So, you’re planning on moving to San Francisco? Ready to take on the fog? The rent prices? The techies? Then you better take down some notes. Here are a few things you need to know before making that big move to the weird, wild, and beautiful City by the Bay.
- Sure, it’s California, but it’s not all daisy dukes and frolics on the beach in San Francisco. It gets pretty chilly here. It’s especially cool in the summer months, and you’ll quickly spot a tourist by their San Francisco fleece. Always dress in layers.
Flickr/dima barsky
- But sometimes you’ll get an 80-degree day in February.
Flickr/gags9999
- The Sunset District actually sees the least amount of sun. Get to love the fog.
Flickr/Morgan Burke
- And that fog has a name. Be sure to get to know Karl.
Flickr/Brandon Doran
- Forget kids. Dogs outnumber children here. And their owners don’t always pick up after them…
Flickr/Leslie Brook
- …and that’s one of the many reasons you need to always look down when you’re walking.
Flickr/throgers
- You’ll need to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) whenever you go shopping or you’ll get charged 10 cents. And don’t expect to get a plastic bag.
Flickr/Sam Breach
- Don’t be deterred by an ugly or dated exterior. Some of the greatest places for eats and drinks are true hole-in-the-walls.
Facebook/Sam’s
- Prepare for long lines for brunch. And coffee. And ice cream. And ramen. In other words, you may want to bring snacks before patronizing the foodie “hot spots.”
Yelp/Tom G.
- The tech industry is everywhere. And not everyone is happy about it.
Flickr/Steve Rhodes
- Every neighborhood has its special charm and appeal. The fun is in exploring each with an open mind.
Flickr/Ed Brownson
- Expect lots of heavy traffic and road closures, because we sure love our big events, festivals, and street fairs…
Facebook/Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
- …and that’s one of several reasons why you’ll want to ditch your car all together. Parking is nearly impossible anyway. Walk, cycle, or take public transportation.
Flickr/Cidades para Pessoas
- You’ll get used to public nudity pretty quickly.
Flickr/topol6
- Prepare to expand your palette exponentially, and use key terms like “artisanal,” “single-origin,” and “grass-fed.”
Flickr/Cherylynn N.
- You’ll need to figure out the difference between what’s trash (the black bin), compost (the green bin), and recyclable (the blue bin). It can be stressful.
Flickr/torbakhopper
- Yes, it’s as expensive as everyone says it is. And the rental market is insane. People will overbid and offer cash on the spot—for even just a room. Get to know tenant laws ASAP.
Flickr/Steve Rhodes
- Over 6,000 people are homeless in San Francisco. It is second only to New York City for the densest homeless population. The disparity between the tech elite and the homeless is, to say the least, striking and disconcerting.
Flickr/Jean-Francois Schmitz
- Prepare for constant conversations around rent prices, startups, and the weather.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
- You’ll be forced to be a Giants fan.
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
- Last but not least: Don’t ever question a San Francisco native.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Learn anything here? Any words of wisdom from current San Franciscans? What are some things the newbies should know before moving to San Francisco?
Flickr/dima barsky
Flickr/gags9999
Flickr/Morgan Burke
Flickr/Brandon Doran
Flickr/Leslie Brook
Flickr/throgers
Flickr/Sam Breach
Facebook/Sam’s
Yelp/Tom G.
Flickr/Steve Rhodes
Flickr/Ed Brownson
Facebook/Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Flickr/Cidades para Pessoas
Flickr/topol6
Flickr/Cherylynn N.
Flickr/torbakhopper
Flickr/Jean-Francois Schmitz
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
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