Hi everyone, I'm considering heading to Stanford in the fall, and I'm thinking about places to live. Specifically, I'm interested in towns near Palo Alto where the rents might be a little lower or I might be able to find a group housing situation. I'd like to keep it to $700 a month, if possible. Ideally not a gated community atmosphere, but rather a laid-back town with coffeeshops and some life to it. It doesn't have to be posh. I won't have a car, but I'm a pretty dedicated bike-commuter where I live now and I'm willing to bike up to about 10-15 miles each way (15 is pushing it) to campus. Where should I look for housing? Redwood City? San Mateo?
Also, if it comes to it, how is the on-campus grad housing? I was at Stanford briefly a few weeks ago, but didn't check it out.
Thanks! (& if anyone needs, I'll swap SF info for Washington DC tips.)