San Jose, CA · Member since 2017 · 75 posts · 42 votes
Hello BP!
Got a question for San Jose / Bay area people. What is your general thoughts on Burbank San Jose area?
It's seems to me like an old run-down area about to gentrify. Close to Apple, close to new Google campus, price is relatively cheaper than prime area.
School's not great, but with area improving, will it improve together? I did see Burbank/Del Monte redevelopment plan in San Jose city website, but seems rather vague, i.e develop parks, improve circuilation, beautify neighborhood, etc. Couldn't find anything specific.
Does anyone know of what's going on in this area and any helpful information? Looking to buy a primary home in the area on the prospect of area developing and also utilizing large lot for expansion/ADUs in the future.
Real Estate Agent · Cupertino, CA · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8y
Most investors are looking to become slumlords. They squeeze 3-4 structures into a smaller lot and some are half lots with zero clearance to next lot. About 70% parcel have illegal structures. City was going to annex it. The cost of legalize these building in the neighborhood is way too high. Students, illegal immigrants, druglord bust is occurring on regular basis.
This is Burbank Unified School District with one overworked superintendent above a principle. He has nothing to do. If you have average income you got to pay but if you are a gardener they will subsidize schooling fees and meals. It is mostly bilingual education.
Armor sheriff trucks are seen there as shoot out has happened at least once or twice a year. Ample sex offenders are registered male and female. Yes, men get offended by females too. Find large lots there? Nop, may be smaller 3000-4000 sf with a converted garage and another shed with people living inside to squeeze SJ City students or a few car detailers families together. Near Bascom and City College most are section 8 and transits hang around..... If you are high income coders you will find a new high rise to lock yourself inside secured cameras and triple gates like in downtown. Each gate presents a chance to raise $150K price....
Real Estate Broker · San Jose, CA · Member since 2016 · 33 posts · 17 votes
8y
I think you're on to something but it may be some time before Burbank itself experiences the level of development happening in Sunol-Midtown to the east. I'm seeing lots in the area are 4-5k sf so finding a single large lot may not be possible. Perhaps purchasing a single property and then acquiring neighboring properties can be achieved though.
San Jose, CA · Member since 2017 · 75 posts · 42 votes
8y
@Account Closed Thanks for comments. I agree the upside is not immediate or short term, but Burbank has some upside in the next few years future based on my observation of are development. I am looking for 5-7K lot home, I see several in the market already.
San Jose, CA · Member since 2017 · 75 posts · 42 votes
8y
@Albert Ng what does it mean unincorporated? Does it mean it’s not San Jose jurisdiction? So San Jose city ordinance does not apply? Then It would follow Santa Clara county ordinance right? What is the ramification on that?
Real Estate Agent · Cupertino, CA · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8y
Most investors are looking to become slumlords. They squeeze 3-4 structures into a smaller lot and some are half lots with zero clearance to next lot. About 70% parcel have illegal structures. City was going to annex it. The cost of legalize these building in the neighborhood is way too high. Students, illegal immigrants, druglord bust is occurring on regular basis.
This is Burbank Unified School District with one overworked superintendent above a principle. He has nothing to do. If you have average income you got to pay but if you are a gardener they will subsidize schooling fees and meals. It is mostly bilingual education.
Armor sheriff trucks are seen there as shoot out has happened at least once or twice a year. Ample sex offenders are registered male and female. Yes, men get offended by females too. Find large lots there? Nop, may be smaller 3000-4000 sf with a converted garage and another shed with people living inside to squeeze SJ City students or a few car detailers families together. Near Bascom and City College most are section 8 and transits hang around..... If you are high income coders you will find a new high rise to lock yourself inside secured cameras and triple gates like in downtown. Each gate presents a chance to raise $150K price....
San Jose, CA · Member since 2017 · 75 posts · 42 votes
8y
Thanks for the detailed thoughts as you always do @Sam Shueh !
Sounds pretty pessimistic about Burbank in general. Do you not see any future upside in this area with the whole Santana row/ Winchester area booming on the west, google campus in downtown to the east and Sunol area getting better?
I am looking at houses in more like Buena Vista which is slight east of Burbank. Seems like varies block by block and generally better closer to parkmoor and gets worse close to StCarlos side. I am looking at 3/2 or 2/2 houses ~ 1000-1200sqft with >5k lot. There are many sold comps at 1-1.2MM in like 5block radius. Isn’t this a sign of revitalization? Low income population is getting pushed out of the area?
Certainly understand your comment about illega additions and structures. But isn’t adding a nice new 6-800sqft granny unit on 6-7000lot perfectly allowed and normal? That’s what I am looking to do.
I am looking to purchase as primary. I know school sucks. I have 3-4 years before that plays a role. I am looking to see some improvements in school or just go private school.
I am looking at 3-5 years down the line and thought Burbank Buena Vista area definitely has revitalization potential.
I forgot to mention I have a 3/1/1173 sf very nice renovated SFH detached home coming up on 5000 sf lot. Trees and wider streets. All permitted as I understand. It is on "Wainwright Ave" in Bradley Manor development toward Santana Row south of San Carlos near Parkmoor. It will be on the market in a month. Seller has granted to accept preemptive high offer looks like 1.1-1.2M range. Bradley Manor is way better than Interurban development built earlier. Trolley used to run from Alum Rock to Monte Vista until 1930s. Why one bed room? That is the way Americans lived until 1960s one does not see 2 bath in a small house. Most 2 bath homes were added later with or w/o permits.
Send me an eMail if you are ready as I am sure it will generate much interest.