Holy shit!
Okay, I know that I chose to live here. And it's gorgeous and I love it. But this is getting fucking ridiculous. When my wife and I moved to Silicon Valley in the winter of 2009-2010, we moved into a 1 bedroom apartment in Mountain View. We're close to a walkable downtown, the Caltrain, the light rail, the huge glorious farmers market, and it's generally a great area. That said, there's no dishwasher, a/c, it's an older building, and not in the greatest shape. This apartment was $1175.00/mo. Fast forward 4 years, and we're now paying $1525.00 for the same place.
So I have an idea. We'll move to a less desirable location, get closer to our jobs, and save some money on rent. Should be easy, right? OH. MY. GOD. I've been looking for 1.5 months now. I've looked at a one bedroom for $1195 that was small and smelled like cat piss. There were 7 people filling out applications at the open house. I looked at another for $1250. The bedroom was about 8x8. I'm not even sure my bed would've actually fit. I looked at one today for $1195 that was so dirty and disgusting I thought I might throw up. A lady was handing in her application as I was walking out.
Today I saw a post for a studio, a fucking studio, without a kitchen but instead a kitchenette. But not your own kitchenette. A shared kitchenette. Guess how much? $1200.00. For a fucking studio with no kitchen. Jeezus Christ.
I've attempted to contact the landlord/broker on dozens of places around the $1300-$1350 range, only to get no response. I've taken to carrying my checkbook, pay stubs, and credit report with me everyday. (and a tape measure) There are dozens of posts everyday that DON'T EVEN HAVE PICTURES and these places are flying off of the market.
I just want a shitty apartment that isn't more than 50% 25% of my net pay. It doesn't have to be new or fancy. It doesn't even need to have laundry. It can be in a rundown area. Why the fuck is this so hard?!? And how can these disgusting shitty smelly no picture having places ACTUALLY command $1200+ per month? THIS IS FUCKING INSANE!!!!