Thinking about living in San Francisco? Well, you’re not the only one!
Many people are moving to the Bay Area for various reasons – new jobs, retirement, or even a fresh start.
Whatever your reason is, moving to California comes with big questions. Lots of buyers don’t know if they’re asking the right things, and that could lead many to make the wrong decision.
So, let’s look at 19 questions you should ask yourself before making the move. We’ll cover everything from neighborhoods and home prices to entertainment, restaurants, and even pets!
With 89 neighborhoods spread across 10 districts, each area offers something unique.
Do you prefer flat, walkable streets or stunning views from hilly areas? Are community amenities important, or do you seek peace and quiet? All of these matter!
Whether you crave downtown living, beachside strolls, or suburban charm, we have a neighborhood for you.
If you’re curious about specific neighborhoods, check out our video series “Where to Live in San Francisco.”
Condos, TICs, single-family homes, two-to-four buildings…
You’re bound to find something that fits you in a city like San Francisco, so knowing your priorities is key. The real estate in San Francisco is super diverse, and finding your perfect home boils down to working together with a team that understands your wants.
Also, don’t forget the many styles a home can have! Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Mid-century modern, Contemporary, Craftsman, Marina… You name it, we have it.
When considering your budget, think about property type, size, location, and finishes.
For example, if you need a four-bedroom home but have a limited budget, you may need to compromise on location or walkability. Downsizing means less room, but it’s a great opportunity to move to a nicer neighborhood.
Location impacts cost significantly – expect to pay more for walkability and sunshine. Neighborhoods like Noe Valley are prime locations with higher prices because they have both.
But don’t fall into harmful myths! Learn more about avoiding common homebuying misconceptions right here.
Let’s be honest: If you’re planning to stay for a short period (like a year or two), renting might be your best option.
Renting allows you to explore different areas and live near work. If you purchase, aim to stay for at least 5 to 7 years to ride out potential market fluctuations.
Honestly? Parking in San Francisco is challenging. If you need a car, consider something small or easy to park, and try to limit it to one car per household. Look for properties with parking spots or consider car-sharing options like ZipCar for occasional use.
Today’s your lucky day because San Francisco has some terrific public transportation!
And, of course, walking! The flatter neighborhoods are the most walkable, but going up the city’s hills does have its charm as well.
We all know San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise. Trendy stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and unique shopping experiences are what this city is all about!
If shopping is your thing, Union Square, Fillmore Street, and Hayes Valley are just a few popular options. If you want to become a master shopper in San Francisco, check this out.
But that’s not it: Dining in San Francisco is also a foodie’s dream. We have nearly 4,000 dining spots, including taquerias, food trucks, and Michelin-rated restaurants, so you’ll never run out of options.
That’s an easy one. Yes! San Francisco is incredibly pet-friendly, with tons of dog parks and off-leash areas, like Duboce Park and Crissy Field.
Many condo buildings allow pets but keep in mind some have breed and weight restrictions. Your agent of choice can help you find pet-friendly properties.
San Francisco’s rich food scene exists thanks to its many grocery stores and specialty shops. You’ll find corner markets, weekend farmers’ markets, and main grocery stores like Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Mollie Stone!
(And, for those who enjoy cooking with fresh, local ingredients, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a must-visit.)
This is a good one. San Franciscans are very active, with many small gyms and personal training options. Chain gyms include Fitness SF, Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, and Crunch.
Outdoor fitness activities are also a great option. We have over 900 urban stairways, trails, and public spaces for walking, running, biking, and kitesurfing. Golden Gate Park and the Presidio are popular spots for outdoor workouts!
No! San Francisco has mild weather year-round, and it all depends on the neighborhood. Some neighborhoods are sunnier, while others are foggier.
The city’s famous fog, known as Karl the Fog, makes for a super dreamy and pretty atmosphere. But, if you prefer something sunnier, neighborhoods like Mission and Potrero Hill are good bets.
I can’t begin to describe how integral diversity and inclusivity are to San Francisco’s culture. You see tons of people with different backgrounds coming from all over the world, and they all bring something special with them!
Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Mission District, and Japantown are full of rich cultural heritages. Plus, The Castro District is famous for its LGBTQ+ community and history of activism and pride.
We have both the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland Airport (OAK). These two are accessible via BART. SFO is a 20- to 45-minute drive, while OAK requires crossing the Bay Bridge.
San Francisco is chock-full of museums! We have the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the California Academy of Sciences. The Exploratorium provides hands-on science experiences, and Alcatraz Island is a must-visit historical site.
For performing arts, check out the San Francisco Symphony and live music venues like the Warfield and Fillmore.
I can’t start this part without mentioning Golden Gate Park, the mother of all of San Francisco’s parks. It’s got paddleboats, botanical gardens, and trails, making it a great place to start.
Other major parks include Lands End, Presidio, and Mount Sutro. Beaches like Ocean Beach and Baker Beach are perfect for surfing, bonfires, and walks!
Sausalito, Napa and Sonoma wine country, Lake Tahoe, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, and Yosemite National Park… These are all great weekend destinations, and only within a few hours’ drive!
San Francisco is one of the most important tech hubs worldwide, home to some of the biggest companies!
Just take its growing AI sector or the fact that it houses companies like Google, Apple, and Meta. Looking to make the most of tech in San Francisco? Don’t miss out on this.
The biotech industry, financial sector, and professional services also offer many job opportunities. Not everything is tech – it’s all a matter of looking at your options!
In most areas of the country, where you live determines where your kid will go to school. Luckily, this is not the case for San Francisco!
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) uses a lottery system for school assignments, aiming for diversity. Parents should learn about the system and inform themselves before taking the leap.
San Francisco is also full of private schools, both religious and secular. These are also all great options.
The Giants (MLB), the Warriors (NBA), and the 49ers (NFL), duh!
Stay Connected with San Francisco Real Estate
If you have any more questions or need to clear things up, we’re here to help! We post weekly content all about the Golden City – all for free.
And if you want to stay up to date on the San Francisco real estate market, we’d love to be your go-to real estate resource.
Make sure to email us at hello@ruthkrishnan.com or text 415-735-5867 for custom guidance!
