Moving to San Francisco

From what I understand, the prices in SF are pretty high. They have a Rapid Transit system (train) that branches out to a few cities. If you can't find something in the city, you might consider moving somewhere out of the city but close to the train. Just a thought.

 

The Russian Consulate is in one of the best areas in town, Pacific Heights/Cow Hollow. 1BR/studio rentals will be around $2000+ if you want to stay close by. Check out www.craigslist.com for rentals around there.

 

What are you looking to spend? That is going ot make the difference of what people recommend.

Here's some things you might want to look at when making a decision.

This shows crime stats on a map for areas of SF.

http://gispub02.sfgov.org/website/san_francisco_community/wizard.asp

you have to go through a couple pages to get to the actual map.

Also, this site:

http://www.apartmentratings.com

is really good for checking out people's opinons of different apartments.

Try not to live in a sketchy area. I did for a couple years to save money and in retrospect, I should have probably paid the extra bucks so I wouldn't end up getting bullets through the wall (and from inside the hallway, not outside).

 

As a long time resident, if you like cars the somewhat boring and foggy Sunset district is safe and you can rent a small house for the price of a Pacific Heights apartment, and you will get a one or two car garage. If you live near the consulate your best bet on a budget is to go car free, live within walking distance or a short bus ride. Garage space will cost you a couple hundred extra a month in that part of town. You don't want to leave a new or nice car on the street regularly. Parking by Braille, vandalism, break ins and large force of meter maids issuing tickets will cost more than a garage in the long run and eliminate all the frustration that comes with those events. You can get around the city fine via bus or cab, especially if you live in one of the fun neighborhoods. PB : )

 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...Anywhere, even within 1.5 hours driving to work. You need to think hard about the commute directions also. A 20 mile commute could be an hour. If you would be going over a bridge, factor $4.00 per trip. When it rains, everything slows to a halt. If there is a wreck in the opposite direction of your drive, it does not matter, as EVERYONE just about stops to look at bodies!

On the flip side, you'll be in great company of a ton on great FChatters!

 

I used to live in Alameda and found it very nice. One of my neighbors is the manager of the Nikko Hotel in SF and commuted there every day, and I never heard her (Numiko) complain about it. So I think it's probably a pretty good commute.

I had a 1br apt (2nd floor) with a fireplace and porch that looked out over the bay and the wetlands bird sanctuary, for $1250/mo. It's probably closer to $1400/mo. now, but I think it's a great place and a great price at $1600/mo.

So,

2485 Shoreline Drive, (Tropic Sands Apts)
Alameda, CA

The manager's name is Dee. And tell her I referred you.

Good luck!

 

Short commute/walk to work, and not spend a lot on rent? Feels like Richmond District, or Japantown to me (Lower-lower Pac Heights for those who live there).

 

Alemany, sunnydale, double rock housing have cheap rent.

 

i once lived in a highrise between fillmore st. and the western addition (close to safeway). It was modern, simple and clean, and they allowed month-month leases. Projects were far enouugh away and Japantown was visible from my 12th story window.

 

it's not that bad! We're 40 miles out of SF but 45 mins by BART into downtown SF.

It really does depend like others said, what the price range is and also the type of experience. Living in the city or in the burbs have their pros and cons. There are plenty of options in the bay area though.

 

I PM'd you, if you didn't get it because of the site crash let me know.

 

Re-PMed you

 

there are nice spots in Oakland too

 

Sunracer is exactly right. Your best bet is probably in the Sunset, though you should also check out Midtown Terrace, Diamond Heights, Twin Peaks and Park Merced. Most apartments in Pacific Heights don't have parking, those that do will cost extra for the privilege. Most neighborhoods have restricted parking unless you have a residential permit. Craigslist is an excellent suggestion for starters. You may be able to find a short term lease until you figure things out. Good luck.