For many LGBT people, the idea of living in San Francisco is heaven—it’s the city of acceptance, the place you can walk down the street holding hands with your partner without fear of being called names. You can shop at all the amazing stores on Castro street, eat great food, and enjoy the cool sea breeze. But a lot of people move out to San Francisco without really looking at what life in the city is really like. That’s why it’s always important to talk to gay or lesbian Realtors before making the move. Here are a few things you may not know about the Bay Area that could influence your decision to move there.
It’s Chilly in the Evening
When people think of California, they think of sunshine and warm beaches. But San Francisco tends to get somewhat cool during the evenings, and it’s not that uncommon for the temperature to drop by ten degrees or so. For those who like the cooler weather, this is great news. For those who expected bright, sunny days, the cooler temperatures and fog may be a letdown.
Every Neighborhood is Different
This is true about a lot of cities, but it seems to be especially true about San Francisco. While every neighborhood is quite open and welcoming, each also tends to attract certain types of people. For example, the Noe Valley area tends to be home to families with children, while the Mission neighborhood is more hipster. You might want to spend some time in the neighborhood surrounding your potential new home before buying.
It’s Not Cheap
This is probably something everyone already knows, but it bears repeating: San Francisco is expensive. If you’re planning on renting while looking for a house, be ready to pay $2,000 or more a month to live in certain parts of the city. Then there’s the overall cost of living. Taxes are actually fairly high in San Francisco, plus your basic food and utility costs are also higher. Be sure to account for this increase in expenses when you’re talking salary with your employer.
There are Tons of Events
Say goodbye to your weekends! San Francisco has tons of things to do, so it’s perfect for those who want to get out and do stuff on a regular basis. You’ll find no end to different cultural events, sporting matches, and more. Streets are often closed off for different activities, too, so be sure to take that into account when driving. Public transportation is rarely affected, though, because they adjust their routes ahead of time.