Moving to San Francisco, made easy

Learn how to get housing, see cost of living and safety intel, find schools, use public transit, discover your perfect neighborhood, and more with our ultimate San Francisco moving guide.

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From Mexican territory to gold rush boom town to counterculture magnet to modern day tech center, San Francisco is constantly evolving.

Median Home Rent (PER MONTH)

Studio / 1 BR
48% Complete

3,295

2 Bedrooms
63% Complete

4,300

3 Bedrooms
82% Complete

5,650

4 Bedrooms
100% Complete

6,850


Median Home Price

Studio / 1 BR
49% Complete

799K

2 Bedrooms
67% Complete

1.09M

3 Bedrooms
82% Complete

1.32M

4 Bedrooms
100% Complete

1.62M

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (F°/C°)
01234567891011

Jan
50°F
10°C

Feb
52°F
11°C

Mar
52°F
11°C

Apr
52°F
11°C

May
55°F
13°C

Jun
55°F
13°C

Jul
57°F
14°C

Aug
57°F
14°C

Sep
57°F
14°C

Oct
57°F
14°C

Nov
55°F
13°C

Dec
50°F
10°C


Safety

This city is relatively safe but certain parts should be avoided after dark and some should be avoided altogether.

Car vs Public Transit

You're better off without a car here due to limited parking and frequent break-ins.

San Francisco is known for its hilly geography, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and colorful Victorian houses. It's also known for its weather. The famous quip that “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" has been misattributed to the writer Mark Twain but can still prove shockingly true. That just makes San Franciscans cherish warm, sunny weather all the more and on a nice weekend the parks will be flooded with people soaking up the rays.

Despite a long history, it sometimes feels like you’re living on the edge of the future here thanks to the tech industry's dominance of the the employment scene. Things move quickly and someone is always telling you about an app they heard of that will disrupt some staid business and revolutionize the world. It can feel alternatively very exciting and very ridiculous.

The tech migration to SF is a real thing. The culture (and class) distinction between tech workers and non-tech workers can feel like a big gulf at times. People will often tell you that all the culture SF is known for has migrated to East Bay, but this is an ongoing debate.

Neighborhood boundaries are contentious and ever evolving, often due to realtors attempting to make areas more desirable, such as the “Tendernob,” which combines the fancier Nob HIll neighborhood with the infamously sketchy Tenderloin in order to make it marketable. Watch out! Do research on where housing is located in neighborhoods. Some can go from chic to sketchy in a couple of blocks. One thing that is consistent across the city, however, are home prices: this is now the most expensive city in the United States.

Regardless of its challenges, San Francisco is a place that instills deep loyalty in long-time residents. Many say they can't imagine living anywhere else. From the diversity in its people, foods, and neighborhoods to the beautiful day trips around the city, there's a lot to love here.

Read on to learn about the basics (housing, transportation, internet, and more!) of moving to San Francisco and to find the perfect neighborhood for you.

The ultimate guide to moving to San Francisco


Neighborhoods of San Francisco

Neighborhoods

Moving to San Francisco? Find the perfect neighborhood for you.


Housing in San Francisco

Housing

We all need a roof over our heads. Learn how to find one in San Francisco.


Transportation in San Francisco

Transportation

From the Bay Area Rapid Transit system to old school street cars, learn how to get around San Francisco.

Insider Tip

"This is a vibrant city with beautiful views, year-round perfect weather, and amazing restaurants. You have access to high paying jobs, world class universities and, the tech capital of the world. You are also spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips: options include hiking in Big Sur, skiing in Tahoe, surfing in Santa Cruz, or wine tasting in Napa."

Kaye,
Kaye, Moved from Australia
https://pamperedhousewife.wordpress.com


Education in San Francisco

Education

Learn about the phases of education, why school district boundaries are important, and different school options in SF.


Healthcare in San Francisco

Healthcare

Learn how to navigate healthcare, how to find a great doctor, and see the top SF hospitals.


Phone and Internet Service in San Francisco

Phone & Internet

Compare SF's main phone and internet service providers.

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