I just love the vibe of this city, and want to move here after high school (my best friend might tag along). But...
I've been reading some negative things about San Francisco. I know for a fact its expensive to live here. Duh, its California. I have a few questions though:
1) About how much money do you have to make annually to live in San Fran? (Keep in mind I want to move here during college.. so would I be able to live comfortably while studying with a part time job?)
2) Is SFSU any good?
3) Which districts are favorable? Which ones should I stay away from?
4) What are some VITAL tips that I could use to survive?
I wold prefer if the person who answers is from San Francisco. lol.A Few Q's about San Fran..?
I think San Francisco is one of those places that just provokes very strong emotions. People either praise it to death. Or they want it to sink into the ocean (these are the folks who are mad Jack Bauer diverted that nuke away from San Francisco in Season 6). Like New York or Hollywood, there's very little ambiguity in the love/hate relationship.
But once you accept that everyone has an opinion about San Francisco (whether they've actually been here or not), you really tune much of it out. It's your own experiences that matters. As per your specific questions:
1. Housing will probably be the most costly part of your budget. If you're willing to share an apartment with others, it'll lower that cost considerably (down to $400-800 a month). Otherwise, expect to spend at least $1,500 a month for an apartment.
Other costs - groceries, gas, furniture, clothes - are similar to the rest of California. It's definitely high, but it's not prohibitive. You'll also make more than in Arizona. The minimum wage in San Francisco is currently $9.14.
2. SFSU is a fine school, if you want to get a terminal four-year degree. Like all state universities, they take a very practical approach to teaching. The assumption is you'll enter the workforce after you finish. And the tuition fees are reasonable.
However, if you want to enter medical or law school... you should aim for top-tier schools like UC Berkeley (public), University of San Francisco (Catholic), or Stanford University (Episcopalian).
3. In the city...stay away from Bayview, Hunter's Point, Tenderloin, Western Addition, Ingleside, and Excelsior.
If you're looking at suburbs as well...avoid Richmond, East Palo Alto, and the flatlands of Oakland like the plague.
EDIT: There's a reason why it's affordable. No good restaurants. No nightlife. No scenery. Much of it is under a freeway (I-280) for crying out loud.A Few Q's about San Fran..?
The above poster says to avoid Ingleside??? Ingleside is actually a pretty good and afordable neighberhood near SFSU.A Few Q's about San Fran..?
Both SFDude and Sean gave some good info.
I would add in the vital tips section that you should become very familiar with the public transportation system. Parking is difficult, unless you're willing to spring for a parking garage.
If you're going the garage route, note that the city-owned garages/lots are the cheapest. Downtown that would include Sutter/Stockton and 5th/Mission garages.
If you have a place to store it at night, I'd recommend getting a scooter. Granted, it would be less than efficient during the rain, but it's fantastic for just generally getting around the city.
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