SperlingViews - San_Francisco, California

There is so much to do here and it's a great place for liberal singles in their 20s and 30s. It is very expensive compared to other parts of California and even more expensive compared to other states. The weather is tempermental and cold, even in the summer, so that's a big adjustment I had to make. Overall, there is a lot to do and the people are interesting and from all walks of life. [read more...]

Warning: This is a completely opinion based review and I think liking San Francisco all depends on where you are in the city and what you like in a place you live (for example: if you like paying $2,100 for a tiny studio in a horrible neighborhood, This is your place!) For someone who knows what it is like to live in a nice town and likes it, this place is HELL. Though I do live in the Tenderloin, a "bad" neighborhood. I have lived here for 2 almost 3 years while going to school. The only good thing that came out of it is I met the love of my life here, And we both LOATHE this place so much. So much seething hatred that I'm trying to contain while writing this. NOTE: We are going to now finish school online so we can finally leave soon. We're looking into Spokane, WA. We came here for the Academy of Art University, which is a horror story in it's own. We hate the spoiled hipsters with a chip on their shoulders (I'm different! I'm moving to San Francisco!), we hate the food/utility/rent/parking/existing costs, we hate having to walk up the hill for the crappy grocery store then walk to another crappy place for stuff that didn't have and walking somewhere else.....No easy way to get things, when we do drive (ZipCar) it's a one way street nightmare! We hate the entitled homeless people here that if you show any compassion they still get angry "WTF am I going to do with a DOLLAR?!", We hate all the people that get in your face, the loud noises like endless police and ambulance sirens and the BOMBS that go off at night (completely true, for the time we've been living here, a guy with a bunch of M-80's goes around and blows things up. Scares the S*** out of me every single time!!) We hate the weather... So much. It's cold in the summer, it changes constantly, it's windy. For me, it doesn't matter how many layers I put on, it's ALWAYS a bad experience walking around, I'm always so cold. Another thing, I got Swine Flu while I was here, and that was the worst thing ever. I thought I was going to die. My dad also died while I was here, I got my wallet stolen, my iPod stolen. And not ONCE did anyone help me while these things happened, (before I had met my boyfriend). I lost completely my compassion and understanding while living here. You turn into a cold person if you stay too long. This is coming from a "country girl", so of course if you love cities, you love the night scene and are looking for a place to act crazy and think that's cool, this might fit you. That is, If you are willing to shell out your life savings just to exist here.[read more...]

I grew up in New England but moved here 35 years ago. Alas, I did not have family money or a trust fund, or a truly elite skill (such as MD, top scientist, elite MBA business background, consulting, etc). So I have spent way too much of the the past decades figuring out ways of earning enough money to own a home here and stay here. But if you can do that (earn or inherit enough money), and you like a mild climate with a surprising amount of sun (especially in the many nice towns around the bay that are outside San Francisco City proper), a nice amount of greenery, especially in Marin County north of the Golden Gate Bridge where I now live, a mixed culture with a very international flavor compared to most of the US, a lot of cultural activities, and about the best outdoor hiking, biking, running, walking weather and opportunities about anywhere: then this is the best place in the US! So I appreciate this great place everyday. I just can't afford to live here much longer.I'd have to say that over the SF area is a poor place for those in a middle-class family situation who lack those elite skills or that inheritance, or at least the ambition to make income generation their highest focus. I suppose that in the nearby San Jose-Santa Clara (silicon valley) area there is far more opportunity for the middle class, with all of the giant tech corporations, but even there an engineering degree from a very good school, or top-notch IT skills are needed to afford living there in a decent and safe neighborhood. So bring money, and you will love it. Hope I have served here. [read more...]

SF is a beautiful city full of culture, arts, and diversity. However, the cost of living --specifically housing -- is very hard to afford. [read more...]

We are fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area (Marin County) -- which has to be considered as one of the top ten places to live for a whole variety of reasons. Food, climate, diversity of cultures, arts, hospitals, other entertainment. However, it is also one of the most expensive places in the US to live. Therefore, while we truly love the Bay Area, and will certainly miss it terribly, we are realists and understand that, for retirement purposes, we need to look for another place to live. This is why we are joining this web site -- and are hopeful that it can assist us in making a good decision.[read more...]

Hard to beat on a year round basis. Easy to forget which season you're in or the time of year - especially because summer can be as cool as winter.[read more...]

SF is vibrant and cool, with tons of things and experiences, but $2000 for a 1 bed room apartment is honestly not going to happen (not on my budget). I wish I could move here, just long enough for a big city fix. The seasons are bland, going from kinda cold in the winter to kinda warm in the summmer. Do not drive in the city. It's a nightmare-heart attack-hell on wheels sort of experience. The public transportation is really great.[read more...]

I moved to San Francisco, CA years ago. Even then, I felt it to be a small town with Big City attitudes. That didn't bother me, though; it was sort of "cute." I have managed to live in the Bay Area now for over 10 years and have never really felt it to be "home." Some say it's "beautiful," yet when you look up close, it is really not at all "beautiful." Very run down in a lot of areas. San Francisco makes a pretty picture on a postcard; that's about it. What is the most shameful and most depressing is the fact that the City has allowed the "Scum of the Earth" to take over. There are SO MANY useless people in S.F. today ... low lifers! So many people in S.F. don't work and don't want to work and don't intend on working--EVER. Why bother? The City supports so many useless people, it is disgusting. People who could easily work. It seems that every person who gets on a City bus flashes a "disabled" status card. So many people are "feeding" off of San Francisco's generousity, while the City is just flat broke. The filth of years prior to Mayor Gavin Newsom's term has been SOMEWHAT cleaned up; i.e., at least trash is being picked up. The startling sight is the FILTHY sidewalks. Why don't they look like this in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, D.C., Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Denver? Why are their sidewalks as filthy as ours? It seems that S.F. needs to have the MARVELOUS workforce which we NOW have sweeping and picking up litter off of our grounds, streets, and, yes, sidewalks, literally WASH our sidewalks. I have wondered: WHO'S RESPONSIBILIY IS THIS AND WHY IS THIS FILTH NOT BEING "ADDRESSED"? If the responsibility is that of individual businesses, then, for goodness sake, please, SOMEONE from the City, GO OUT AND SPEAK WITH THESE BUSINESS OWNERS! ENCOURAGE THEM TO CLEAN THE SIDEWALKS OUTSIDE OF THEIR BUSINESSES. That along would help make San Francisco a much more comfortable place for me (at least)! [read more...]

My husband and I decided to take a 5 day trip to Frisco. See the sights, ride the cable cars and such. Oh my GOD! What a mistake! As a matter of fact, we prepaid our hotel for five days and walked away after two nights. We stayed at the Historic Pickwick hotel. The bed was comfortable, and that's about all I can say. BEWARE of parking costs! The parking in the local garages is 32.00 per day. If you are unfortunate enough to have driven a minivan or truck, you will be the victim of the following phrase: "Since you are oversized, you will have to pay double... $64.00 per night." Are you SERIOUS?!! It's that way at all the parking garages. Don't waste your time searching for a cheaper one... it doesn't exist. And, you will NOT want to park in a public lot overnight. We decided to try that. One passenger side window and a lot of broken glass later, it's just not worth the savings. So, ultimate solution: DO NOT BRING OR RENT A VEHICLE! By the way, if you do bring a car and it happens to be vandalized or broken into, the police will not come out and make a report. Crime is too prevalent, and they won't bother. You need to report it online or dial 311 from a 415 area code phone. Oh, there is some good nightlife, but beware. We went to a great little place on Mason street and heard some awesome jazz and blues, but when I stepped outside for some fresh air, I missed seeing someone shot in the head by about 10 seconds. Now, THERE'S a vacation memory! Body sprawled on the sidewalk, mayhem, people screaming. Then there are the drugged up or mental residents that wander the streets panhandling, begging, making strange comments or just following you. I am not exaggerating. They are everywhere. Everywhere. 24 hours a day. AVOID THE AREA KNOWN AS TENDERLOINS. You will NOT be safe. Your vehicle will NOT be safe. On the plus side, Chinatown is charming, and the Wharf is beautiful. The only way to possible enjoy and be safe is to get a hotel ON the Wharf, such as the Argonaut. DO NOT bring a car or rent a car. DO NOT go anywhere near Union Square. Stay near the wharf and chinatown. Mark Twain is famous for saying "The coldenst winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" (yes, it's cold in August.. mid 50's) My new saying is "The longest year I ever spent was 2 1/2 days in San Francisco." It was 2 1/2 days too long. Litter and debris everywhere, crime everywhere, drugged and/or destitute everywhere. Shame on the mayor. I can honestly see a term where no one wants to even run for the office of Mayor, because it is THAT bad, and no one wants to be responsible for a city as nasty and dangerous as this. Oh, and as a final note: If you want to visit Alcatraz, buy your tickets AT LEAST three weeks in advance or you are out of luck. [read more...]

I have been living in the San Francisco Bay area and attending live performances for over 25years. I have attended live performance of some kind at least once a week for the last 5 years. I am still discovering new performance groups and venues. There is a lot see here, a lot of original work being produced and a lot of touring productions coming to the area. [read more...]

I love San Francisco. Having been born and bred here I've experienced what several neighborhoods have to offer and how great they can be. The mission "La Mision" is one of the more colorful neighborhoods probably most popular for its ethnic food offerings (many Salvadoran restuarants, taquerias, etc.). You would hardly make a bad choice if in the neighborhood. That said, it is good for visiting, not good for staying. Two particular streets to stay away from are 16th and Mission and 19th and Mission, lots of shady characters (homeless, delusional, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc.), unless you consider yourself to be brave![read more...]

high crime rate and bad school. overrated city. too many bad areas. public transportation is terrible with long waiting period. need to see what a real city is like in europe. need to make more friendly for bicycle and motorcycle.[read more...]

Many neighborhoods in San Francisco allow you to live without using a car. Bus transportation is reasonably good, although some lines are much busier than others. Caltrain provides commute trains down the peninsula to San Jose, and BART supports commutes across the bay. Some lucky commuters even take the ferry to destinations in the North Bay. Daily necessities in SF are available on foot, depending on where you live. The City is filled with distinct neighborhoods that have their own shopping areas.[read more...]

very expensive[read more...]

Crowded, dirty and loud...but you can't beat it! It's a fun place to live, work and play; interesting people and beautiful weather.[read more...]

Very very expensive and not family friendly. School district is finally "supposedly changing the system" but up until now you could live next to a great school in an overpriced 2 bedroom house for 2300 a month and THEY CHOOSE where your son or daughter goes to school for you in a lottery system. Parents are forced to drive children from the same family across the city to different schools because the city didn't give them any of their 7 choices! Sorry but what wise council decided playing bingo with our childrens lives was a good idea. It's all politics. Don't get your car towed it's $408 in total. Expired meter $65 The fines are outrageous. Get pulled over for any minute error you are looking a 5 bills. Any trip to the market for a few things $50. This city makes me sick. No wonder all the families I know are leaving. Sure if you're rich or single and never care to travel because YOU WON"T HAVE THE MONEY, sure, live here. But if having a quality of life matters to you and you're not a millionaire get the hell out and do not come here. Don't forget the fault line you are living on either. We're long over do for the big one.[read more...]

This city is great! but it does come with a price, don't move here if you can't afford it :([read more...]

I've lived all over the world and the US and San Francisco is the best place for me. It's no wonder Frank "Left His Heart in San Francisco"....[read more...]

On the whole, the climate is mild, but be prepared for fog, year round. This means dressing in layers, even in summer, since the temperature drops when the sun goes down. To the dismay of many tourists, July is one of our foggiest months! The most beautiful time of year is almost always August through October, and that is truly lovely--golden, warm and mellow.[read more...]

San Francisco has the best climate. I really loved living there, but I had to move... It was too expensive.[read more...]