Poll: What do you think about moving to Fremont?
Burbed reader Riti asked this question:
Hi Burbed,
I enjoy your blog. Am currently in LA but husband seriously wants to move back to the Bay Area, where he grew up. The family has been pushing the idea of moving to Fremont on us constantly. Allegedly some of the very best schools in the Bay and relatively affordable. Just thought it may be interesting to write more on Fremont — is it too good to be true?
Alas, this writer hasn’t really spent enough time in Fremont to answer those questions. That said, whenever I think of Fremont, I think of this classic post by Ernie: “an open letter to the city of fremont, ca“. But then again, Ernie is a gay man. You seem to have a different situation.
It appears the high school is ranked #148 in the nation. I guess that’s not too bad.
Riti, you might like this starter home I found for you in Fremont at 37521 Church – it’s the same price as a 1br in Sunnyvale:
Just think about how much money you’ll save by doing your laundry outdoors! And based on the sales history, I think there’s a lot of potential for you to get some instant equity!
Sale History
06/04/2007: $398,226
04/01/2005: $450,000
What do readers think about moving to Fremont? Is it too good to be true?
Please help Riti!
October 18th, 2007 at 7:32 am
I like the “self-maintaining landscaping”.
October 18th, 2007 at 7:33 am
If I’m unfamiliar with an area I’m thinking of moving to, one of the first things I’ll do to get a gauge is to get a quote for auto insurance using the ZIP code of the property. Compare it against your current location, and it’ll tell you how much of a risk your insurance company will think it is. For Fremont:
94536: $715
94538: $738
94539: $725
94555: $859
Compare to Cupertino:
95014: $651
October 18th, 2007 at 7:58 am
MC Hammer used to live in Fremnot. I don’t know if he still lives there. If you move there Riti, I expect you to sport the hammer pants as much as possible in honor of the local hero.
And by the way, did I tell you that small homes are all the rage now? Don’t delay buy right away!
October 18th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I currently reside in Fremont, and let me sell you on the great features of this fine town.
As a boy, I loved trains and, now, living in Fremont I can enjoy trains everyday, especially in the morning. Each and every morning I wake up to the 6am train horn. I do not need to purchase an alarm clock, saving me over $20.
Fremont has many bike and walking trails. And, how could I forget the Alameda Creek! Some people will look at that creek and describe it as an open sewer system; however, the barrels and the “Do not swim” signs give it character.
The downtown area consists of a hospital and a police station. Since the downtown area was built on a fault line, the right people will be the first to know.
For dining, Fremont has several Subway restaurants where you can Eat Fresh everyday. Really, Subway is the Starbucks of Fremont, without the coffee of course.
If you need to ever leave Fremont to go work, 880 is an exceptional highway. The highway is so popular that it is busy day and night! Sitting in traffic here is an absolute pleasure. It gives you time to admire other people’s BMWs and the beautiful sights along 880.
Now, some people joke and say that Fremont is a parking lot with a mayor. But, do parking lots have all of the features listed above? Alas, I will be quite sad when I leave this fine, fine city.
October 18th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Are you kidding me? Coming to Burbed for real estate advice? That’s like asking William Hung for vocal lessons.
Have you seen a house on Burbed that you liked in “any” area? Riti, this is for entertainment only.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:02 am
ROFLMAO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo-Y_Vb0wsw
October 18th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
As Homer Simpson says: “DON’T…”!
October 18th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I’ve not spent much time in Fremont. As in any time in Fremont. I’m used to Slummyvale where I lived, and Slumma Clara where a friend has his shop.
To me, Fremont is (a) what you get when you head into Deepest Darkest Alviso but try to stay out of the bay, and end up heading into Oakland. Danger Will Robinson!
It’s also where one of abundant Bay Area Techie @$$h0l3$ and her even worse (and something like 40 years older) BF lives, along with her child from her *last* marriage. I understand the benefit of Fremont is that the kid doesn’t get beat up or mugged – too often. This is a $100k+ earner which should give you an idea of living expenses in the BA. PhD’s all around and they have to live in ….. Fremont.
And looking at the two data points on the main page here, you’ll only lose $25k a year in equity, at that rate you can buy a 2nd one too and lose 2X as much, just make it up in volume! For a nearly 100-year old crackerbox house in a seismically active area. Yay!
To sum it up, Go for it!!
October 18th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
On the other hand – coming from LA, it will probably seem like paradise, at least at first. 880 is an absolute speedway compared to the 405, 10, or the Ventura, and there’s a lot more green in Fremont than anywhere around there. Depending on where you will be working, Pleasanton, San Bruno, Castro Valley, and San Ramon might also be good choices.
Best of luck!
October 18th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Thanks for the insight – v enlightening – had my doubts that it really was could be so affordable yet livable. Had heard about Mission San Jose HS on NPR a couple of years ago. Supposedly a great school but nil ethnic diversity.
October 18th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
http://www.msjhs.org/profile.html
>>Mission has a student population of 2115 with the following ethnic breakdown: 75% Asian, 5% other ethnicities and 20% Caucasian.
October 18th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I went to Mission 7 years ago and it is a REALLY good school. However, you will pay an arm and a leg for any property within that school district (I am talking 30% premium) You are probably looking at 750-800k minimum and as far as I remember there are zero condos in that area. Also – from looking at the map posted, that house is not in the Mission district.
October 18th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Well, there’s this nice little townhome: http://oakland.yahoo.idx.prucalnorth.com/details.aspx?firstrecord=13&searchtype=8&searchgeo=94539&propertytype=1%2c2&sort=5&sortacdc=asc …but all it says is “call school district.” That’s a lot of money for a MAYBE Mission San Jose t/h.
October 18th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
One more thought…if MC Hammer’s totally awesome iron gate with block letters “Hammer Time” is still up, you could steal it, sell it, and buy two houses!
October 18th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
The area where this home is located is not all that good. I know that area quite well. Gang activities, theft, purse snatching is pretty much common. Just few days back there was a kidnapping attempt in same area – just one block away.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=5713628
Last year a woman was gunned down in broad daylight in same area when she was walking to pick up her daughter from school.
And school district is Cabrillo – the worst of the Fremont.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
> Quiet Street in Central Fremont…
Quiet? That street is just next to busy Fremont Blvd. Just behind all kind of shops – auto repair shop, tire shop, car wash – you name it.
BTW, it is very next to Fremont DMV. All the driving tests happen in those residential streets – for whole day. So, in case you forgot what 3-point-turn is, this is the right place for you. Just get a chair on front-yard and watch 3-point-turn for whole day……and whole life.
October 19th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Fremont’s where that Middle Eastern terrorist/nut (you decide) took out a lot of people with his car not too long ago, you won’t get bored in Fremont.
In all fairness though if you’re moving to the BA it’s helpful to know about Lee’s Sandwiches. Excellent Vietnamese sandwich shops and the ca phe sua da (iced strong coffee with cream) will settle any questions you may have about how the US could have lost the war – drink it and you’ll feel bulletproof.
October 19th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Yahoo changed the link I put through above.. the one I linked to is off the MLS now so it must’ve sold.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I grew up in Hayward. Hayward has always been a crappy town. Ghetto from day one. In high school I had tons of friends living in Fremont, and let me tell you it wasn’t good then and it isn’t good now. 880 completely sucks. Fremont is full of ghetto trash, apartment complexes and generally rude people. I wouldn’t spend my hard earned cash or anyone else’s to live there.
One of the other posters said to check out Dublin/San Ramon/Pleasanton area. I think you’re better off spending money there. Schools are better, and the area is much more like ‘normal’ suburbia if that is your thing.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:15 am
wow what a bunch of sarcastic people