Que Tony! Toni! Tone!’s Anniversary song because this past October marks my one year anniversary of living in San Francisco! Whoo! I’ve made it past a complete year. Well, a little over a year to be exact which makes it even better! Reflecting back on these past 12 months I can conclude that I’ve learned a lot about San Francisco, both the good and the bad. Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned:
1. Finding a place to live in San Francisco is expensive and HARD.
Even outsiders can concur on this observation (Hence, why they’re not living in SF. Ha!). I recall looking for a place with my ex-boyfriend over a year ago. Every weekend (and some weekdays) we were going to every open house within our budget to only find crowds of other young professionals with credit reports at hand, fighting for the same spot. On top of the competition for housing, the market is also very expensive. According to a report by Zumper, San Francisco is the most expensive city in the US to rent in, with one-bedroom apartments averaging at $3,350/month. My suggestion is to network, network, network. Through family, friends or coworkers is how you’ll find a spot ASAP and, hopefully, at an affordable price. This will eliminate the mobbed open houses and searching through fraud listings on Craigslist (which, believe it or not, there’s a lot of).
2. Everyone is a transplant from all over the world.
After working at my dental practice for over a year, I can estimate that 95% of my patients are not San Francisco natives. Everyone from the Midwest to Far East Asia moves to San Francisco for a job. The congregation of characters from around the world makes this city’s demographic unique.
3. SFMTA parking enforcement sucks.
Pay the meter, look at parking hour signs, avoid painted curbs, and make sure you’re not blocking a resident’s driveway when parking. If you’re parked on a crazy slanted hill (which SF has a lot of), make sure your front wheels are turned the correct way. If you don’t, more than likely those uniformed instigators cruising in their small motor carts will find you and slam a ticket on your windshield. Or even worse, tow your car. Word of advice: avoid driving entirely (and you’ll understand why in #9).
Image from SFMTA
4. Being weird is celebrated here.
Think you’re unusual? Well, you haven’t seen anything yet until you’ve walked down Haight or attended the Folsom Street Fair. What many would find absurd is welcomed here. In San Francisco you’re bound to come across an individual with outrageous clothing or no clothing at all (i.e. the Castro). Also, San Franciscans will find an excuse other than “It’s Halloween!” to wear a costume. Santa Con and Bay to Breakers are two events where event-goers get creative and humorous with their costumes. The sillier, the better.
Image from UpOutSF
5. No one goes to Fisherman’s Wharf.
With so much to see and do in each neighborhood, there’s no need to go to the biggest tourist attraction in the city. At Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll find a lot of chains such as Applebee’s, Bubba Gumps, and the Rainforest Cafe. Locals prefer to visit independently owned boutiques and restaurants. Plus, the seafood at the wharf is way too expensive. Swan Oyster Depot, The Codmother and Woodhouse Fish Company serves seafood that is well worth your money.
6. Take a light jacket with you before leaving the house.
The city is multiclimated. While it may be sunny in Hayes Valley, it could be foggy and cold in Twin Peaks. The weather throughout the city is not always uniform, so bring an extra layer just in case.
Image from 7×7
7. Sunday Brunch and coffee is a way of life.
San Francisco is a haven for foodies and coffee snobs. For foodies, Sunday brunch is a big deal. If there’s a spot that has been talked or heard about, more than likely there will be a 1-2 hour wait on a Sunday morning. As for coffee shops, there’s one (or two or three) on every block. As a self-proclaimed foodie and coffee snob, this is one of my biggest joys about living in the city. I love seeing the personality of each coffee shop and savoring each restaurant’s culinary twist. Check out places that I’ve ate at here.
San Franciscans waiting outside Mr.Holmes Bakehouse. Image from SFHog.
8. There’s always something to do.
Five days out of the week there is sure to be an event occuring somewhere in the city. There is an abundancy of festivals, food fairs, farmers’ markets, and local meet ups taking place throughout the year. Best place to check for local events is UpOutSF, Thrillist, Eventbrite, and FunCheapSF.
My favorite thing to do is enjoy SF’s many scenic views. There are many spots along the coast and in the center of the city that offer a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge or the Skyline (more info here). Views along Land’s End and Twin Peaks via Portola Drive are my favorite.
9. Traffic is a pain.
Mix one way streets with angry drivers, oblivious pedastrians and hundreds of cyclists, and you’ve got yourself a hot mess. Because of San Francisco traffic, Uber and Lyft has became my best friends because I surely do not have the patience to go through downtown traffic.
10. Come to San Francisco with an open mind.
San Francisco is a great city to explore your spontaneity and ambitions. Because of all the above reasons, it’s important to be willing to try new things and be open to possibilities. There’s plenty of new activities to try and people to meet. Sure, there’s plenty of cons of living in the city but take a trip to Billy Goat Hill, reflect, and you’ll be reminded why you’re there
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