SF or Denver? (transplants, for rent, insurance)

[emmylouwho]

I have lived in Denver almost my whole life. I love this city. I have an opportunity to go to a school in SF for Interior Architecture, a degree that is lacking in the Denver Metro Area, as it is not offered hardley anywhere. I really am confused on whether I should go or stay. I want to enjoy SF but I love this city and I am not sure it I want to leave. Has anyone lived in SF and can give me some advise? I am uncertain about the city and jobs and living and whether I can afford it or not. Is SF really as bad as everyone says? (crowded, expensive, bad job market, ect?)I have been there to visit, but would it be a great place to live? I really love colorado and what it has to offer, can SF compete with that?

Thanks!

[wanttomoveeast]

I'm answering because no one else has. I'm not from SF and have not lived there.

For some reason you strike me as young, is that true? If you've lived here your whole life, and have an opportunity to live elsewhere, GO!! Of course finances are a big deal, so be sure to have that lined up. I've never lived in SF, but I'd happily move there. The cost of living is sky high compared to here. Things like insurance (house and car) are at least double here, if not higher. Food and everything else under the sun is higher too.

Don't live your life and make life decisions based upon this board, or others' opinions. Life is meant for risks. I can't imagine spending my whole life here; I'm 36 and to me I've already wasted enough time. Besides, you can always come back! Good luck to you!

p.s. - Maybe you should try to hang out on the SF board, see what those people say. Just remember to take things with a grain of salt.

[vegaspilgrim]

I think your question is better asked on the San Francisco forum than the Denver forum, as it's really about SF, not Denver. Although I can tell you unless if you give them more specific info as to your budget, work experience, needs, wants, etc, you might get run off the forum as "another one of them." I think you have to ask yourself which one do you love more-- interior design? or Denver/Colorado? Where you live or what you do?

[wanttomoveeast]

Vegas is probably right, but I also happen to know that there are TONS of S. Calif. transplants here as well as people directly from SF. So maybe one of them can pipe up. Because people in SF have no idea what life is like here.

[Moonwalkr]

I've visited SF a few times and I enjoyed my short visits. I don't know how it would be like to live there for longer periods of time but it seemed like it would be a fun place to go for school.

[robertzimmerman]

If you're young and adventurous and have loads of money for rent, it can be fun. As an SF native, I'd say it's been ruined.

[Augie Daugie]

Definitely go to SF if you can afford the rent. There is no place like it. Berkeley and Oakland are also nice and cheaper - but still far more expensive than anything you'd see in Denver.

[18Montclair]

I think you'd like it here. The Bay Area is a fun place to live.

[Ohs]

SF isn't all that great, especially Oakland, stay away from that place. I live in San Jose and watch the morning news every morning and there is always crazy shootings in Oakland and robberies. But if you want to try something new then really look into it and check if the units transfer in case you hate it and want to leave. Also check into dorms or other living situations and see how feasible everything is as far as money goes. I haven't been to Colorado but from what I here you will be in some real culture shock moving to SF. The city is really dirty, competitive, crowded, & over priced in my opinion. When I was in my early 20's I may have dealt with this better and had interest in the city but now I'm older and don't like hassle so it doesn't appeal all that much. But you will never really know until you have done it for yourself. As long as you don't stand to lose much try it out, Denver is always going to be there right...

[rkb0305]

If you are young, going for school, and can afford it, then go. It would be a great life experience. You can always choose to live some place else when you are finished with school. I never lived there, but I miss being a short drive away.