If you were me, where would you live? (San Francisco, Richmond: apartments, neighborhoods)

[BSmither]

I'm a single male in my mid twenties that will be re-locating from the great Midwest. Looking to spend between $1,000 - $1,800/month in a studio or 1 bedroom and I want to live where it's happening in downtown San Fran.

What are the hip areas?
Where do people go when they go out? Hot night districts?
Any places you'd recommend checking out as far as living is concerned? Either areas or actual properties.

Thanks in advance for the help everyone.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by BSmither

I want to live where it's happening in downtown San Fran. What are the hip areas? Where do people go when they go out? Hot night districts

You mean the really boss, groovy spots where all the cool cats hang out?

[mayorhaggar]

a) NOBODY calls it "San Fran" here, it's either San Francisco or "The City."

b) North Beach and Nob Hill and Telegraph Hill are near downtown and are alright places to live but a bit ritzy. Lots of bars and clubs in North Beach which makes it noisy and sometimes a bit rowdy.

c) as for other areas, the western part of the Mission, Hayes Valley, the Duboce Triangle would work. Noe Valley, the Inner Richmond, Inner Sunset, and Glen Park are all really nice neighborhoods and there are a lot of shops and nice restaurants but they are quieter areas.

d) a lot of apartments are listed on Craigslist as being "downtown" or "near Union Square" or "lower Nob Hill" but they're in the Tenderloin which is a bad area.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

ad) a lot of apartments are listed on Craigslist as being "downtown" or "near Union Square" or "lower Nob Hill" but they're in the Tenderloin which is a bad area.

or my favorite placename "The Tendernob".