Might be a bit late here but i would check out alameda if you're still on the fence. i live in san jose also and find it takes no longer to get to alameda than santa cruz. the bay has a lot more to offer than i realized also. Jack London Square, South beach marina, Berkeley, Tiburon, pier 39, clipper cove, Angel Island to name a few. On the cheap check out Fortmans/Grand Marina. Marina Village is really nice but pricier. Ballena Bay is not on the estuary side but still has a lot to offer. Oakland and Encinal yacht clubs are sweet spots to join or visit and host several beer can races and regattas. Not to mention fleet week and my favorite race the Great Vallejo Race.The availability doesn't look good. I think that helps make a decision...
Since my last post on the topic, I ended up purchasing an Ericson 33RH in Sausalito in May, took over the PO's slip downtown and it has remained there ever since. It's a great location with just a few minutes access to the bay. It is a bit of a commute (about 1:10) from where I live in San Jose) and that is pretty amazing given what it normally took in the pre-Covid era. I do occasionally sleep on the boat if I don't feel like driving back. Once covid is over and if the traffic increases, it's possible I may grow tired of the commute and look for other options. I know I am probably paying more for the Sausalito slip than one in Alameda or Oakland (?) I know there are many more amenities in Alameda for sailors in terms of yards, repair, diesel mechanics etc. We are kind of limited in Sausalito and marine industry seems kind of "uppity" here right now. That may change in the winter.Might be a bit late here but i would check out alameda if you're still on the fence. i live in san jose also and find it takes no longer to get to alameda than santa cruz. the bay has a lot more to offer than i realized also. Jack London Square, South beach marina, Berkeley, Tiburon, pier 39, clipper cove, Angel Island to name a few. On the cheap check out Fortmans/Grand Marina. Marina Village is really nice but pricier. Ballena Bay is not on the estuary side but still has a lot to offer. Oakland and Encinal yacht clubs are sweet spots to join or visit and host several beer can races and regattas. Not to mention fleet week and my favorite race the Great Vallejo Race.