Be it a new job, an internship, starting college or whatever other reason, you may be looking at moving to San Francisco this new year. If you're not from California you may be excited and a little nervous about moving to a different state. It can be even more anxiety-inducing to know you're moving to a big city like San Francisco. But don't worry, we're here to help!
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about moving to San Francisco. From finding a place to live, to getting around the city and adjusting to the culture, we'll have you covered. So let's get started!
Things you should know about San Francisco
Moving to San Francisco is not the hardest thing to do. However if you're from a different state or even city and are relocating here, it's important to keep some things in mind. San Francisco is a large and diverse city. It's home to over 800,000 people and is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living in San Francisco is about 2.5 times higher than the national average.
That being said, San Francisco also has a lot to offer. With its proximity to beaches, wine country and the redwood forests of Northern California it's easy to see why so many people move here.
And there are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of different lifestyles. There are 86 craft breweries in San Francisco with more arriving every month. The Bay Area is also home to some of the largest tech companies in the world. In fact, a large part of the tech boom happened right here in San Francisco.
San Francisco is also known as one of the most progressive cities in America. From its support for gay marriage to its policies on clean food and air quality, it's no wonder that people from all over the world flock here every year.
How expensive is it to live in San Francisco?
As we mentioned before, the cost of living in San Francisco is high. Rents are especially expensive and you can expect to pay around $3,000 for a one bedroom apartment. However, there are affordable alternatives, such as living in a coliving house like Tribe! Our rents range from $775 for a shared room or $1,225 for a private.
Living in San Francisco also has its cost benefits. Public transport is pretty accessible in SF and rides in Uber or Lyft are almost half the cost of what they are in NYC. This makes it easier and more affordable to move around the city as opposed to LA.
Where should I live in SF?
Relocating from another state can be hard. More so if you're unfamiliar with the city you're moving to, such as moving to San Francisco. So, before you start your search for apartments it's important to know a little bit about San Francisco.
San Francisco is a large and diverse city. It's broken down into several different neighborhoods, each with their own unique vibe. So, the first thing you'll want to do is figure out which neighborhood is best suited for you.
Castro/Upper Market - This neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the city. It's a desirable location for many people, with cafes and boutique shops lining Market Street.
South of Market Street, or SoMa. It's where you'll find most tech companies and it can be a little noisy during the day. However, if you're commuting into tech this may be a good place to look for apartments. If you work in the city it's easy to commute from here as there are plenty of buses and trams running through it.
Tribe Coliving is located in this area. We're close to the heart of the Financial District as well as bars and restaurants. Commuting anywhere in the city from here is easy. You can learn more about our location here!
Mission/Castro - The Mission is one of the main residential areas of the city. It's centrally located, with easy access to public transport and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
The Castro is a neighborhood in the Mission. People know of it for its LGBTQ+ community. It's also home to many small businesses and has a lively nightlife.
How easy is it to get around San Francisco?
One of the best things about moving to San Francisco is how easy it is to move throughout the city. The best way to get around San Francisco is using public transport, however this can be a little difficult if you're new to the city.
We recommend downloading the SF MUNI app to make sure you don't miss your next bus or tram. In addition, it's always possible to bike in San Francisco - there are plenty of bike paths for you to make use of. Moreover, Lyft also has access to e-bikes and regular bikes throughout the city, so there's no excuse not to explore!
But, if you want a little more freedom and flexibility, it's easy to use Uber or Lyft to get around San Francisco as well!
How much does public transport cost?
A one-way bus fare costs $2.50, a two hour pass is only $6. An adult ticket for BART (which covers the whole Bay Area) is $8.75 and it's $3.55 to get into or out of the city on Caltrain.
Is it hard to make the move to San Francisco?
Moving to San Francisco shouldn't be too difficult. If you're moving from another part of the US, it's probably easier than moving interstate. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Getting a California driver's license and registering your car, if you have one.
- San Francisco has plenty of job opportunities, so even if you're coming here without a job, chances are you'll find something.
- The cost of living in San Francisco is high, so make sure you have a good savings account to fall back on.
- Housing is also expensive in the city, so start your apartment search early!
- And finally, if you don't know anyone in the city, we recommend joining some local Facebook groups or Meetups.
You can also apply to our coliving house, Tribe. Here you'll have a community of well rounded individuals and will get handed a group of friends. So even if you don't know anyone in the city, you'll be able to explore the city with the members of Tribe.
Ready to make the move to San Francisco? You can learn more about our listings here. You can also follow us on our social media channels or check out what our members have to say!
