Why You Should Consider Living in San Francisco

San Fransisco is a vibrant, multicultural, and dynamic city. It’s a place so filled with energy and life that there’s never a dull moment—and always a new surprise around every corner. This is probably why so many people make the decision to move to San Francisco.

For years now, San Francisco’s proximity to Silicon Valley and reputation as the Start-Up capital of America have been a big draw for ambitious young professionals the world over. But those who know well San Francisco know that it has much more to offer than its big tech background.

Historically, it has been a major immigrant gateway, first for a large number of Europeans, Latin Americans, and Chinese during the Californian Gold Rush, and later on in the 1980s for a second wave of Chinese migrants. Today, the city is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, part of what makes it so unique.

If you’re considering moving to San Francisco—or even planning a trip—you might want to learn a little bit more about exactly what this historic city has to offer. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out what makes this city great.

The Great Outdoors

Northern California is regarded as having some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of America. San Francisco is the perfect hub from which to explore some of the most breathtaking natural wonders the region has to offer.

Within a few hour’s drive, you could be camping at Yosemite National Park, enjoying the water at Lake Tahoe, or marveling at the tall trees in Sequoia National Park.

Even within the city limits, there is an abundance of stunning landscapes and natural wonders to explore. Take for example the amazing view of the city you can take in after hiking up to the iconic Twin Peaks mountains located above the historic Castro neighborhood (about which more later).

Golden Gate Park is another amazing green space, filled with gardens, museums, and dotted with waterways. Mission Dolores Park is another beautiful, sprawling green space that’s definitely worth checking out. One of the best things about living in the city is the active, outdoors lifestyle its residents are able to lead.

Case in point: there are also a number of beautiful beaches in the city. Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Crissy Field Beach, to name just a few. From many of these beautiful sandy coves, you’ll get an amazing vantage of the Golden Gate Bridge, and there are several hikes you can take along the cliffs here, as well.

Great Places to Go Out

If sipping on a cocktail or enjoying world-class cuisine is more your scene, then San Francisco’s got you covered here, too. In fact, in 2019 the Bay Area had the honor of receiving an impressive 68% of the Michelin stars awarded in all of California. There is certainly no shortage of places to grab delicious food and drinks in this city.

Eat

The city is an amazing place to eat, partly because it caters so well to so many different tastes.

Haute cuisine is well represented, as is more low-key fare. Chinatown boasts some of the most delicious and authentic cooking you’ll see outside of Shanghai. The vegan and vegetarian scene is also particularly impressive.

If you’re looking for fancy food in an elegant setting, why not sample classic Californian cuisine in the upscale Spruce, located in the Presidio Heights neighborhood. If you’re after more casual fare, the SoMa StrEat Food Park has a rotation of food trucks where you’re sure to find something for everyone.

In Chinatown, there are too many amazing places to list, but Wing Sing Dim Sum, Sam Wo Restaurant, and Z & Y Restaurant are all great places to start. If you want to go green, Wildseed is perfect for an upscale meal, but much more fun might be to explore some of the plant-based Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and Mediterranean food the city has to offer.

Drink

Not to be outdone by the food scene, there is also an exciting range of different types of pubs, bars, and clubs to choose between. Wine aficionados, cocktail connoisseurs, and craft beer curators will all find something to their tastes.

If you’re after a more casual sports bar to grab a beer in, Bus Stop, The Boardroom, and Green’s Sports Bar all come highly recommended. For cocktails, try The Smuggler’s Cove Tiki Bar, or Alchemist Bar & Lounge. If you’d like to sip some wine while enjoying a nice charcuterie, Amelie San Francisco is the place to go.

In terms of nightclubs, the city might not enjoy as stellar a reputation as some others in the US, but it definitely holds its own. DNA Lounge, Public Works, and Mr. Smith’s are local favorites.

Explore

Whether you’re only in for the weekend, or you’re settling in for good, you won’t soon run out of things to do and places to explore. From the aforementioned city parks and beaches to cultural centers and nearby places perfect for day trips.

Seaside towns such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterrey are only around 2 hours away and brimming with charm. North of the city, you have wine country, including some of the most noted wine-producing regions in the world. There are also smaller charming towns such as Guerneville and Sebastopol.

Of course, the city itself contains more than enough to keep you occupied for months on end. Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Botanic Gardens are all must-sees. There is also the beautiful Sausalito, accessible by ferry.

If you’re interested in art, SFMOMA is one of the most well-regarded modern art museums in the country, with a rotating collection of exquisite art shows. Then there is also the de Young Fine Arts Museum, and the Asian Art Museum, featuring one of the largest collections of Asian art in the world.

Job Opportunities

You’d be mistaken for thinking that this city was all fun and games, but it’s definitely not all play and no work here. The job market is buzzing, with many multinationals calling it home, so there’s no shortage of career opportunities in San Fransisco.

Before it was hit hard by COVID-19, the city typically enjoyed an unemployment rate that was lower than the national average. Aside from big tech, other industries such as tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, biotech, and environmental all enjoy healthy representation in the city’s labor force. As well as this, the city serves as an international trade hub, with over 30 of the largest non-American banking institutions in America calling the city home.

Single, Married, or Settled Down?

San Francisco is made up of a collection of distinct and unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality and specific vibe. The great thing about this is that it means that whatever stage of life you happen to be at, there’s a place for you. Below, we’ll look at some of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for every type of tenant.

Best for Young Professionals

No matter whether you’re working for a tech titan or a tiny independent bookstore, you’ll want to be situated somewhere to meet people your own age.

Mission Bay is one neighborhood that proves particularly popular among millennials. It is easily accessible to both Silicon Valley and the Financial District, so it’s a favorite of professionals.

If you’re looking for something a bit trendier, then try the more urban and buzzy Lower Haight. For an LQBTQ friendly atmosphere, you won’t do better than the Castro: the nightlife is buzzy and the locals are friendly but beware: the houses are pricey.

Best For Families

If you have young kids, you’re likely more worried about safe streets and schools rather than clubs and cocktails. You’ll be happy to hear that there are a number of kid-friendly areas in San Francisco.

Noe Valley is an enduringly popular choice for those wanting to raise children. The crime rates are low, the community is welcoming, and it enjoys one of the sunniest climates in the city.

In North Beach, the homes are beautiful and stately, the water is close by, and there’s plenty to do for both adults and children.

Best for a Slower Pace of Life

If you’re looking to retire or are simply looking to take things a little bit slower, then there is still a good choice of locations available to you. Bernal Heights is a quiet, cozy, and affordable option. Other possible contenders include Rockridge, which is across the bay in Oakland and close to beautiful and artsy Berkeley, which is another great choice.

Do You Want to Move to San Francisco

If you’ve been considering a move to San Francisco, we hope this guide will help to inspire you to take the plunge. When and if you do decide to move, you can depend on Dependable Movers SF to get the job done. Fill out this form for a free quote on your move today.

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