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Jeremiah King
housing
Rent prices in San Francisco - is this real?
Throwaway thought - Just retired here from St. Louis. Thanks in advance for any insight.
29 upvotes
41 Replies
Ella Patel
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Inner Sunset vs Richmond: completely different vibes. Inner Sunset is more excellent with a younger crowd and nightlife. Richmond is growing and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Inner Sunset. In Richmond you can find stuff for /mo.
The parks system here is underrated.. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.
Inner Sunset vs Richmond: completely different vibes. Inner Sunset is more excellent with a younger crowd and nightlife. Richmond is growing and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Inner Sunset. In Richmond you can find stuff for /mo.
The parks system here is underrated.. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.
50 upvotes
Jonathan F.
My experience has been different actually. I found that The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Maybe it depends on which part of San Francisco you're in.
50 upvotes
Hazel Jimenez
Following because I'm curious too.
49 upvotes
Eliana Thompson
Homeowner in Bernal Heights since 2022. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Property values have gone up steadily which is great for equity.
48 upvotes
Easton Gonzalez
Needed to hear this.
47 upvotes
tucsonkid2026
Moved here from Denver and I'd say The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. The cost of living here is solid compared to what I'm used to.
47 upvotes
Scarlett W.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If outdoor activities matters most, then yeah San Francisco is great. But if you need public transit, might want to look at Cole Valley instead.
46 upvotes
Everly L.
Night shift worker - San Francisco at 3am is excellent. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
43 upvotes
Isaac Lewis
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a college grad in Cole Valley. Been here since 2022. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Cole Valley has really shifted in the past few years. Richmond is the up-and-coming spot right now. Sunset is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for tech: solid. For retail: growing.
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
I'm a college grad in Cole Valley. Been here since 2022. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Cole Valley has really shifted in the past few years. Richmond is the up-and-coming spot right now. Sunset is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for tech: solid. For retail: growing.
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
43 upvotes
bostongirl2020
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Francisco.
Background: 51, family with kids, moved from Boston 7 years ago for work. Currently in Cole Valley.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Cole Valley because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Richmond - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
logistics jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Boston but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. For singles, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 51, family with kids, moved from Boston 7 years ago for work. Currently in Cole Valley.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Cole Valley because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Richmond - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
logistics jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Boston but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. For singles, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
41 upvotes
Autumn C.
This is the way.
41 upvotes
Lucas Reed
I've lived in both Dogpatch and Castro. Completely different vibes. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
40 upvotes
Mackenzie Wood
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in San Francisco is underrated. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
38 upvotes
Emilia M.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Francisco.
Background: 23, single mom, moved from Cleveland 7 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Potrero Hill.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Potrero Hill because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Mission - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Cleveland but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For students, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 23, single mom, moved from Cleveland 7 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Potrero Hill.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Potrero Hill because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Mission - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Cleveland but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For students, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
38 upvotes
Patricia W.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a retiree in Glen Park. Been here since 2020. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Glen Park has really changed in the past few years. Hayes Valley is the up-and-coming spot right now. Sunset is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: pretty good. For marketing: lively.
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
Hope that helps!
I'm a retiree in Glen Park. Been here since 2020. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
Neighborhood-wise, Glen Park has really changed in the past few years. Hayes Valley is the up-and-coming spot right now. Sunset is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: pretty good. For marketing: lively.
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
Hope that helps!
37 upvotes
Serenity Brown
My experience has been different actually. I found that Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Maybe it depends on which part of San Francisco you're in.
37 upvotes
Ezekiel Gonzalez
Depends on the neighborhood.
35 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Dogpatch vs Bernal Heights: completely different vibes. Dogpatch is more improving with a suburban feel with urban access. Bernal Heights is lively and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Dogpatch. In Bernal Heights you can find stuff for /mo.
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
Dogpatch vs Bernal Heights: completely different vibes. Dogpatch is more improving with a suburban feel with urban access. Bernal Heights is lively and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Dogpatch. In Bernal Heights you can find stuff for /mo.
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
34 upvotes
Grace T.
Pretty much.
34 upvotes
Jeremiah Baker
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Francisco guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- SOMA: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Hayes Valley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Dogpatch: underrated and affordable
- Bernal Heights: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. San Francisco is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider LA.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- SOMA: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Hayes Valley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Dogpatch: underrated and affordable
- Bernal Heights: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. San Francisco is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider LA.
32 upvotes
Isaiah Morris
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Glen Park vs Richmond: completely different vibes. Glen Park is more underrated with a suburban feel with urban access. Richmond is affordable and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Glen Park. In Richmond you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
Glen Park vs Richmond: completely different vibes. Glen Park is more underrated with a suburban feel with urban access. Richmond is affordable and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Glen Park. In Richmond you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
32 upvotes
Isaac
Couldn't have said it better.
32 upvotes
Aria Rivera
We pay /mo in Sunset for a 2-bed and it's steep but the location is great. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
32 upvotes
Ruby Taylor
100%.
31 upvotes
Henry
Just to add another data point - we moved from Nashville about 10 years ago. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. No regrets so far.
31 upvotes
Jose Perez
I've been in Mission for 4 years and The parks system here is underrated.. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
31 upvotes
Oliver Chavez
Just to add another data point - we moved from Tampa about 5 years ago. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. No regrets so far.
30 upvotes
Aurora Nelson
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in Cole Valley. Been here since 2016. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
Neighborhood-wise, Cole Valley has really transformed in the past few years. Sunset is the up-and-coming spot right now. Dogpatch is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: improving. For tech: lively.
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
I'm a single woman in Cole Valley. Been here since 2016. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
Neighborhood-wise, Cole Valley has really transformed in the past few years. Sunset is the up-and-coming spot right now. Dogpatch is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: improving. For tech: lively.
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
27 upvotes
Connor Jimenez
Night shift worker - San Francisco at 3am is excellent. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year..
26 upvotes
Alice
That tracks.
26 upvotes
Landon T.
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The city has shifted a lot.
25 upvotes
bella_runner
Night shift worker - San Francisco at 3am is great. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
22 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Francisco guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Pacific Heights: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Potrero Hill: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Richmond: great community feel
- Sunset: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. San Francisco is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
DM me if you want more details.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Pacific Heights: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Potrero Hill: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Richmond: great community feel
- Sunset: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. San Francisco is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
DM me if you want more details.
16 upvotes
Aubrey
My neighbor would disagree lol.
15 upvotes
Bennett Gomez
It's gotten worse recently.
14 upvotes
Everett Sanders
I walk my dog through Marina every day and Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The vibe has really changed in the past couple years.
13 upvotes
Clara White
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Dogpatch from St. Louis about 7 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Dogpatch and Marina for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was food scene. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give San Francisco a 9/10 for families.
I moved to Dogpatch from St. Louis about 7 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Dogpatch and Marina for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was food scene. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give San Francisco a 9/10 for families.
9 upvotes
Luna J.
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The city has changed a lot.
8 upvotes
Peyton R.
Totally agree.
7 upvotes
Valentina Moore
Can confirm.
4 upvotes
Connor James
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Francisco.
Background: 34, remote worker, moved from Nashville 11 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Dogpatch.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Dogpatch because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Bernal Heights - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Nashville but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 11 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. For singles, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 34, remote worker, moved from Nashville 11 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Dogpatch.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Dogpatch because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Bernal Heights - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Nashville but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 11 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. San Francisco people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. For singles, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
3 upvotes