Living in San Francisco (city by the bay) is a dream come true for many. But to realize it, you need to start on the right foot. In this post, we provide you with a basic guide for moving to San Francisco in 2022.
Excited? Let’s dive straight in!
Neighborhoods
There’s something for everyone in San Francisco, whether you’re moving in alone, with family, or whether you enjoy the LGBTQ atmosphere. The following are some of the most popular neighborhoods:
SoMa
This enormous area, short for South of Market, is one of San Francisco’s largest. Many of the city’s museums are located there, as well as the SoMa StrEat Food Park, where citizens may dine from rotating food trucks.
Marina District
The Marina is home to a variety of boozy brunch restaurants, stunning bay vistas, and practically every style of gym studio. However, because it is located at the city’s very northern edge, getting in and out of San Francisco can be difficult.
Hayes Valley
In the heart of Hayes Valley, you’ll find fashionable restaurants, elegant boutique shops, and dog-friendly Patricia’s Green. And it’s only a short walk away from other communities.
Noe Valley
This family-friendly area features modest businesses on 24th Street, its major thoroughfare, a Saturday farmer’s market, and year-round sunshine.
Richmond District
Richmond houses one of the largest independent bookstores in a city making it ideal for book lovers.
Castro District
With cheerful happy hours, and a thriving nightlife, the Castro District is a thriving neighborhood with much to do and provides great LGBTQ scenery.
Mission District
The Mission has the most densely packed street art in the country. Young professionals flock to Mission Street for the great taquerias and busy nightlife.
Housing
Housing in this city by the bay ranges from everything extravagant to simple and affordable.
Find a rental unit at least two weeks before your move-in date since units are often in high demand. While you’re at it, narrow down your search to a few neighborhoods based on your priorities. This could include things like nearby amenities, schools, or nightlife.
Prepare your documentation to hand over when you find the place you like. The following documents will be required:
- A reference letter from your former landlord
- A letter from your employer stating your salary or two prior pay slips
- Credit report copy
- Check to pay the first month’s rent, the last month’s rent, and the security deposit.
There are also lots of options for furnished homes in San Francisco to consider. These will save you the cost of purchasing home appliances and are ideal for short-term stays.
Tenants’ rights
The tenants’ rights law in San Francisco is fairly strict. Even if the flat you’re renting is illegal, these regulations apply. There are a few things to keep in mind:
Nearly all San Francisco rental apartments with a certificate of occupancy dated June 13, 1979, or earlier are rent-controlled, and annual rent increases are capped by law. This law does not apply to units and hoes built after 1979.
Depending on the basis for your eviction, you may be entitled to a payout of up to $5,300. There is no payment if you are evicted for not paying your rent.
You are entitled to any interest earned on your security deposit if you have lived in your apartment for at least one year.
Transportation
Public transit in San Francisco is relatively decent. However, due to the mountainous terrain, certain neighborhoods are cut off from public transportation and may require your transportation.
San Francisco’s public transportation system operates 24 hours a day, while many routes do not. The majority begin between 5:00 and 8:00 a.m. and end between 11:00 and 1:00 a.m. The following are some of the options:
- Buses
- Trains
- Rail transit
- Street/cable cars
Education
There are five phases of education in the United States.
- Preschool
- Elementary School:
- Middle School
- High School
- Higher Education
Your child’s school district determines which public school he or she may attend. There are also dozens of private and charter schools in San Francisco, some of which are among the best in the country.
Charter schools are public schools with a private sponsor to help pay for their operations. These schools are usually found in areas where public schools are failing.
Healthcare
Some of the terms to familiarize yourself with San Francisco healthcare include;
Premium
A premium is an amount you pay to your health insurer every month. Your employer may cover some or the entire premium if you have health insurance via them.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount you will have to spend out of pocket for healthcare treatments each year before your health insurance kicks in. Monthly premium costs are often lower for plans with a large deductible and vice versa.
Coinsurance
After you’ve reached your deductible, you’ll be charged a certain percentage amount for healthcare services. Coinsurance amounts are typically larger in plans with smaller monthly premium payments.
Copay
When you get medical services or prescription drugs, you have to pay a copay. It also applies once you’ve met your deductible.
Conclusion
There’s still a lot more to understand about moving to San Francisco and further research is recommended. Nonetheless, our guide is enough to get you started if you are completely new in this city. We hope you enjoy your stay in SF!
