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Snort & Mayor Haggar (love the Final Fight reference)
The main reason I don't want to live in the city is that I want to be able to park a car. And I want a water view. The nicer neighborhoods of SF that you mention like Marina are way over my $1800 max for a 1bdr, and almost anything in SF with a ocean or bay view is over $1800. Plus there's no parking, available sometimes with a high monthly fee which puts it way over the max budget also.
I know, and like I said it would be hard to find an affordable apartment with water views in the Marina. You can park on the street there but it can be a hassle anywhere in SF that isn't in the outer western part of the city.
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As for climate, I come from NY where its 80-90 degrees from May to September. And 30-40 degrees from November to March. And I'm very happy to get away from those extremes. I'll go to a tropical island for heat, and I'll go skiing for snow, I don't need to live and commute in it. So I'm not going to complain about the temperatures in Pacifica. The averages are listed at low 60's by day, low 50's by night. And according to weather.com its 1-3 degrees warmerhighs on average in Pacifica than in Sausalito. I'm probably most comfortable in the 55-75 degree temperature range anyway.
I moved to SF from Chicago where the weather is a bit more extreme in winter than NY (hot in summer too but not as hot) and I hate hot weather, but quite frankly the constant chilly weather in parts of the Bay Area that are near the coast will really drag you down. Especially in Pacifica, every day will be overcast and chilly, and really the main thing that annoyed me about summer weather in SF is the constant wind, it's just everywhere and when you go outside it's like there's an air conditioning vent on full blast next to your head. It might be ok for you at first but after a while it just gets annoying.
Sausalito faces the bay so the fog is not as much a presence as it is in Pacifica which faces the ocean. In addition, the Sausalito fog usually burns off by mid-morning while it can stick around all day in Pacifica.
You can also live on the water, not just have a water view in Sausalito, in a floating home, one of the few places in the US where that lifestyle is possible. You are also right there for kayaking or sailing on the bay.
The slowness of the commute from Sausalito to SF is due to the fact that you have to traverse the city to get to Powell St. downtown. You have the option of taking the ferry or GG transit to the financial district and walking or Muni Metro up Market St. or GG transit civic center route and walking up from Mission to downtown.
Thank you everyone so far for your opinions. I'm still very evenly split w/ a slight edge going to Pacifica because of better commuting and price.
Based on what you all say, Sausalito has alot sunnier weather. Re: CarlosAtun, the Sausalito ferry would most likely be out of the equation since it seems most rentals in my price range are on the north end of Sausalito. The buses to downtown (Mission and 4th) makes more sense.
Ok I get that fog is horrible in northern Pacifica. I do have a specific question about the fog in Pacifica. Since I'll be working 9-5 in SF does the fog lift at sunset on a regular basis? Fog won't be as constantly unbearable during the day for me since I'll be commuting Mon-Fri. Is northern Pacifica so horrible to live if I'm a commuter?
Here's where I stand. (revised after listening to forum locals)
Sausalito
PROS:
Sunnier, less fog
nicer upscale town
Close to SF by car (yes with a toll).
CONS:
HIGHER PRICES for rentals for similar sized apts. w/water views.
Less apartment rental options than other towns in my target price range
commute by bus isn't that short 50-60 min and not as frequent as BART (especially after peak rush hours)
does not take advantage of office's BART station proximity.
Pacifica
PROS:
Relatively cheaper rent for more space w/ocean views.
more apartment options than Sausalito
can commute fast and easy by BART (park and ride BART is about 40 min)
BART is more frequent, especially off peak, operation than Sausalito buses.
no bridge tolls when driving for leisure.
CONS:
Very foggy and wet (nearly everyday, year round)
Most nicer apartments are on the foggier northern end of Pacifica. (not in southern Linda Mar)
A few specific questions to locals in both areas about apartment complexes:
(this is strictly based on my internet research)
Sausalito
The Eden Roc apartments (just south of the N Bridge Blvd exit) in northern Sausalito look really nice (views, availability, size, price), but I can't find any reviews or opinions about them. No info at all besides the listings. They seem to be rented by each units owners. Anyone have any comments or info on this complex and neighborhood.
Pacifica
I like The Bluffs (Edgemar@Esplanade & Monterey), Seapointe (West Sharp Park@Paloma & Beach), Pacific View (Sharp Park right above Eureka Square)
Can anyone share their experiences about any of these places? Including if the fog is horribly permanent at these places. Neighborhood feel, safety, convenience, pros, cons, etc.
Thanks everyone, your local opinions have been very helpful to me so far, being all the way in NY, with only the internet for local advice and info.
I'm starting a new job on Market St., near the Powell BART station.
I'm moving from the NYC area and want to have water views of some type.
I've narrowed it down to Sausalito and Pacifica. I'd like to spend under $1800 for a 1 bedroom rental.
I'm single, mid-30's male, no kids. Looking for a temperate climate with alot of natural scenery and water views.
Not sure what is better for commute by public transportation, value, rent, space, and pure enjoyment.
I'd like locals opinions on why one is a better choice than the other.
Here's why I'm stuck.
Sausalito
PROS:
more upscale, nicer looking town (I fell in love with the town on my first visit)
Great bay views.
Close to SF by car (yes with a toll).
CONS:
Higher prices for rentals for similar sized apts. w/water views.
Less apartment rental options than other towns
commute by bus isn't that short 45-60 min (according to internet)
does not take advantage of office's BART station proximity.
Pacifica
PROS:
Relatively cheaper rent for more space w/ocean views.
more apartment options than Sausalito
can commute by BART (bus and BART is listed as 40-50 min)
no bridge tolls when driving for leisure.
CONS:
I don't necessarily like two modes of public transportation (SamTrans bus and BART)
Most nicer apartment complexes aren't alot cheaper than Sausalito
Most nicer apartments are on the foggier northern end of Pacifica.
Thanks in advance for your arguments on both towns.
If you have a great recommendation besides these two towns I'd like to hear about it as well.
I'd definetly choose Sausalito over Pacifica. The chill, fog, moisture gets depressing in Pacifica, Daly City etc --- especially Pacifica though. It's most apparent at night/morning, but still can linger during the day.
Have you considered the Marina District of San Francisco?
Thank you everyone so far for your opinions. I'm still very evenly split w/ a slight edge going to Pacifica because of better commuting and price.
Based on what you all say, Sausalito has alot sunnier weather. Re: CarlosAtun, the Sausalito ferry would most likely be out of the equation since it seems most rentals in my price range are on the north end of Sausalito. The buses to downtown (Mission and 4th) makes more sense.
Ok I get that fog is horrible in northern Pacifica. I do have a specific question about the fog in Pacifica. Since I'll be working 9-5 in SF does the fog lift at sunset on a regular basis? Fog won't be as constantly unbearable during the day for me since I'll be commuting Mon-Fri. Is northern Pacifica so horrible to live if I'm a commuter?
Here's where I stand. (revised after listening to forum locals)
Sausalito
PROS:
Sunnier, less fog
nicer upscale town
Close to SF by car (yes with a toll).
CONS:
HIGHER PRICES for rentals for similar sized apts. w/water views.
Less apartment rental options than other towns in my target price range
commute by bus isn't that short 50-60 min and not as frequent as BART (especially after peak rush hours)
does not take advantage of office's BART station proximity.
Pacifica
PROS:
Relatively cheaper rent for more space w/ocean views.
more apartment options than Sausalito
can commute fast and easy by BART (park and ride BART is about 40 min)
BART is more frequent, especially off peak, operation than Sausalito buses.
no bridge tolls when driving for leisure.
CONS:
Very foggy and wet (nearly everyday, year round)
Most nicer apartments are on the foggier northern end of Pacifica. (not in southern Linda Mar)
A few specific questions to locals in both areas about apartment complexes:
(this is strictly based on my internet research)
Sausalito
The Eden Roc apartments (just south of the N Bridge Blvd exit) in northern Sausalito look really nice (views, availability, size, price), but I can't find any reviews or opinions about them. No info at all besides the listings. They seem to be rented by each units owners. Anyone have any comments or info on this complex and neighborhood.
Pacifica
I like The Bluffs (Edgemar@Esplanade & Monterey), Seapointe (West Sharp Park@Paloma & Beach), Pacific View (Sharp Park right above Eureka Square)
Can anyone share their experiences about any of these places? Including if the fog is horribly permanent at these places. Neighborhood feel, safety, convenience, pros, cons, etc.
Thanks everyone, your local opinions have been very helpful to me so far, being all the way in NY, with only the internet for local advice and info.
It's funny, I remember moving from NYC to the Bay area and checking out Pacifica on line before the move. We ended up moving to Noe Valley in the city, but like so many others, moved to Pacifica eventually for cheaper land. A few final thoughts: It is definitely NOT foggy every day. Some days it's beautiful. We have ocean views from our living room, and most days, even if it's overcast, you can see the water. Other days, it's so foggy you can't even see the church across the street! But honestly, you get used to it, and it's only a bummer when your parents are in town and they can't enjoy the views you know are there... Secondly, as you've gathered, southern Pacifica is widely accepted as being "nicer." In fact, the further you go down the 1 (Montara, El Granada, etc.) the nicer it gets, but the further from conveniences. However, northern Pacifica, esp. Fairmont (where there are cheap apartments) is SOOO convenient to San Francisco, it's unbelievable. Most of our friends live in the city and we don't feel separated from them much at all. In fact, they come over because we have more space. And that D street exit, mentioned in another post, is what I had in mind...gets you to Bart very quickly.
Having said ALL that, I would live in Sausalito in a heartbeat if money/commute weren't an issue. It's a charming place, and Marin is the nicest county in the Bay in my opinion.
Sausalito is much better than Pacifica. Also has the option to take the Golden Gate Ferry instead of the bus. If you are a frequent rider, the fare is not that much more and I enjoy that ferry ride much more.
For other options though, I would rather live within SF. Marina District is awesome (at a cost), with better water views than Pacifica. You can also try Outer Richmond or Outer Sunset. There are many other options. If it is ok with you to have a lake view instead of a bay view or ocean view, then you can also try Lake Merced area within San Francisco (also very close to the ocean). There are also some apartments in Alameda that are by the beach. Among the most awesome views of the bay is in Treasure Island and there is an apartment complex there, although there are issues living there (most important being the presence of toxic wastes).
I live in the South Bay, so I can't comment on having lived in the areas you're interested in, but in your shoes, I'd live right in SF. How about the Marina District, Outer Richmond, or Outer Sunset?
Bingo. If you are a single guy working in the City with the rent budget you're speaking of make it easy on yourself. Parking isn't that bad in the Richmond and Sunset.
I would definitely look at Alameda. More affordable than Sausalito and a lot sunnier than Pacifica. When it's foggy and chilly in SF and Pacifica, it's sunny in Alameda. It has a beach where you can swim and you can see pretty much the entire Bay from it, it's a really nice view.
In Pacifica there's gonna be some days when you can't even see the water even if you're right on it. Honestly I don't really get the point of insisting on "water views." People here don't really want to be right on the Pacific because it's so chilly and foggy, which is why even right on the beach the Outer Sunset is pretty affordable. And places where being close to the water is nice, like Sausalito or Tiburon, are really expensive. Alameda is one of the few places that is fairly affordable with good views from the beach that isn't foggy all the time.
Sausalito
The Eden Roc apartments (just south of the N Bridge Blvd exit) in northern Sausalito look really nice (views, availability, size, price), but I can't find any reviews or opinions about them. No info at all besides the listings. They seem to be rented by each units owners. Anyone have any comments or info on this complex and neighborhood..
I do not know this area however these are close to Marin City. I suggest researching that area to see if you want to avoid it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dko3tgk
Pacifica
I like (Edgemar@Esplanade & Monterey), Seapointe (West Sharp Park@Paloma & Beach), Pacific View (Sharp Park right above Eureka Square)
Can anyone share their experiences about any of these places? Including if the fog is horribly permanent at these places. Neighborhood feel, safety, convenience, pros, cons, etc.
Thanks everyone, your local opinions have been very helpful to me so far, being all the way in NY, with only the internet for local advice and info.
This is right on the coast as you know. You can walk to the Pacifica Pier and a few third rate restaurants on Francisco Blvd. You can also walk to Pacifica library. I think it is a pleasant quiet area and I go here a lot to walk along the ocean.
Pacific View
This is across the highway from the ocean so you can't easily walk down to the coast except for the pedestrain bridge over the highway. However you can easily drive there in a couple minutes. There is not much happening at Eureka square. It is anchored by a low volume grocery store,a Japanese restaurant,a Yoga school,a martial arts school and City Arms.
When commuting by Bart you can easily stop after work at interesting SF neighborhoods like 24th & Mission.
To the OP: Have you actually visited Pacifica? I ask, because Sausalito and Pacifica do not have the same appeal at all. I have lived in Outer Sunset long time ago. And here's what I can say. Pacifica is the foggiest area in the San Francisco area! I know because I shop at the Skyline Plaza in Daly City on CA 35 (aka Skyline Blvd). Even when it is sunny in Outer Sunset, it can be foggy in the southern Daly City and northern Pacifica. There are times on CA 35 when you can see the fog come in from Pacifica. And because there is nothing really visible in the Pacific Ocean after sunset, plus the high probability of fog, consider it a bonus on those weekends when you can get a clear "ocean view". Admittedly, there were times (mostly when there are Indian summers in October) that the sunset is really awesome. That time, you can see many cars along Ocean Beach/Great Highway for the view. However, I won't rent a place just because you can see a marvelous sunset.
When I moved to the area, I already knew about the fog. And I really don't mind it. There are however, three occasions when the fog (and the ocean) really got to me:
1. I had to drive a friend who actually lived in Pacifica after a night out. I had a couple of beers, but that was over 4 hours before I drove and I knew I was sober. However, the fog was so thick in Pacifica that all I can see are blinking traffic lights and the tail lights of the car in front of me. If the car in front of you has his brake lights on, you push your brakes right away. The fog was so thick that aside from the lights, one cannot even recognize what color the car in front is. Not even any idea as to make and model. It can go as bad as that! Thankfully, we were safe, but I might have been charged with DUI or something when an accident happens although it's really the fog. If I don't know that area well, I could've easily run over the curb or something.
2. Do you know that Colma is the city where all the graveyards in the Bay Area are? I am not overly superstitious or anything, but when the wind is blowing into your head like an air conditioning vent and you are surrounded with graves. Then, you have to drive into the direction of the thickest fog. It somehow gets to you at times.
3. I can remember a storm at night when I can hear the waves from the Pacific Ocean with my windows closed. I do not even have an ocean view and while am within walking distance to the ocean, it's not really that close. The next morning, news came out there were some houses in Pacifica that had some portions go into the ocean. The news above is not really new and the ocean is slowly eroding some of those houses built right next to the ocean.
With your budget, you can easily get a place along the Great Highway with assigned parking. You can even consider places like Pacific Heights. It's not next to the water, but due to the elevation, there are some places where you can get gorgeous views. Also, to me, if nothing works out, you may want to drop your requirement for a water view. And as I said in my previous post, you can try Alameda as well.
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