Quick one - I work remote and chose San Francisco specifically for the lifestyle. A friend just bought in Bernal Heights for K and I'm not sure if that was smart. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now. What would you do?
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Naomi Young
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Inner Sunset from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Inner Sunset and Cole Valley for housing
- Check out the local brewery scene
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was weather. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give San Francisco a 7/10 for students.
48 upvotes
Autumn Robinson
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Bernal Heights, Dogpatch, and currently in Castro. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Bernal Heights: /mo for a 3-bed
- Dogpatch: about /mo
- Castro: /mo but excellent
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Francisco really clicks. Good luck!
47 upvotes
Adam C.
Weekend warrior here - San Francisco is great for live music. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
47 upvotes
Kennedy
Renter's perspective: it's steep but the location is great. I'm in Castro and it's hit or miss. Definitely shop around though.
45 upvotes
Savannah Baker
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Cole Valley, Potrero Hill, and currently in Sunset. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Cole Valley: /mo for a 1-bed
- Potrero Hill: about /mo
- Sunset: /mo but underrated
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Francisco really clicks. Hope that helps!
45 upvotes
Jonathan Jimenez
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The city has shifted a lot.
44 upvotes
Nova T.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Inner Sunset. Been here since 2019. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
Neighborhood-wise, Inner Sunset has really transformed in the past few years. Richmond is the up-and-coming spot right now. Pacific Heights is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: improving. For hospitality: established.
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
Happy to answer questions.
42 upvotes
Colton L.
I've lived in both Cole Valley and Noe Valley. Completely different vibes. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit..
38 upvotes
Isaiah Hughes
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Francisco.
Background: 53, family with kids, moved from San Diego 12 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Bernal Heights.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Bernal Heights because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Noe Valley - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from San Diego but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 14 months were tough. Then I found my people through a co-working space. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
38 upvotes
Matthew Carter
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Francisco.
Background: 52, single woman, moved from Nashville 7 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Cole Valley.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Cole Valley because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Marina - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Nashville but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a local meetup group. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
21 upvotes
Aaron C.
I've lived in both Marina and Pacific Heights. Completely different vibes. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
21 upvotes
Lillian
Just to add another data point - we moved from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. No regrets so far.
18 upvotes
Barbara P.
Renter's perspective: it's steep but the location is great. I'm in Noe Valley and it's solid. Definitely shop around though.
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