Advice for apartment hunting in SF or South Bay

I m looking in SF right now but it doesnt look too good (nice places r too pricey.cheap places r too unsafe or old). I dont intend to buy furniture and the thought of living in an empty apartment is not that encouraging. What was your experience? Were you able to find anything through contacts here? I just need a clean place(and preferably with like minded hackers) Is that too much to ask for??? Ps: if you have a spare room, pm me:)