Probably will be moving to SF. Advice?

bassguppy · #1 02-26-2008, 07:22 AM

I already live about an hour away from San Francisco and rarely go there (only for the tourist thing). My wife is the primary breadwinner and may receive a job offer that's in SF. I would rather avoid a long daily commute so I'm not looking to stay where we are I know it's REALLY expensive (like $2200 for a 1 BR) but where would I want to live if we moved there? I already know some areas to avoid (Mission) but how is SF city living? Is the public transit really good or so-so?

Or is it best to live outside SF? Millbrae, Daly City.

syciprider · #2 02-26-2008, 07:24 AM

Say goodbye to your handguns.

bassguppy · #3 02-26-2008, 07:26 AM

I only carry a taser and a machete.

syciprider · #4 02-26-2008, 07:30 AM

I think the City Council will ban those today

MJ5150 · #5 02-26-2008, 07:45 AM

Bring money, lot's of it.

-Mike

**baba** · #6 02-26-2008, 07:46 AM

The public transportation is great. You could move outside the city, but why? Check out Cole Valley, the Richmond District, Sunset, Nob Hill, North Beach....there are MANY neighborhoods that vary wildly in offerings. They all have their own feel, safety, nightlife/restaurant/shop, and convenience factors. Many young adults love the Mission because it's a vibrant community in the process of gentrification. While it can be dangerous at night, and I've had a spare tire stolen from my truck

, it offers a great night life and amazing hispanic restaurants and markets.

Ultimately, your income level will dictate your options. Once that is factored, you just need to think about what kind of commute you are willing to put up with and how important city life is to you.

There are some wonderful suburban communities as well, but the nice ones aren't much cheaper (and sometimes more) than the city.

**baba** · #7 02-26-2008, 07:51 AM

I missed your "how is SF city living?" question. It is effing incredible and my favorite city in the world. I've done a great deal of traveling within many countries, so while this is subjective, it isn't an uninformed statement.

I don't live there for two reasons:
1. Cost
2. I don't want to raise children there. I feel it is an adult city and playground.

jazzbo · #8 02-26-2008, 07:53 AM

I adore SF and will post more info when I have time. I have plenty to say. But, I'll start with this, there's nothing wrong with the Mission. It's an amazing neighborhood. Okay, I'll post more later.

**baba** · #9 02-26-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzbo

But, I'll start with this, there's nothing wrong with the Mission. It's an amazing neighborhood.

Preach it!

santucci218 · #10 02-26-2008, 08:04 AM

Peter, watch your cornhole bud.

syciprider · #11 02-26-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

Peter, watch your cornhole bud.

Thanks for starting my day with a good laff

SnoMan · #12 02-26-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

Peter, watch your cornhole bud.

I was waiting for that. Thank you.

Rattman · #13 02-26-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syciprider

Say goodbye to your handguns.

+1
And any conservative views that you may hold dear. That is one goofed-up place. I got the creeps everytime I visited there. Unappealing and hostile place.. I hope you'll be alright going there.

**baba** · #14 02-26-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattman

+1
And any conservative views that you may hold dear. That is one goofed-up place. I got the creeps everytime I visited there. Unappealing and hostile place.. I hope you'll be alright going there.

While it's my favorite city for many reasons, my love for SF is not blind. There is definitely an extreme element that is self righteous and annoying. There is obviously also a thriving gay community, so if you are a homophobe it may be a bad choice.

Just realize that these are a couple facets of the community. It is a CITY with heaps of diversity in culture, attitudes, political views, and ethnicity. One of my favorite things about the place is that there is no common thread...there is something for everyone.

That said, if conservative and predictable small town life is your bag, don't move there or to any big city for that matter. Cities are places for people open to experiences.

**smperry** · #15 02-26-2008, 10:42 AM

SF is ok. Having lived there for over 5 years, it's far from my favorite city in the world. It's not a big city to me...certainly does not have the energy or diversity of New York. I'm happier in the East Bay. Public transit anywhere in Northern CA isn't great, but if you live along a MUNI artery in SF or a BART line elsewhere, you'll be fine. In terms of SF neighborhoods, most of the Mission is fine...as are a bunch of other reasonably priced areas (Bernal Heights, Richmond, the Sunset...). Where you'll be happiest depends on a bunch of factors.

Marshall

syciprider · #16 02-26-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baba

Cities are places for people open to experiences.

Yes. Especially profound ones like trying to figure out why the City keeps trying to pass stricter gun shop regulations when there is only ONE gun shop in the city.

**baba** · #17 02-26-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syciprider

Yes. Especially profound ones like trying to figure out why the City keeps trying to pass stricter gun shop regulations when there is only ONE gun shop in the city.

Infernal Affair · #18 02-26-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smperry

Public transit anywhere in Northern CA isn't great, but if you live along a MUNI artery in SF or a BART line elsewhere, you'll be fine.

It's a lot better than Southern CA, I can tell you that. Even in the city, LA is a beast. At least in the outer areas you have the BART.

MakiSupaStar · #19 02-26-2008, 11:49 AM

Ocean Beach. Live there. Great place.

Gard · #20 02-26-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

Peter, watch your cornhole bud.

Office Space quote?

...golf clap...

SF has issues, but like several here, I find it an amazing place. Despite the negatives, it is the only "large city" I would ever even begin to consider living in...if it weren't for ONE negative: prices.

Ouch.

So, I visit whenever I can. Which hasn't been often of late, sadly.