With 17,000 people per square mile, San Francisco is one of the most densely populated metropolitans in the country. If you’re thinking of calling this city home and becoming a San Franciscan yourself, here are some things to consider before making the move.
Pro: Job Opportunities
San Francisco’s economy is booming. There’s employment growth and the Bay Area metro has one of the strongest economies in the country. The job market in the SF area provides boundless opportunities, whether you are looking to launch your own startup, or work for a major corporation like Tesla, Apple, Yahoo, Facebook, Google, or Netflix.
Con: It’s Expensive
Rent. Is. Insane. While housing demand keeps rising, the housing supply has remained fairly static. That makes for some ridiculous rent prices. Median prices for a one-bedroom are the highest in the country, which can be a little difficult to get used to for someone coming from a smaller city with more affordable rent. Other cost-of-living things like eating/going out, services, and taxes are a little high, too. Luckily, Bay Area salaries are adjusted for cost of living, so just make sure you land a job before moving here! And, there are still a few SF neighborhoods that are affordable, so keep your eyes peeled.
Con: Earthquakes
One thing every Californian has in the back of their mind is the possibility, neigh, the eventuality, of an earthquake. Small, frequent earthquakes are common (and even good for the earth), and they usually aren’t destructive. Still, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand just in case it’s “the big one”.
Pro: Public Transportation
SF has you covered on the public transportation front with BART, Caltrain, MUNI trains and buses, lots of Lyft drivers, e-scooters, and bikes. The temperament climate and close proximity of everything make walking or biking great options, too. San Francisco is one of the most walk-friendly cities in the country, so take advantage of the beautiful scenery whenever possible.
On the other hand, having a car in the city is a love/hate relationship. Traffic and parking availability and the associated cost can be a pain. The upside is the aforementioned proximity to so many amazing locations.
Con: Traffic
As mentioned earlier, traffic inside the city and the surrounding highways is legendarily bad. Avoid the highways during rush hour, or just avoid having a car if at all if possible. You can use the money you’d spend on payments, insurance, parking tickets, and gas on rent and Lyfts! Bonus perk: most tech giants located in Silicon Valley provide free bus shuttles to its employees, so you won’t even need a car to scoot down to the peninsula or South Bay.
Pro: Plenty to Do
On any given night—let alone weekend— there are so many things to do in San Francisco. From cultural events to sports, Michelin-starred restaurants to beaches, the seven-by-seven square mile area of San Francisco (plus its surrounding cities) has so much going on.
Two MLB teams, an NFL team, an NHL team, and an NBA team make the Bay Area one of the best sporting metro areas in the country. Not into sports? Head to the Botanical Garden inside Golden Gate Park; see what’s new at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; take a trip to Baker Beach for the day and relax with a view; or, head to Dolores Park with friends and enjoy the sunshine. Don’t forget all the watering holes, from wacky bars to neighborhood dives. The list goes on and on. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the street festivals, concerts, and “only in SF” celebrations like Bay to Breakers and Fleet Week.
Pro: Cultural Diversity
Literally every type of person lives in the Bay Area. It’s become a city of transplants, so you won’t be the only newbie. The Bay welcomes people of all colors, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Plus, San Francisco has a neighborhood for everyone, no matter what you like. It’s true, the city is a melting pot.
Pro or Con: Weather
San Francisco weather could easily be a pro or con, depending on what you’re used to. If you’re used to sunny southern California, then it’s going to be a chilly move. If you’re used to places that actually have winter, SF’s rainy, 50-degree weather in December might sound nice when compared to shoveling snow. Either way, you can count on it being foggy. “Always bring a jacket” is your new SF motto.
Pro: The Food!
Multicultural food, Michelin-starred restaurants, and just about any type of food delivered to your door! Sourdough bread is king in this city, but save room for the fresh seafood, Mission-style burritos, Korean tacos, dim sum, poke bowls, and ramen. San Francisco has the most restaurants per capita than any other city in the country, so start making a list of all your must-try spots and get your tastebuds ready for some seriously good eats.
Pro: A Short Drive to Everywhere
There’s so much to do in the city, but a quick drive can land you in the mountains, at the beach, or in wine country. Hike the redwoods, drive east to Yosemite National Park, or head south to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. You can even be on the slopes in Tahoe in under five hours by car. Drive down the coast and hit up LA, San Diego, or even Mexico. Napa and Sonoma are just over an hour north, and Half Moon Bay (the beach) is 30 minutes east.
Sure, it’s expensive, but the perks of living in San Francisco are endless. Before you pack up and head west, find your perfect apartment so you can officially get excited about your new hood!
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