The Ultimate Guide to Moving to San Francisco: What You Need to Know

I’m here to give you all the details you need to know about San Francisco when considering a move here. In this blog, I’ve painted a picture of what it’s like to live in San Francisco. There are so many lovely things about living here and I’m excited to share them with you.

Reasons Why People Love Living in San Francisco

Diverse Culture: San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, with vibrant communities representing every corner of the globe. This diversity is reflected in the city's festivals, museums, and neighborhoods, offering a rich cultural experience.

Beautiful Architecture and Historic Homes: The city is known for its stunning Victorian and Edwardian homes, many of which have been meticulously preserved. Walking through neighborhoods like Pacific Heights and Alamo Square, you can admire the ornate details and historic charm.

Culinary Scene: San Francisco boasts an incredible culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes and food trucks. The city's diverse population ensures a wide variety of cuisines, making it a food lover's paradise.

Social Activities and Nightlife: The city never sleeps, with a thriving nightlife that includes everything from trendy bars and nightclubs to live music venues and theater performances. There’s always something to do, no matter your interests.

Mild Climate Year Round: With its temperate climate, San Francisco enjoys mild weather throughout the year. Winters are cool but rarely freezing, and summers are warm but often tempered by the refreshing fog known as "Karl."

Tons of Outdoor Parks, Hiking, and Nature Trails: San Francisco is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with numerous parks and trails. From the expansive Golden Gate Park to the scenic Lands End Trail, there are countless opportunities to enjoy nature within the city.

Some of My Favorite Restaurants for Fine Dining

• SPQR (Pacific Heights): A contemporary Italian restaurant known for its inventive dishes and intimate setting.
• Boulevard (Embarcadero): A celebrated spot offering French-influenced Californian cuisine with stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
• Spruce (Presidio Heights): A chic dining destination featuring seasonal American cuisine and an extensive wine list.
• Bix (Financial District): A jazz supper club offering classic American dishes in an elegant, retro atmosphere.
• Nightbird (Hayes Valley): A hidden gem serving an ever-changing tasting menu that highlights the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

Click on the name of the restaurant for reservations or more details.

Best Places to Grab a Coffee

• Blue Bottle (Various Locations): Known for its meticulously brewed coffee and minimalist design, Blue Bottle is a favorite among coffee aficionados.
• Four Barrel (Mission District): A popular spot for its rich, bold coffees and laid-back atmosphere, with beans roasted in-house.
• Sightglass (SoMa): This spacious coffee bar is renowned for its artisanal brews and beautiful industrial-chic interior.
• Ritual Coffee Roasters (Mission District): An iconic coffee shop that focuses on high-quality, sustainably sourced beans and expert brewing techniques.

Things to Do in San Francisco

1. Catch a Game: We have some of the best sports teams in San Francisco. The 49ers' stadium is in Santa Clara, but the Warriors play at Chase Center and the Giants at Oracle Park. Both are easily accessible via public transit.
2. Visit Golden Gate Park: Explore lush gardens like the Japanese Tea Garden, visit cultural institutions such as the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences, or enjoy outdoor activities like paddle boating on Stow Lake and picnicking in open spaces. The park also features walking and biking trails, perfect for a leisurely day out in nature.
3. Tunnel Tops in the Presidio: This beautifully landscaped park area offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and the city. It features walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas, ideal for relaxation and recreation.the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and the city. It features walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas, ideal for relaxation and recreation.
4. Enjoy a Conert: San Francisco has many music venues to choose from such as Chase Center, The Fillmore the Masonic plus free outdoor concerts at Golden Gate Park and Stern Grove during the summer. Check Live Nation for tickets.
5. San Francisco Botanical Gardens: A stunning 55-acre oasis featuring over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. Visitors can wander through diverse collections, including the Ancient Plant Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Cloud Forest, all beautifully landscaped and showcasing unique flora in a serene setting.
6. Hiking Trails: 

• Lands End Trail: Offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs, and historic landmarks.
• Presidio Park Trails: Provide scenic walks and more challenging hikes with lush forest scenery.
• Twin Peaks: For panoramic views of San Francisco, the Twin Peaks hike is a must.
• Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve: A lush forested area with trails winding through eucalyptus trees and native plants.
• Glen Canyon Park: Features open space and wooded areas, offering a quiet retreat for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities

1. California Academy of Sciences: Located in Golden Gate Park, this museum features an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum, providing a full day of exploration.
2. House of Air: An indoor trampoline park with activities like open jump, dodgeball, and fitness classes, ideal for burning off energy.
3. Randall Museum: A free museum with hands-on science and art activities, live animal exhibits, and workshops in crafts, ceramics, and woodworking.
4. Exploratorium: A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits that cover various scientific concepts, perfect for curious minds.
5. Aquarium by the Bay: An aquarium at Pier 39 where kids can view and interact with marine life native to San Francisco Bay.
6. Creativity Museum: A museum that focuses on creativity and innovation, offering workshops and exhibits on animation, music, and digital media.

San Francisco Neighborhoods

When moving to a new city, finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house or apartment. Consider what matters most to you, like schools, parks, or public transportation. Think about practical stuff too, like commute times, nearby amenities, and safety.

To make your search easier, I wrote a blog post on the Top 10 neighborhoods in San Francisco. These areas have a great reputation, offer a high quality of life, and are conveniently located. They have much to offer everyone considering them. Whether you're looking for top-rated schools, beautiful parks, or a friendly and involved community, you'll find something on this list that catches your eye.

Download the Full Guide

Schools in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to many amazing schools. Most families have no problem finding the right fit. There’s a wide range of options from neighborhood public schools to charter schools to private options.  

To explore the public schools options Click here.

Private Grammer Schools in San Francisco

1. Cathedral School for Boys (K-8th grade) - Nob Hill neighborhood

Cathedral School for Boys offers a rigorous academic program that challenges students to excel in all subject areas, fostering a deep love for learning and intellectual curiosity. Alongside its strong academic focus, the school places a significant emphasis on character education, instilling values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility in its students. Community service is also a cornerstone of the Cathedral School experience, encouraging boys to develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility through various service projects and initiatives. The school's holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded young men who are not only academically proficient but also compassionate and ethical individuals.

2. Hamlin School (K-8th grade)  - Pacific Heights neighborhood

The Hamlin School, nestled in the picturesque Pacific Heights neighborhood, is a distinguished all-girls institution committed to fostering the development of the whole child. With a focus on academic excellence, the school provides a challenging curriculum designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity. Hamlin places a strong emphasis on leadership, encouraging each girl to develop her unique voice and confidently lead in various spheres of life. Ethical responsibility is deeply ingrained in the school's philosophy, with a comprehensive character education program that promotes values such as integrity, empathy, and social justice. The supportive and nurturing environment at Hamlin ensures that every girl has the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally. 

3. San Francisco Day School (K-8th grade) - Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood

San Francisco Day School, located in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood, offers a dynamic curriculum that integrates project-based learning to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The school emphasizes community involvement, encouraging students to participate in local initiatives and understand their role within the broader community. Inclusivity and diversity are core values, creating a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and respected. This holistic approach ensures students become well-rounded individuals, academically proficient and socially conscious.

Private Hight Schools in San Francisco

1. University High School (9-12) - Pacific Heights neighborhood

University High School, located in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, is widely recognized as one of the best high schools in San Francisco. Known for its rigorous academic program, the school provides a strong college preparatory curriculum that ensures students are well-prepared for higher education and future success. University High School emphasizes intellectual growth and critical thinking, offering a wide range of advanced placement courses and opportunities for academic enrichment. Beyond academics, the school boasts a vibrant array of extracurricular activities that cater to a variety of interests and talents. Students can engage in competitive sports, join diverse clubs, participate in performing arts, and contribute to community service initiatives.

2.  St. Ignatius High School (6-12) - Sunset neighborhood

Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, one of the top private high schools in San Francisco, is renowned for its rigorous academic programs that challenge and inspire students to reach their full potential. The school places a strong emphasis on Jesuit values, encouraging students to develop a sense of social justice, compassion, and service to others. In addition to its academic excellence, Saint Ignatius offers a wide array of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. These include competitive athletics, where students can participate in various sports teams, and a vibrant performing arts program that nurtures creativity and talent in music, theater, and dance. 

3. Lick-Wilmerding High School (9-12) - Sunnyside neighborhood

Ranked as the 6th top high school in the country, it combines rigorous academics with a robust arts and technical skills program. This balanced approach ensures that students not only excel in traditional academic subjects but also develop creative and practical skills. The school's supportive community and diverse extracurricular offerings further contribute to the holistic development of its students, preparing them for success in college and beyond.

Buying a Home in San Francisco

Connect With Me:  If we haven’t set up a time to meet, reach out now. We’ll establish your goals and desires. Assessing your needs and wants is the first and most important step in the home buying process.

Determine Your Budget + Get Pre-Approved: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is vital prior to beginning your home search. It will give you a clearer idea oon how much you can afford to spend. We have a lot of cash offers in San Francisco so I hightly recommend asking the lender to fully underwrite the loan..That means you are approved for the loan and just need to find the home and have it appraise for the purchase price. I’d be happy to share my list of recommended local lenders.

Start Your Home Search: We'll set up an MLS search so that you are notified immediately of any properties that come to market. I will work hard to find homes before they even come to the market. You'll attend open houses and together we will tour properties and find the perfect place to call home.

Write The Offer:  Once you find a property you love, I will guide you in preparing a competitive offer. We'll consider market conditions, recent comparable sales, and the property's condition. I'll negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible price and terms.

Under Contract: Once we're under contract, the next step is having the appraisal done. I will be there to meet the appraiser with comps of the most recent sales. Once the apprasial is back the loan docs will be sent to the escrow company and we will be on our way to closing. Once we know the financing documents are in escrow we will set up a time for you to sign the closing docs to transfer the deed of the property to you once it closes.

Settlement: Before the closing, we'll conduct a final walkthrough to ensure the property is in the same condition as it was when you made the offer. After the closing documents are signed by the buyer and seller and all funds are in escrow the title company will record the transfer of the deed and you will get the keys to your new home!

Moving to San Francisco offers an exciting blend of vibrant city life, stunning natural beauty, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of neighborhoods like Pacific Heights or the dynamic energy of areas like the Mission District, this city has something for everyone. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about buying a home in San Francisco, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate the market and find the perfect place to call home.