If you are planning to move to the San Francisco Bay area, there are many things that you should know before you go. San Francisco is both beautiful and eclectic, but there are lots of aspects of living there that are likely very different than where you currently live. Here are some of the most important:
1. It Is Really Expensive
A recent study reported that San Francisco is not only the most expensive city to live in America but also in the whole world. Average rents there are $3,500, and no one expects that prices will be coming down anytime soon. It is so expensive that the federal government considers a family of 4 living in the Bay area as low income if they earn $117,400.
2. It Has Lots of Terrific Restaurants
If you have any money left over after paying your rent, you can treat yourself to some of the best restaurants in the country. San Francisco has nearly 40 restaurants per 10,000 households. This is the most in the country and 50% more than its closest rival. But keep in mind, though, that it is not a place for eating out late. Most restaurants close well before midnight.
3. Get Used To Dressing in Layers
TV and movies have led many people who live outside California to believe that it is always hot and sunny everywhere there. But this is not the case with the Bay area. The weather in San Francisco consists of moderate but consistent temperatures. It is usually around 60 degrees year-round, and both breezy and little cloudy. But you can experience sharp differences going from one neighborhood to another, and from one part of the day to another. So, it is important to dress in layers as much as possible.
4. The Population Is Mostly Young and Childless
The tech industry is what has caused the explosion of growth in the Bay area (and the high prices.) It has particularly led to an explosion of young people into the area, and most of these people are childless. Less than 20% of the city’s households have children under 19, which is far fewer than other major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles. There are so few children in the city that dogs actually outnumber them.
5. There Are Some Really Steep Streets in San Francisco
You have probably seen a movie set in San Francisco where a car chase takes place amidst impossibly steep streets. This is no fiction. There are at least 10 streets in San Francisco that have more than a 30% grade. Bradford Street above Thompkins Avenue has a whopping 41% grade, which makes it almost as steep as some early roller coasters.
6. There Are Lots of Street Festivals Year-Round
Because of the temperate climate, there are lots of wonderful street festivals in the city, where plenty of great food and good times can be had. These festivals include:
- Bay to Breakers
- How Weird Street Fair
- The Folsom Street Fair
- The San Francisco Pride festival
- Outside Lands
7. You’ll Need to Hire Movers
When you are in need of relocation, there is a very high chance that it will be a hectic time, especially when transferring to a city as bustling as San Francisco. There is a lot of work to be done and many things to prepare ahead of time.
All this can be pretty frustrating and tiresome. Time-consuming too. Getting professional movers for your relocation can help relieve some of the stress that comes with moving from one place to another.
With their experience, they know how to handle your belongings with care while also being able to take care of problems that arise immediately. Not to mention the entire thing will be over before you know it since they’ve already mastered the logistics of the operation.
That being said, finding movers in the Bay Area can be a challenge with the plethora of options available. Make sure you interview your potential company, check its licenses, and ask for referrals before proceeding to a written contract.
8. Traffic is a Headache
It’s no secret that San Francisco is one of the busiest cities in California if not all of the United States. If you are considering moving to San Francisco, be sure that you’ll have to deal with traffic on a daily basis because it’s almost impossible to avoid during rush hour times.
If stuck in traffic, drive early to avoid rush hours or know which routes provide the least amount of traffic so that you can plan around them for your commute. Fortunately, technology helps drivers do just that through GPS apps like Waze.
Another way to get around San Francisco without sitting in traffic hours is public transportation. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system runs throughout the entire area and connects various neighborhoods within the San Francisco city limits.
9. There Are Many Places for You to See
If scenic views and beautiful attractions are what you seek, the Bay Area does not disappoint. All thanks to San Francisco being close to several amazing national parks. The Golden Gate Bridge makes for an outstanding backdrop when photographing the city at dusk or dawn, while the Muir Woods is a great place to spend the day hiking.
If you are interested in nature’s history, the Presidio National Park is just a 20-minute drive away, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into California’s greenery that can’t be viewed any other way. Oh! Don’t forget about Chinatown in Oakland, where you can land some amazing steals and great deals on souvenirs.