UPDATE: Regarding my possible move to SF Bay area...

[ReverendDeuce]

Folks, thanks a lot for the help.

After some quick excel work, it looks like the costs of living aren't that bad given the salary increase I'll be getting.

I'm open to possibly living in SoMa in SF (the lofts there are gorgeous) and I don't much mind the idea of commuting to Menlo Park. However, I am curious about just how bad 101 and 280 are. I've checked Google Maps traffic view and since the traffic seems to vary every day, I am not sure what to expect.

Is it truly awful? It's a 30 mile drive to the Menlo Park office I'd be at from the SoMa area.

Thoughts?

[AndyTiedye]

1. You Could Take Caltrain to Menlo Park

The San Francisco Caltrain depot is IN SOMA. There is a Caltrain station in the center of Menlo Park.
You can even take your bicycle on the train.

[pinto]

2. Great idea. Not a commuter in those parts, but I go up to see family. 101 there is a grind.

Not as bad as through San Jose, though.

[proud patriot]

3. 280 is better then 101 , but usually bad going the opposite

direction you will be going, as people usually commute to the city .