Please read entire post before replying

Hello!

I'm an employee at Stanford, I've been in my position for almost 6 months now. Female, early 30's, and originally from this area. I went to college in DC and got my master's degree at Santa Clara University. Then lived in Los Angeles for a couple years. Came back for this job!

I'm interested in moving from my family's home to somewhere within reasonable commuting distance to campus (thinking San Mateo to Santa Clara is a good range; I would consider the East Bay in Newark ONLY, just across the bridge).

My target move-in is the end of the year. I've heard that's when prices are a little better.

A few things I'm looking for!

• A nice place. I'm eager to have my own space soon after crashing with family, but I'm giving up a 7 minute commute and no rent. I want a place that's comfortable and can be a good home!
• Own bed, own bath. A 1-1 ratio beds/baths is probably best.
• I have bedroom furniture in storage, and this will all need to fit...a large enough room and enough closet space.
• In-unit laundry
• Dishwasher
• Somewhere to park; street is fine if it's safe
• The farther out we go, I'd have a preference for being near CalTrain (Stanford does offer good incentives to use public transportation!)

Personally, my budget is $1,350 for all included (rent, utilities, parking, etc.). I realize that for the above, options are limited. But I hope to find people I can work out a good arrangement with. My salary is lower than that of others. I've seen one bedrooms for $3,000+. Having a housemate saves on costs for sure. Here's the thinking:

For a two bedroom: either a single with a higher budget, or a couple and we split 3 ways. (Something under $4,000)
For a three bedroom: again either two singles with higher budgets, or a single and a couple and we split 4 ways. (Something under $5,500)

I do not have pets, but welcome yours :-) I also do not have common area furniture, but I have dishes and kitchen supplies that I'm open to sharing with anyone.

My schedule is 7:30 - 4:30. I take an acting class one night a week (figuring out if that will be Mondays or Tuesdays). I like to get to the gym at 5:30AM, so I'm out EARLY on weekdays, and home after work. I don't cook a whole lot. Non-smoking and a rare drinker. Quiet, but enjoy other's company!

If you've read all of this, thanks! Please include the word banana or another fruit in the subject line. Look forward to hearing from you. We can exchange options we've come across, and work out the best arrangements.