Before moving to San Francisco, some basic things should be considered, enabling you to get a clearer picture of what it entails. The city is a vibrant hub of businesses and cultural activities, offering great lifestyles for all its residents. Naturally, being a multi-facted city, San Francisco is frequented by several travelers throughout the year. It is already famous for numerous tourist attractions and is also a premier business hub. This means loads of business travelers and tourists come here every year. If you’re also planning to land in the city anytime soon, then you will naturally want to know about its intricate nuances.
Here are 10 things that you should know before moving to San Francisco:
1. It is Quite Expensive
Being economically stable, San Francisco is one of the costliest cities in the U.S. The rental prices in the city may touch $4,000 per month and even more. As a developed city that has various natural landmarks along with technology, education, and business advantages, it naturally has a flourishing housing demand. High demand contributes to higher rentals in the city. You should be prepared to pay a sizable amount if you are renting a home. A better option is to go for serviced apartments at comparatively reasonable rates.
2. Competitive Housing Market
All the areas of San Francisco such as Castro, Marina, Presidio, and other places have higher housing rental rates. So, the most important fact that one should know before moving to San Francisco is that the housing market is quite expensive. A three-bedroom apartment will cost approximately $5700 per month in San Francisco.
3. Neighborhoods
San Francisco has a warm and welcoming neighborhood, with a great sense of community. You will also find several furnished apartments in San Francisco near major landmarks of the city. You should always learn more about some of the top localities to stay in, including Pacific Heights. This is one of the most affluent zones in the city. Likewise, there are humbler, but vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Check them out before your visit.
4. Earthquakes
Many times, earthquakes happen in San Francisco, so it is also necessary to take precautions after moving to San Francisco. This city is situated on six different fault lines and for this reason, it is often vulnerable to some serious shaking. This is not so much, but it can be felt widely. The last destructive earthquake happened in 1989. Be on your guard in case something like this happens and follow all authority precautions.
5. Public Transport
It is not a very driver-friendly city and people mainly use the Muni, which is the city’s metro and bus system. Buses, trains, and cable cars are available throughout the city. The Muni Metro also runs to various areas. Local people are more into public transport or bicycles for commutes. Go public and ditch that rental car that you were planning to hire.
6. Foodie Quotient
San Francisco is synonymous with different types of cuisines and gastronomic delights. You will find various kinds of restaurants here, one to satiate each taste bud! Before moving to San Francisco you should however keep in mind that many of them stay open only till 10 PM. Do not miss the ice creams on offer here as well!
7. Busy Schedules
San Francisco has the busiest schedule among major U.S. cities and citizens stay incredibly busy throughout the week with professional and social commitments. A career and goal-oriented approach work best in this city.
You should adapt to the pace of life in the city. Stay on the ball and on your toes when you’re here.
8. Relaxing Areas
Before moving to San Francisco, make a list of places for relaxation and recreation. Jot down lists of public parks and green zones. Head to Golden Gate Park for some downtime and even Ocean Beach. These are two of the most popular public recreational zones in the city.
9. Stable Economy
San Francisco is the most stable and sustainable economy in the country, while being a global hub for several business sectors. The city is known for its high-tech, service, and healthcare sectors. It is a city that is synonymous with high-tech and cutting-edge innovations. Naturally, it is able to post a higher level of economic growth than many other cities. The flourishing growth prospects also equate to more employment opportunities for skilled personnel.
10. Weather
Most of the time, San Francisco’s average temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby ensuring cool and comfortable weather overall. There is always a need to wear a sweater because in the winter season, temperatures hover around 58 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time for moving to San Francisco is the period between September to November. Spring is also a good time to go to San Francisco so you should factor this into your plans.
