Gilroy to San Jose via Caltrain???

[Anonymous]

Thinking about taking a great job opportunity on the West Coast. Mostly for housing prices/affordability, we are thinking about buying in Gilroy and commuting via Caltrain every day to San Jose.

I have one week to make a decision on the job and we'll be moving the kids over Winter Break to a permanent home in Gilroy (we rent now so this is doable).

Does anyone know about this commute? About parking at the Gilroy station? Are trains on time or late? Will this work on a long-term/permanent basis. It seems like it's only an hour on the train each way every day so it looks similar to metro but I don't know.

[Anonymous]

Reliable yes but be careful to check the schedule. I don't think trains to Gilroy run outside rush hour times. You're in trouble if you miss your train. Caltrain costs more than metro too. Gilroy is VERY hot during the summer. Gilroy schools aren't considered for good. Morgan Hill is a little better. Its a dry heat but it doesn't have the amazing weather that you get on the peninsula or south bay near los gatos.

Where are you working MV, Cupertino, SF, Sunnyvale, PA? If you are working in SF - consider BART and go east toward Orinda and further into east bay.

If you are working in SV (MV, Cupertino, Sunnyvale) could you consider something smaller in Milpitas? Do you get bus sick and does your company offer bus service? Scotts Valley in between Santa Cruz and Los Gatos is popular with Apple employees.

[Anonymous]

Live in the area...do NOT buy in Gilroy. Plus, the commute sucks. Look at Alamaden Valley....much closer to SV and schools are good.

[Anonymous]

Caltrain is generally pretty reliable, though pricey. It is a long commute.

I agree that it is unwise to buy in Gilroy. I assume your kids are not yet school-aged and you'd be looking to move into a stronger school district before they start school. The California real estate market is likely headed for a correction at some point soon, and Gilroy is far enough on the outskirts that it will be among the first hit in a downturn, so that might be challenging to do. I'd rent for now, and see where things are by the time you need schools (and which communities you like). If you can wait a bit and get into a community closer to San Jose, you'll have a much better quality of life overall.

Is the job in San Jose itself? If so, also look along the ACE train corridor. Not as cheap as Gilroy but stronger school systems and more central to other jobs if you ever change positions.

[Anonymous]

Morgan Hill would be ok, Gilroy, HELL NO for schools

[Anonymous]

I hope you like the smell of garlic.

[Anonymous]

Haha +1 to the smell was wondering why nobody mentioned that yet!

[Anonymous]

Lol so true on the garlic!