Are you tired of the hustle-bustle of New York City?
Is the sky-high cost of living in New York burning a big hole in your pocket?
Do you want to experience that feel-good feeling in your life with some lovely weather in a less crowded city?
You do, don’t you?
Don’t worry, you are not alone!
Many like you are looking for an alternative to living in New York and we believe that San Francisco is the perfect choice!
In this article, you will find everything you need to know before making this move, from the cost of living, entertainment and nightlife, economy, weather, public transport, etc.
Read till the end and you will find out how to bring that much-needed change of pace in your life by moving from New York to San Francisco.
There was a time when New York was s place where everyone wanted to live, but times have changed.
New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, with over 8 million people living in just 468 square miles, it leads to crowded subways, long lines, and a general sense of claustrophobia.
Traffic congestion is another challenge in New York City. The city’s streets are often gridlocked, making it difficult to get around by car. This can lead to long commute times, increased stress, and reduced quality of life.
Crime is also a concern in some neighborhoods in New York City, although the overall crime rate has decreased in recent years. Some people still feel unsafe or uncomfortable walking around certain areas of the city, especially at night.
But what makes San Francisco a better choice?
Apparently a lot!
San Francisco’s economy is thriving, the climate is pleasant, and the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and fitness. Nonetheless, the cost of living in San Francisco is comparable, if not higher than, that of New York City. Housing and childcare expenses in San Francisco are nearly twice as high as those in NYC, while food and grocery costs are similar in both cities. As a result, many individuals choose to relocate to San Francisco due to its laid-back atmosphere and agreeable weather, rather than lower living expenses compared to NYC.
San Francisco offers numerous enjoyable activities for entertainment, especially during nighttime. One must-try experience is the Alcatraz Night Tour, which can be easily accessed by taking a short ferry ride from the city. This tour provides a chance to explore the place where many notorious criminals, such as George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone, were incarcerated.
If touring Alcatraz seems overwhelming, you might want to consider catching a midnight movie at The Clay Theater in Fillmore. Every Friday, they feature a popular movie like Pulp Fiction, The Room, or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You could also check out the Exploratorium and Academy of Sciences, which offer a museum, planetarium, and other attractions. They hold an event called “After Dark at the Exploratorium,” where they open up their cocktail bar and allow visitors to explore the exhibits. Additionally, there are many other excellent restaurants, bars, and clubs worth visiting, such as F8 Nightclub and Bar and Smuggler’s Cove.
Yes, there is so much to explore, but what about the weather? If the weather isn’t nice how will anything else make up for a good time?
You would be happy to know that the pleasant, coastal climate of San Francisco means that temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 21 days per year. This is a huge advantage because it eliminates the need to scrape frost from car windshields in the morning, saving valuable time. Once you’ve experienced the city’s mild weather, you won’t want to leave California.
During winter, the temperature in San Francisco typically drops to around 50 degrees, which is the coolest it gets. From November to April, there is a long stretch of their “rainy period,” with cool temperatures and approximately 70 days of rain during this timeframe. While the average annual rainfall in San Francisco is about 24 inches, it’s not considered excessive. Some people may prefer to live in a hot and sunny climate year-round, which is why some Californians move to Florida.
Well, that’s about the weather on the outside, now let’s take a look at the state of the economy of the city that you plan to call your home.
San Francisco has a relatively strong economy. Compared to New York City, the unemployment rate in San Francisco is lower at 5.4 percent. Over the past year, San Francisco’s job market has grown by 1.3 percent, and over the next ten years, the job growth rate is expected to be approximately 39.1 percent, which is higher than the United States average of 33.5 percent. Therefore, finding a job in San Francisco should not be too difficult if you choose to move there.
So finding a job isn’t that difficult, that’s great!
But what about traveling to your office? Yes, we are referring to the state of public transport in SF.
In San Francisco, there are various options for public transportation, including bus, streetcar, and cable car. The cost for bus and rail rides is $2.50, while the fee for using the cable car is $7. Discounts are available for seniors and children. To enjoy unlimited rides for one, three, or seven days on the public bus system, one can buy a Mini passport ranging in price from $21 to $42. The Golden Gate Ferry Service is also available for transportation between San Francisco and nearby communities such as Tiburon and Sausalito, with the cost of one-way fares varying depending on the destination, starting at $11 for adults. The Blue and Gold Fleet ferry service is another option with one-way tickets starting at $6.60, but prices can be higher based on the destination.
Hopefully, this will give you a fair idea of how life is going to be if you make this switch. At the end of the day, it is a personal decision, these are just the outside factors that can give you a better picture of how life will look like. At times there are internal factors also that become the main decision-making factor.
So, this is a choice that you will have to make, we have made our best effort to give you a fair idea of how life would look like if you decide to make this move.
Image Credit: Image by wirestock on Freepik
