When I mentioned I was moving to San Jose, the first thing people said was about rent prices.

I heard so many times that "the rent there is really expensive" that I was a bit scared at first.

However, when I looked into different neighborhoods, I found that not all areas in San Jose are equally expensive. Depending on where you choose, there can be a difference of several hundred dollars.

To save on rent, I started looking at East San Jose. You can find 1-bedroom apartments for around $1,800 to $2,100, which is relatively affordable in San Jose. Since there are many Hispanic and Latinx residents, there are plenty of restaurants and markets, and the neighborhood itself is lively. However, the safety can vary by area, so it's better to visit at night to get a feel for the surroundings rather than just going by the price.

If you consider living conditions and transportation, Berryessa is also worth looking at. It's close to Milpitas, and since the BART Berryessa/North San Jose station opened in 2020, transportation has become quite convenient. Rent is a bit higher than East San Jose, but it's easy to access Korean markets and restaurants, making it a decent location for Koreans.

People who prioritize price might also want to check out Alum Rock. It's close to Alum Rock Park, which is great for walking or exercising, and there are relatively lower-priced rental options. However, the atmosphere can change significantly within just a few blocks, so visiting in person is the best way to gauge it.

If you're not set on just San Jose, it's good to consider Milpitas as well. Although it's technically a different city, it's right next door, so the living areas are almost connected. There's an H Mart, and you can use BART and VTA, making it very convenient for Koreans. Depending on the listing, rent can be slightly cheaper than in San Jose, and it has the advantage of a relatively stable living environment.

If you have a family, the Blossom Hill area in the south is also worth considering. It's a bit farther from downtown, but it's relatively quiet, and if you commute by car, it's not too inconvenient. Zion Market is also nearby, making it easy to shop for Korean ingredients.

When looking for rentals in San Jose, I realized that you don't have to limit yourself to new apartments. New apartments with pools and gyms look great, but the rent goes up accordingly. In fact, if you look for well-maintained older apartments, you can find options that are several hundred dollars cheaper even in the same neighborhood.

If you find a privately owned property that has been vacant for a long time, you might be able to negotiate the price or terms. Listings for such properties can be found on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but be cautious of potential scams; never send money before verifying the property and ownership details.

Ultimately, it's not easy to find a place in San Jose that is cheap, safe, convenient, and has a good home all at once. Often, you have to compromise on one aspect to gain another. So instead of trying to find the perfect home right from the start, it's better to set a rent budget that you can manage each month and then adjust your commuting distance and neighborhood vibe accordingly.

Living in a slightly cheaper place for the first 1-2 years and getting used to life in San Jose before moving to a neighborhood you like more is also a good strategy. You really need to experience living there to know which neighborhood suits you best.