Pls give info on living in SF or its suburbs

[Indigo Mule]

Many factors for her to consider--which are more important: Cost of rent? Length of commute? The day-to-day weather? Perception of safety? Things to do (after dark or on the weekends)? Access to recreation (waterways or parks)? Does she want a slower pace (suburb) or more intense pace (city)? Wild diversity or insulated monoculture? Does she have a specialized hobby or preferred leisure activity? Let us know a few more particulars, and those of us living in the area can offer our insights.

 

[Huston55]

DW and I lived in the Bay Area for 10 years, both in the east bay and in the city. I definitely recommend the city within walking distance (or close) for your daughter. All things factored in, a smaller place walking distance from work, in the middle of all SF has to offer and car free is the way to go; especially a single person her age.

One other option that hasn't been mentioned is Marin (Sausalito area) and ferry to work. Not the speediest but, man what a fantastic commute.

 

[P.S.]

Brother and SIL lived for many yrs in the Mission district w/o a car. Both took public transportation to work: SIL to tallest building right across from Embarcadero and brother to Berkeley. Once they had kid 1, they got a tiny car. I think rent was about $2000 for 1 BR. Once they had kid2 3 y ago, they moved first to a 2 BR, then once kid 1 started school, to Protrero Hill.
Mission has a great vibe, with great food scene (Tartine!).
The ferry building at Embarcadero has a great food mall, like Whole Foods/ Balducci but in an indoor strip mall form, on steroids.

 

[Retire2013]

Many factors for her to consider--which are more important: Cost of rent? Length of commute? The day-to-day weather? Perception of safety? Things to do (after dark or on the weekends)? Access to recreation (waterways or parks)? Does she want a slower pace (suburb) or more intense pace (city)? Wild diversity or insulated monoculture? Does she have a specialized hobby or preferred leisure activity? Let us know a few more particulars, and those of us living in the area can offer our insights.

Her only hobby/leisure activity is soccer. She always plays in a soccer league. She loves city life but the dog and cat are like her brother and sister and they present a challenge in finding a place in most cities that allows 2 pets. Loves to eat out, visits cafes, walks to shops etc. Flexible with cultural diversity. Access to parks would be great to take the dog on long walks. Thank you for all of your questions. As mentioned, she is hoping to keep the commute to one hour each way, and keeping the rent to under $2800. Within those parameters, she hopes to stay as near to the Financial District as possible while still living in a reasonably safe neighborhood.

Thanks again for your help.

Retire 2013

 

[Retire2013]

We are all set with the information that everyone has so generously provided. This is the BEST Forum ever. I can learn about almost anything from you all!

With Gratitude,

Retire 2013

 

[CoolChange]

Don't forget to update us on her final decision.

Good luck.

 

[daylatedollarshort]

Her only hobby/leisure activity is soccer. She always plays in a soccer league. She loves city life but the dog and cat are like her brother and sister and they present a challenge in finding a place in most cities that allows 2 pets. Loves to eat out, visits cafes, walks to shops etc. Flexible with cultural diversity. Access to parks would be great to take the dog on long walks. Thank you for all of your questions. As mentioned, she is hoping to keep the commute to one hour each way, and keeping the rent to under $2800. Within those parameters, she hopes to stay as near to the Financial District as possible while still living in a reasonably safe neighborhood.

Thanks again for your help.

Retire 2013

Walnut Creek has a walkable downtown with cafes and shopping, a regional theater and arts complex, soccer leagues, Mt. Diablo State Park plus lots of city and regional parks, miles of hike and bike trails, a BART station (35 minutes to SF), mostly sunny weather, low crime and a dog park.

 

[Brat]

All of the suburban communities mentioned are lovely IF she can find transit that works for her.

For a first job I recommend finding a studio (or a larger apartment with room mates) a walkable distance from work. Keep the lease reasonably short with the intention of exploring other options once she gets to know the metro area. The big issue will be finding a place that accommodates her pets.