guy who sounded like he must’ve been practicing juggling bowling balls in his spare time :mad: ).
-In Law quarters are typically situated behind the main house or otherwise similarly sequestered; I imagine that Jehova’s Witnesses and such don’t realize its a separate residence so you won’t get strange people coming to your door.
-You live right next door to your landlord (could be a pro or con depending) but for me its nice not having a landlord that lives in another state, speaks english clearly, and is a flexible person.
Not to sound anti-social, but I really wanted a place that made me feel like I lived alone. I’ve lived with roomates for many years, and most have been great. But I’m at a point in my life where I feel like all my living space (toilet, fridge, stove, et al) is my own territory.
Other places with similar proximity to work typically ran for $1200+ a month for a 1 bedroom apartment OR had maximum income limits/waiting lists. The two main factors I had were 1. Commute to work and 2. Not having to share a kitchen/bathroom with roomates.