If you are moving to San Francisco, or to a city or town here in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are a few things you will want to know. We will start with info and facts for folks moving to San Francisco and take a look at similar information for those moving to the Peninsula and South Bay in future posts.
In general San Francisco has an urban feel to it. While there are neighborhoods that have less of an urban vibe and seem a little more suburban, you still have the sense that you are close to a thriving city.
Know Where You are When Moving to San Francisco
As you get to know San Francisco you will hear all sorts of neighborhood names bandied about. Moving to San Francisco is an overload of information and this post will help you get a foothold in your new city. Let’s start with the borders:
North – Presidio & Marina District
South – Lakeshore, Excelsior & Visitation Valley
West – Richmond & Sunset Districts
East – Embarcadero, Dogpatch & Bayview Hunters Point
These names will make more sense as you get settled, in the meantime when you come across them you will have a better sense of where they are.
Moving to San Francisco – Where to Live?
There are so many wonderful places to live in the city. If you are moving to San Francisco and plan to buy, here is a quick guideline of the POSH, the HOT and the HIDDEN TREASURES:
- POSH Neighborhoods: Pacific Heights, Nob Hill and Russian Hill
- Hot Spots: South Beach, SOMA (South of Market), The Mission and Noe Valley
- Hidden Treasures: Cole Valley, Corona Heights and Bernal Heights
Keep in mind that San Francisco is a very dynamic, ever-changing and always growing city. As such, areas that are hot one month may be trumped a few months down the road when the latest and greatest area gets a facelift or a new, luxe condo high-rise is ready to go.
If you are moving to San Francisco, find a local agent you trust and work hand-in-hand with them. When you use a great one, they will have their finger on the pulse of what’s really going on and be able to steer you toward the size, value, location, amenities and experience you want.
Moving to San Francisco in Summer – Bring a Coat
Despite what the calendar says, the San Francisco Summer is at its peak in September and October. Moving to San Francisco in August from Chicago or NYC? Be prepared to be COLD! Yes, cold! I know it sounds crazy, however, there is a reason the stores here sell so many Sweatshirts and Socks in July and August; the tourists and new locals think it’s going to be warm. It’s not. Truth is, our micro-climates will have you bundled in sweaters and jackets, and wishing for the hat and gloves packed away in boxes ready to head west on the moving truck.
And just in case you are wondering about the quote famously attributed to Mark Twain: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” While true that it is cold here during the typical summer months of July and August, according to Snopes, the Mark Twain quote is surprisingly false in attribution!
Beware the Micro-climates When Moving to San Francisco
You may be wondering, what on earth is a micro-climate? In short, they are areas within the same geographical region that are known for massive differences in temperature and due to things like fog, sunshine or lack thereof. If you are moving to San Francisco and especially if you are buying a home here in the Bay Area, it is imperative that you understand this micro-climate phenomenon better.
For climate specifics in any neighborhood…by street… Just ask me.
In Part 2 of this post I will cover some of the things of interest locally, as well as some of the Sports venues and Annual Events. Please check back!
Pamela Culp
