If you are thinking about moving to San Francisco, know that there are plenty of things to do in this culturally diverse place. From job opportunities, excellent schools, to great restaurants, parks, street art, you will simply enjoy living in The Golden City. Keep reading if you’ve been asking yourself—Why move to San Francisco?—and see why it was voted the healthiest and happiest place in the US numerous times.
Before you start making your moving expenses checklist, you should know more about the cost of living in San Francisco. It’s not a secret that SF is one of the most expensive cities in the US. The cost of living index is 270, which is way higher than the national average. If you are moving from a small town to a big city like this one, be prepared to pay more for transportation, rent, utilities, and even groceries. So,what salary do you need to live in San Francisco? It will depend on your needs and preferences, but to live comfortably, you’ll need at least $100,000 per year. The good thing about relocating to San Francisco is its job opportunities. You should be able to find work quickly, especially if you have in-demand skills. With a good job, you’ll be able to enjoy the expensive lifestyle.
Have you been asking yourself this question — how much money should I save to move out of state? If you are moving to the Bay Area without a job, you should save at least six months of expenses. Since the place is costly, remember that such a sum should be around $25,000 to $30,000. If you are hiring a long-distance moving company, or purchasing boxes and moving supplies, you’ll need to save up more. Know that cross-country moving services and packing will help you overcome the stress and fear of moving.
When thinking about moving to San Francisco, California, know that you’ll be subjected to taxes. Wherever you live in California, you will pay state and federal taxes. SF is not an exception to that rule. If you are a homeowner, you will have to pay the tax based on the size and the location of the real estate. When purchasing a flat or a house, you will need to pay a real estate transfer tax. And there’s a sales tax of 8.5% and is added to many goods and services.
Buying an apartment in SF and all through the Bay Area means you will have a place that won’t lose its value with time. But getting a house here means you need to move fast – properties stay on the market no longer than 35 days. If you are moving in with a girlfriend or moving in with your boyfriend, both of you should dedicate time to house hunting.
Due to the high real estate prices, many Franciscans rent, 65% to be exact. However, the rent prices are high and even more expensive than in NY. The cost to rent an apartment will depend on the location and its size. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center is approximately $3,505 per month. For a residence of the same size outside of the center, you’ll need to pay $2,830 per month, which is still pretty high. If you are wondering how to move to San Francisco and pay less for apartment rent, consider finding a roommate.
When you move to San Francisco, you’ll have to get used to many homeless people. This is something that anybody that has ever set foot in SF knows to be true. When walking back to your home from work, you will encounter homeless encampments along the sidewalks. The climate is a significant factor that attracts people without a home. The city’s mild weather is desirable for anyone living outside all year.
If you decide to relocate to San Francisco, you’ll want to know your transportation options. Hiring auto transport services could be a good thing, but know that finding a parking spot is almost impossible. It would be better to rely on public transit since SF is one of the cities with the best public transportation in the state. You can use streetcars, buses, and underground trains to get around quickly. One way ticket costs $3, while a monthly pass is about $82.
If you want to save up on the commute, you should ride a bike. The streets of SF are bike-friendly, so think twice if you planned to put your bicycle away in storage. Take it with you. It will come in handy on the days you wish to pedal across the town.
Do you like to walk around, no matter where you go? Well, life in SF means good walking shoes. The place has more than fifty hills, meaning you will get a decent workout while walking around.
You probably know that the Golden City is a paradise for start-ups and tech companies, and many are global. Even though the tech sector is the dominant one, there are many other areas you can find work in. When you move, you’ll notice Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn offices at every corner. If you are wondering how to get a job in a new city, know that amongst most paying ones are doctors, people in the IT sector, marketing, and financial managers. If you are moving for a job opportunity, remember that the job market increased in 2019. That, combined with a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, makes this place an excellent one for a job hunt.
Feeling comfortable and happy in a new place starts with picking the right neighborhood. When you search for properties, finding the one that suits all of your needs will help you quickly adjust to a new environment. We have assembled a list of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, to help you choose the one that you’ll feel most comfortable in:
If you are moving with kids, you’ll be thrilled to know that your child’s education will be in good hands. When thinking about the things to know before moving to San Francisco, finding excellent schools for your children has to be on the list. The SF Unified School District is the seventh-largest in California and has more than 57,000 students. Apart from an excellent elementary school curriculum, your children will continue their education in San Francisco high schools that offer a high-quality education program. According to Niche, some of the best ones are Ulloa Elementary School, Lowell High School, and Ruth Asawa School of The Arts.
The Golden City is a hub of excitement—from great restaurants, art scenes, to fantastic music venues. Whatever your needs are, you’ll find something. Take a look at our list of the things to do in San Francisco:
SF is located in sunny California, but the weather is not that bright and warm year-round. Mild winters and dry summers are perfect descriptions of the city’s climate. Depending on where you choose to move, you will notice that the western part is often foggy. Keep a jacket or a hoodie close by, because it can get pretty cold.
Relocating to a new place can be challenging and stressful, especially at the beginning. Some things you’ll have to experience on your own. Others that you can research will help you significantly to start your new life. Here’s our list of what to know before moving to San Francisco:
Is San Francisco a good place to live? There are many great things you can experience if you move to the Golden City! Its welcoming environment and open-mindedness, plenty of outdoor activities options, walking around the area, mild weather, are all big pros. It is expensive, but with a good job (which you’ll be able to find quickly), life is pretty affordable. This place is excellent, and if the things mentioned above suit your needs and preferences, you should definitely contact reliable long-distance movers and move to San Francisco!
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