Pacifica (San Francisco, Oakland, Daly City: oceanfront, apartments, homes)

[lrtosto]

Can anyone give me some information on Pacifica? I'm a single, 30-something female looking to move to the bay area, and am just curious about this area. It seems like apartments aren't as pricey as San Fran, even though it's so close to the ocean. Is it a good place to live? Safe? Good restaurants and shops? Any information would be helpful. I appreciate it.

[ImRandy]

It's a decent place to live. Prices are lower because you're farther away from San Francisco. Depending on what parts of Pacifica you're talking about the weather is generally considered not as good as San Francisco. More days of fog and heavier, wetter fog. Good restaurants and shops... no. You'll be going to other communities for more than groceries. Public transportation isn't convenient but the commute into San Francisco or SV isn't horrible if you time it right.

[andyadhi01]

Pacifica is miserable..Its the only place in bay area with worse weather than the western part of SF. Does the sun ever come out in Pacifica?

[mayorhaggar]

I'd say the only reason to be there is if you really want to be fairly near SF but don't want to be in SF and don't feel like being in Daly City. I really don't get the appeal, it's kind of downmarket and definitely very foggy and chilly and windy compared with the rest of the Bay Area especially in summer.

If you want cheap and close to SF but also want good weather, I'd go with Oakland.

[andyadhi01]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

If you want cheap and close to SF but also want good weather, I'd go with Oakland.

I guess its good for people who dont want 'urban people' around them. It also has the distinction of having the most depressing beach on planet.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by lrtosto

Can anyone give me some information on Pacifica? I'm a single, 30-something female looking to move to the bay area, and am just curious about this area. It seems like apartments aren't as pricey as San Fran, even though it's so close to the ocean.

The cheaper apartments are in the foggier,less desirable northern part of Pacifica. The much nicer and sunnier part begins when the freeway ends. They have only a few apartments in this area that advertise with local signs only.

Originally Posted by lrtosto

Is it a good place to live? Safe?

I think it would be a fantastic place to live for a family with small or elementary school children that wants a very safe,very quiet, non-prententious community.

Originally Posted by lrtosto

Good restaurants and shops?

It has the essential basics for an ocean community. Three surf shops and two good independent non franchise gyms!

Pacifica has two Safeways,a good one near Linda Mar Beach and a very small lousy one in the northern part of Pacifica. A new Fresh N Easy supermarket opens in March. There is a fabulous farmers market in the summer and fall with small coastal organic farmers. For major shopping Target/Serramonte Center is a very short drive up highway 1.

The restaurants there definitely won't make any food magazine trendy list,many are like a step back in time. There is an oceanfront Taco Bell with an awesome view right on Pacifica State Beach. Mazzetti's Bakery is a good traditional American style bakery,Luigi's is like your grandmother's favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant. Guerrero's is a popular Mexican restaurant there that makes a great Super Quesadilla that is more like an overstuffed burrito.

Pacifica is also very convenient to hiking trails like those in San Pedro Valley County Park and McNee Ranch State Park.

[NorCal44]

We have had over 40 days of beautiful sunshine and 60 degree weather, or warmer. Yes, Pacifica is foggy A LOT in the summer. But even then the fog lifts for some spectacular ocean views. There is no city in the Bay that has the type of views Pacifica does, because unlike the avenues of SF, Montara and Half Moon Bay, Pacifica has hills right near the coast. It's a unique town and those of us who live here really love it. It is no Palo Alto or Menlo Park with constant sun and tons of shops and restaurants. But there is a lot of good Asian cuisine and a few random antique shops in Sharp Park. The trails and hills are great for getting in shape and/or taking your dog for a walk. And it is VERY close to SF, as well as all the goods and services you can get in Daly City, South City, and San Bruno. Again, it is NO Palo Alto or Noe Valley. But there are some beautiful homes in Edgemar, Linda Mar, Rockaway Beach, and especially Vallemar.

[capoeira]

The person who made this video did a fantastic job capturing the essence of Pacifica!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_Z0tKCNA8E

[mayorhaggar]

Pacifica is definitely unique...and very close to SF for a suburb...but it's still kind of a love it or hate it kind of place.

[mayorhaggar]

Originally Posted by andyadhi01

I guess its good for people who dont want 'urban people' around them.

Rockridge is good for that too.