Here’s a guide to help you make the best possible decisions and relocate without letup.
With lots of job opportunities and a youthful and vibrant atmosphere, San Francisco has become an attractive destination for people wanting to relocate to the West Coast. Despite experiencing an increase in outward migration, the city remains a top choice due to its weather and culturally diverse neighborhoods.
Moving to San Francisco won’t come easy. While it ranks high in livability, it shouldn’t be the only factor you will need to keep in mind. There’s a lot you need to consider, so you need to be prepared for what awaits you in the Golden City. Here’s a guide to help you make the best possible decisions and relocate without letup:
1. Be prepared for earthquakes
Living in the Bay Area also means experiencing earthquakes now and then. Situated near the San Andreas Fault, the city has experienced some of the strongest earthquakes in the country’s history. In 1906, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake nearly leveled the city. Today, thousands of earthquakes are recorded each year near San Francisco. The United States Geological Survey also stated that the city has a 72% chance of experiencing a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in the next 30 years. You should be able to prepare for a major tremor by stocking up on emergency essentials and getting earthquake insurance coverage despite the high premiums.
2. Get around on public transport
San Francisco is known for having an efficient public transport system that offers multiple options for commuters. If you are not in a rush, you can ride the city’s iconic cable car system which is part of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. There is also the Bay Area Rapid Transit which connects 50 stations across a 131-mile rail system. This transit line serves the nearby cities of Oakland and Fremont. If you want to ditch the long lines, consider getting around on a bicycle. The city has been voted as the second-best bike-friendly city in the country by bicycling, so you might as well commute on two wheels.
3. Find a good parking space
Like any other major metropolitan area, San Francisco offers a big challenge to new residents moving in with their cars. Parking fees are generally expensive with monthly rates reaching $500. Penalties for parking violations are also one of the most expensive, so you need to secure a parking spot before moving in. Your best bet is to use an app or service for finding affordable monthly parking in San Francisco that fits your needs.
4. Plan your finances
The biggest challenge to living in San Francisco is affordability. According to Zillow, the median home price in the city is less than $1.6 million. While the rent for a one-bedroom apartment has fallen below pre-pandemic levels at $2,390, it is still comparatively higher than the national average. The cost of living is also higher compared to the state average, so if you are planning to relocate to San Francisco this year, you need to save as much money as you can.
If San Francisco is still your dream destination, then make sure that you are prepared to meet the challenges ahead. Use these tips and make the most of your stay in the Golden City.
Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
