Help please: South Bay area (~San Jose) housing search

[Don Corleone]

So the Don learned this week that he's being relocated to company headquarters in Santa Clara. As much as I LOVE the valley, and I do when I'm visitng, I'm terrified, because I'm just not ready. The Corleones are a 1-income family with some pretty incompatible needs that had me thinking the eventual move to Silicon Valley wouldn't come for another 8 or 10 years.

So, I'm doing some research. Not wanting to panic a pregnant Mrs. Corleone, I've told her it 'might come up in a year, maybe more'. In reality, the time limit I was given is less than 6 months. Based on my calculations, we'll be able to afford ~500K (maybe a tiny bit more if I get a relocation adjustment, but that's not for certain).

I don't want to drive 90 minutes each way. I've got 3 medium sized dogs, so townhouses aren't an option, and I don't want to live in Evergreen or Alum Hill and dodge bullets.

The best I seem to be able to find right now is Willow Glen if I want a tiny house, Blossom Hill/ Santa Teresa if I don't mind a 'up and coming' *cough* *crime* *cough* neighborhood, or Morgan Hill/East Bay area if I don't mind driving 60/70 minutes each way. And the gas! $$$$$$



Any suggestions?