Relocating to San Francisco? 7 Things to Know

Sean Mamola | April 28, 2023

San Francisco is one of the largest cities in the country. It’s known for its mild climates and popular attractions such as Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Museum of Modern Art, and so much more. Many people are choosing to move to San Francisco to enjoy the breathtaking natural views and charming city streets regularly. If you’re thinking about joining them, here are a few things you should know about what living in San Francisco is actually like before you begin shopping for luxury high-rise condos for sale in San Francisco.

1. The city is gorgeous

San Francisco is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No matter where you go in the city, it seems like the bay is always within view. You can hike up cliffs outside the city to take in the views from high above, or you can drive out to a forest of redwoods and enjoy the revitalizing fresh air. San Francisco is known for its artificial beauty along with its natural appeal. The architectural creativity of various buildings and structures is a marvel. People around the world are familiar with San Francisco’s elegant Victorian homes and their iconic cable cars.

2. The weather is pleasant

The weather in San Francisco is mild and consistent throughout the year. Summer is a fog-infused experience for all those wanting to escape the intense humidity found in other parts of the country. The warmest months of the year are September and October. Daily highs often reach into the upper 60s and low 70s during these months, with lows averaging between 55 and 56 degrees. The difference in the year’s coldest months is minimal. Average highs in December and January are 58 degrees, with lows in the upper 40s. The winters attract slightly more rain, but you won’t experience more than a few days of showers between May and October.

3. The sports teams are always competing

San Francisco is home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Led by two-time MVP Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors are the closest thing the NBA has seen to a dynasty since Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Golden State has won the NBA championship four times since 2015. They play their home games in the beautiful Chase Center, which first opened in 2019. Golden State isn’t the only local team that’s experienced tremendous success in past years. Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants won three World Series in five years during the early 2010s. Oracle Park, the Giants’ home stadium, sits right on the bay and provides breathtaking views of the water from many angles. Many home runs hit over the right field wall will eventually land in the bay, where kayakers will race to claim the ball for themselves.

4. The cost of living is high

Home prices in San Francisco tend to be high, but this doesn’t prevent homes from selling quickly. Most houses sell within their first few weeks on the market. The median home price in the city is around $1.7 million. San Francisco ranks as the second most expensive city in the country, behind only New York City. The cost of living in San Francisco is around 80% higher than the national average. The average family needs to bring in $120,000 a year to pay all of their bills.

5. You don’t need a car

San Francisco’s public transit system is one of the best in the country. This matters because San Francisco was originally built on seven hills. You can get a great workout by walking or biking around the city. However, public transportation can sometimes be the most convenient option. You can get around downtown San Francisco by using the cable car or Muni, while BART makes it easy to travel to Oakland or San Jose when necessary.

6. The neighborhoods are unique

Your San Francisco experience will be different depending on which neighborhood you choose to live in. Each neighborhood has a different reputation. Haight-Ashbury is known for being a hotspot for young adults and hipsters. Entrepreneurs and business people enjoy living in SOMA. The Marina is the best place for recent college grads and anyone who wants to maintain proximity to the city’s best nightlife.

7. There’s always something good to eat

Photo Courtesy of Eater SF

San Francisco is known throughout the region for its delicious and unique cuisine. Because the city is so diverse, you’ll find food in the area from a variety of cultures and influences. The proximity to the sea also provides visitors and locals with tremendous seafood. Hog Island is located in the Ferry Building and is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the area. Their clam chowder in a bread bowl is one of the best meals in the city. For Mexican food, try La Corneta, San Francisco. Their burritos are a delicious combination of rice, beans, traditionally prepared meat, pico de gallo, and avocado. If you’re in Chinatown, you can’t go wrong with dumplings or Dim Sum at China Live. Looking for a prix-fixe menu? We recommend Spruce. Save room for dessert at Mara’s Italian Bakery, a family-run business that has been a neighborhood staple since 1911.

Looking for San Francisco luxury real estate?

Reach out to one of the talented Rises.co specialists when you’re ready to begin shopping for San Francisco luxury condos. They love working with their clients to meet their specific needs. They understand the allure of living in San Francisco, and they want to work hard to make this dream a reality for each person they work with. They would love to partner with you throughout the process of shopping for luxury high-rise condos for sale in San Francisco.