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March 7, 2012

What You Can Buy: Condos for Easy South Bay Commutes

I have quite a few buyer clients right now who work at tech companies like Facebook, eBay, Google and Yahoo and who also want to live in San Francisco. Because let’s face it, there’s not a lot to do in the suburbs after dark (unless you enjoy happy hour at Chevy’s). I thought I’d showcase a few condos in neighborhoods that work well for Peninsula commuting, whether by tech shuttle, car, or Caltrain.

First up is 1370 Valencia #1 in The Mission:

Located about three blocks from the popular tech shuttle stop at 24th & Guerrero, 1370 Valencia is all about being in the thick of the Mission scene—with a huge private patio where you can soak up all that hot Mission weather. The 1980s building itself won’t win any prizes for curb appeal, but this first-floor unit has 2BRs/2BAs with 1130 square feet. There’s a wood-burning fireplace in the living room for those non-spare-the-air days, and the kitchen has granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. This is a five-unit HOA with a commercial space, so it’s important to alert your lender to this fact. One-car parking is included, and HOA dues are $454/month. List price: $749,000.

325 China Basin #105
Mission Bay


325 China Basin #105 is a 2BR/2BA unit with 1316-square foot at the ground-floor level. It’s located in The Radiance, a 99-unit development built in 2008. (Its sister building next door, The Madrone, is in the midst of construction now.) I’m a fan of The Radiance, having toured many of the units during the initial selling phases. The unit has an open floor plan with a private entrance, maple flooring, and kitchen with CaesarStone countertops and stainless-steel appliances. One-car parking and storage are included. Amenities include a common courtyard deck, fire pit, barbeques, club lounge and fitness center. HOA dues are $744.32/month. The Caltrain station is a straight shot up 4th Street, which is about a ten-minute walk from The Radiance. List price: $749,000.

156 Duncan
Noe Valley


156 Duncanis a spacious, top-floor condo in a four-unit Spanish-Mediterrean-style building. Though the unit is technically a 1BR/1BA, the living room can easily double for a quick, enclosed guest space, and three walk-in closets offer opportunities for an office or nursery. The 1107-square foot condo has lovely period detail, a decorative fireplace in the living room, and updated kitchen and bath with skylights. The bedroom is huge, with plenty of space for a sitting area and closet with organizer system. There’s a shared garden, and a prime parking space in the building that easily allows for guest parking outside your own driveway. HOA dues are a low $325/month. Yes, this is my listing, but I’d be remiss in omitting 156 Duncan from this trio due to its proximity to both 280 and 101, as well as the 30th & Dolores tech shuttle stop. List price: $739,000.

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