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What to expect when you move to San Francisco

Trolley in San Francisco

The beauty and vibrancy of San Francisco are what appeal so much to people from other parts of the US and beyond – it comes as no surprise that many of them want to move here. Not to mention the career opportunities here that draw ambitious and upwardly-mobile folks to come here.

What else can you expect when you make the move to SF? Here’s what’s in store for you.

  1. There are distinct neighborhoods
  2. Contrary to what others might think, San Francisco isn’t just one place where everyone dresses and thinks the same way. There are quite a number of neighborhoods that have their own community vibe, as seen below:

    • Bernal Heights. This is where many first-time homeowners, couples, families, and other small-town-loving folk live.
    • Hayes Valley. Considered a trendy and bustling neighborhood, this is where a number of young professionals reside.
    • Noe Valley. A neighborhood where long-time San Francisco residents and young techies mix.
    • Pacific Heights. The perfect crib for A-listers and the moneyed set.

  3. Exposure to different cultures and experiences
  4. Just as diverse as the communities are the people who live in the Golden Gate City. You are bound to bump into hipsters, tech and social entrepreneurs, salespeople, immigrants, and Nancy Pelosi.

    The people who live here recognize these differences and accept them, thus resulting in a warm, comforting feeling one gets when they visit this city. This colorful diversity reflects in their art, infrastructure, buildings – even in the massive variety of dining spots one would find here.

  5. Your rights as an SF tenant
  6. If you opt to rent here, then it is wise to know the relevant tenant laws and policies in San Francisco so that you can manage your expectations.

    For instance, if the unit you’re residing in turns out to be an illegal one, you’ll still be protected by tenant law. And if an owner plans to move into your unit and evict you, you can get the place back if they don’t live there for at least three years.

  7. Bundle up for the cold
  8. There are a lot of great photos of San Francisco that showcase the city basking in the early morning or mid-afternoon sunshine, but warm temperatures here are rare. You may experience occasional warmth, but don’t expect a full-on, sweltering summer to come to this city.

    To cope with the consistent cold, most residents head out in jackets and other thermal wear. If you’re not used to colder temperatures, it’s best to start with layered clothing then build your anti-cold wardrobe from there.

  9. Best of multiple worlds
  10. One moment, you could be enjoying a leisurely urban stroll in the heart of the city. On another, you could be exploring the trails and beaches around the Bay Area.

    If you’re up for an adventure, you can go on a road trip to check out Like Tahoe, which is approximately 3.5 hours away.

    This is the beauty of San Francisco – it’s a great place to live if you want to have a good balance of urban and outdoor life.

Looking to make your move to the Bay Area official? The next big step is shopping for San Francisco homes for sale. Let me help you find a new place to call home. Call me, Amir Hardy, at 415.602.0570 or send an email to amir(dotted)hardy(at)compass(dotted)com.