A Moving Guide for Living in San Francisco
San Francisco has always been known for welcoming people from all over the world. For many years, the story has been the same and nothing has changed at all. The “City by the Bay” is gradually growing in terms of population. Not surprisingly, thousands of new residents move to this city with each passing year. So if you are moving to San Francisco here is what you will want to know.
Why so?
Well, there are several reasons that people have been choosing to migrate to Frisco. First off, San Francisco is known for its awesome eateries, spectacular landmarks (for example, the Golden Bridge) and an unemployment rate that is far less than other California cities. Also, the cherry on top is that it has an excellent balance of continuously mild weather along with plenty of greenery.
If you are planning to move to the San Francisco area, this moving guide will help you get acclimated. Here’s a useful guide to living in “The Golden City.”
A bit about the cost of living
When you are considering to shift to San Francisco, it is really important to understand the average cost of living. A detailed estimate is given below:
Rent for apartments
If you will be renting a 1-bedroom apartment, you will want to keep in mind that the average cost will be around $3,400 per month. And for a 2-bedroom unit, you will probably end up paying more like $4,400 per month. These rates haven’t changed much recently, although they are considered to be one of the priciest average rents in the country.
Food and shopping
The people residing in San Francisco spend just 11.5% of their entire household budget on food. Fortunately, this rate is a below than the national average. There are various deal sites available which are a major reason behind this amazing fact. Some people are saving a lot on their food budget by utilizing online resources like CouponsMonk.com as well as many other websites and mobile APPs.
Transportation
Luckily, San Francisco offers many options when it comes to public transportation. Their transit authority includes many bus routes, the Muni train, and of course the historic streetcars and cable cars that are an iconic part of this Bay City. Oh, and don’t forget that Uber calls San Francisco home, so the rideshare community is quite active. The transit passes (Clipper Card) which are issued on a monthly basis usually range between $75-$94 for adults. But of course, this price depends on what routes you need to travel.
How about the neighborhoods?
Of course, a calculation for the cost of living is not complete without considering the neighborhood you will choose to settle in. Like most thriving cities, San Francisco has a multitude of different districts all of which have their own distinct vibe. Here is a brief description of a few of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods.
SoMa
SoMa or South of Market is a rather large neighborhood. Covering around 406 acres, it is one of the largest districts in the city. SoMa is a remarkable amalgamation of warehouses, nightclubs and happens to be the home of several of San Francisco’s museums. And if you are an avid sports fan, SoMa is the place to be as it is the home of AT&T Park and the Giants.
Richmond District
This district covers around 50 blocks which begin in the Presidio and span throughout the Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. If you settle in Outer Richmond, you will be living closest to Lands End and Sutro Baths (the two most important outdoor favorites). While Inner Richmond is popular with many SF residents because of their amazing Dim Sum restaurants.
Noe Valley
If you are moving in with your family, this is the best place for you. This neighborhood is completely kid-friendly. It boasts various quaint shops located on 24th Street, the farmer’s market on Saturdays, and a very diverse food scene. Be sure to check your budget before selecting Noe Valley as your new home, as it is known as a somewhat affluent neighborhood.
Do’s and Don’ts to remember
“The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.” Mark Twain
Do’s
- Go for a Clipper Card. If you will be a frequent user of the public transportation in the area, then this is a must buy. It is an excellent way for you to get discounts on transportation. Plus you can avoid buying a ticket every time you opt for public transit.
- If you are planning to ship your car to your new home, then be prepared to look for a permanent parking spot. Almost all the neighborhoods in the city have very limited parking facilities.
- Get yourself accustomed to the routes of the city before finally renting an apartment. Of course, no one will like to travel on a bus every day to be at work. Hence, you ought to ensure that the distance between your home and office is pretty comfortable.
Don’ts
- Although it is located on the ocean, don’t expect a lot of sunbathing on the beach. As Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.” The temperature can really change and get quite cooler (thanks to all the fog that the city gets!). Also, the temperature can vary drastically, even between the neighborhoods.
- Don’t think of renting an apartment on the basis of an online ad without physically scrutinizing the place. Like many large metropolitan areas, rent scams in the city are common! You definitely need to protect yourself by doing your research. If it looks too good to be true, you are probably better off avoiding it.
- Don’t forget to attend the Bay to Breakers! Every year in the month of May, this thrilling 12k race comes up with a range of participants and turns the roads of San Francisco into a colorful fun activity. Whether you are a runner or just want to cheer everyone on, it is one of the best entertainment options in the city.
Hopefully, this guide will help you to kick-start a good life San Fran. Of course, once you start your new life, you will want to explore more of the city and find the neighborhood that fits your personal vibe.
About Author:
Cindy Mikulski is the free time writer and full-time internet surfer. She likes to work on making in-home life better in society. She lives like an entrepreneur to support her husband at the month’s end.
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