Are you moving to San Francisco? Arguably one of the best cities in California, San Francisco has a lot to offer. Blues musician Lowell Fulson said it best when he sang “San Francisco, please make room for me; I’m going to San Francisco if I have to crawl on my knees.”
San Francisco is an amazing place to live. It’s a vibrant cultural center full of interesting people, beautiful sites and rich history. But before you search for nationwide movers and move to “The Golden City,” there are a few things you should know.
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It’s a Foodie’s Paradise
San Francisco is a “foodie” city. Whether you prefer fresh, organic, vegan greasy, comfort or trendy foods, there is something in San Francisco for every taste in every neighborhood.
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Be Prepared for Sticker Shock
San Francisco has the fourth-highest cost of living in the U.S. at 51.9% over the national average, so you will need to be prepared to watch your budget closely.
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Leave Your Inhibitions at The Door
San Franciscans are possibly the most non-judgmental, open-minded people around, probably because they have seen it all. Your idiosyncrasies and the things people at home called “weird” about you won’t raise any eyebrows here, so relax and be yourself.
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Say Goodbye to Bottled Water
San Francisco’s tap water is safe and delicious — and selling bottled water in grocery stores was recently banned.
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Bring Your Best Walking Shoes
A large percentage of commuters walk or bike across this very hilly city, so join the masses and get fit! Rush hour traffic in San Francisco can cause some congestion, and the MUNI (San Francisco’s transportation system) isn’t always the most direct route, so bring your walking shoes and enjoy the city scenery. Check out our post about the parks of SF.
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Weather Shock
San Francisco might be in California, but don’t expect warm, tropical weather — temperatures range between 50-65°F on average, but the steady ocean breeze and the fog makes it feel a bit chillier.
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Frolic Through Farmers’ Markets
San Francisco is never short of fresh food via farmers’ markets. Check out the Ferry Building on Saturday mornings to start — you’ll find plenty of tasty free treats and amazingly fresh food.
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The Earth Can Get Shaky
Built on the San Andreas Faultline, the Bay Area experiences small earthquakes rather frequently — so small, in fact, that you might mistake them for the MUNI rumble. As scary as earthquakes sound, you’ll be hard pressed to experience an earthquake of any noticeable scale in your time here.
San Francisco is a pretty expensive city to live in, be budget savvy, read our tips on how to move to San Francisco on the cheap!
Liked our article about San Francisco? You’re welcome to several more to help you in your moving plan:
The Best School Districts in the San Francisco Metro Area
Top 10 Family Friendly Neighborhoods in San Francisco
How to Meet New People in San Francisco Before You Move
Understanding the Locals – San Francisco Slang
How to Find Sublets in San Francisco
