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[quote=Anonymous]We moved to the SF Bay Area last year under similar circumstances. I'm basically unemployable unless I lobby, so I'm a SAHM. DH makes a little over your projected HHI, though he gets stock options and the career track made it worth it.

So, my advice is first for you all to determine if your spouse's career trajectory is such that he'll be able to make his salary plus yours (or close to it). There still may be reasons to move/take the job, even if he won't make up all the loss, but think very carefully about that part. Losing your salary could really set you back over the long run.

Second, housing prices here are insane. Last year a home in Fremont that was a burnt out shell (100% condemned) sold for $1.3 million. The market seems to be softening a little, but that just means annual median price increases of 5-10% instead of 15-20%. We decided to rent for awhile in the hopes that prices would go down and our rent on a small 2b/2b next to a highway was raised 5% after 6 months. (I tried negotiating but management held firm with pay or move.) Be prepared to have to go over budget.

Moreover, some of the more affordable areas - like Oakland - have higher crime rates and/or environmental pollutants. There was a 3-part public radio series on the childhood lead poisoning rate in the East Bay last year -- it's equivalent to Flint, MI, albeit from a different source (lead paint). The East Bay also has much higher childhood asthma rates, due largely to freeway and port of Oakland pollution. For these reasons, I'd second the previous suggestion that you head further south, into San Jose/Almaden, in your search for affordable housing.

Third, be prepared for major culture, social, and identity shock - especially if you SAH and end up living in a less diverse area. I have been really lonely and not being skinny/blonde/30s/Black SUV driver has basically made me a pariah among the local moms where we currently live.  [/quote]

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