Do you SFers realize how lucky you are to live there? (San Jose: insurance, standard of living)

[Bulldogdad]

SF'ers is that what we are calling them now.

I like it.


Those damn SF'ers and their stupid circumcision bans.

[ubringliten]

Originally Posted by analyze_this

I have lived/ traveled all over the country and there is no city as beautiful with such lovely weather, great restaurants, diversity, breathtaking natural beauty as SF/ Bay Area.

Do you people have any idea that you live in the closest thing to paradise in the country despite the high COL? I am so jealous of you all...I have to rot in the miserable winters of the east coast till I can relo out there.

Thanks dude!

I decided to take a break from work and took a 45 minutes walk along the Bay Trail right before sunset. Wow it is amazingly beautiful today, from pink to dark blue sky due to the mist.

[Texas User]

Originally Posted by analyze_this

I have lived/ traveled all over the country and there is no city as beautiful with such lovely weather, great restaurants, diversity, breathtaking natural beauty as SF/ Bay Area.

Do you people have any idea that you live in the closest thing to paradise in the country despite the high COL? I am so jealous of you all...I have to rot in the miserable winters of the east coast till I can relo out there.

It is my favorite city on the planet. I have lived very near there and visted many times. Sure, its an AWESOME place to live IF YOU have THE MONEY!

What good is all that if you can't afford it?

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

the political climate and crazy costs would keep me away.

Costs =

Lack of Bible-thumping psychos =

[dalparadise]

I just moved here from Texas. I took a cut in pay and an increase in COL and couldn't be happier. I get it -- it's expensive. The word is out on that one. But guess what? you get what you pay for. Everybody in Houston warned me that I wouldn't have the same standard of living here. I am happy to report they were right.

In Houston, my wife and I lived in a 3000 sq. foot house, where we never even went into half of it. We drove two cars. Mine, with gas, insurance, tolls and payment was about $1000 per month. I traded it in and lowered that to about $300 per month, all-in. Add a MUNI pass and for around $400 total, we will replace $1700/mo in expenses. Renting a more reasonable, less wasteful place will cost about $300 less per month than my mortgage. I like the radio stations here, so I cancelled my XM radio (which was a must in crappy Houston) and I'm saving in a lot of other ways, too -- don't even start me on air conditioning bills...

So please, Texas people, stop telling me how expensive it is in SF. Is that the best you have? The money I spent compensating myself for living in such a difficult environment was wasted. Now, I'm actually enjoying LIFE, not just the things I buy.

I've wanted to come here since I was about 18. I'm 42 now. It was a long time coming, but worth the wait.

[rkwalton]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

Costs =

Lack of Bible-thumping psychos =

I totally agree!

[ubringliten]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

I just moved here from Texas. I took a cut in pay and an increase in COL and couldn't be happier. I get it -- it's expensive. The word is out on that one. But guess what? you get what you pay for. Everybody in Houston warned me that I wouldn't have the same standard of living here. I am happy to report they were right.

In Houston, my wife and I lived in a 3000 sq. foot house, where we never even went into half of it. We drove two cars. Mine, with gas, insurance, tolls and payment was about $1000 per month. I traded it in and lowered that to about $300 per month, all-in. Add a MUNI pass and for around $400 total, we will replace $1700/mo in expenses. Renting a more reasonable, less wasteful place will cost about $300 less per month than my mortgage. I like the radio stations here, so I cancelled my XM radio (which was a must in crappy Houston) and I'm saving in a lot of other ways, too -- don't even start me on air conditioning bills...

So please, Texas people, stop telling me how expensive it is in SF. Is that the best you have? The money I spent compensating myself for living in such a difficult environment was wasted. Now, I'm actually enjoying LIFE, not just the things I buy.

I've wanted to come here since I was about 18. I'm 42 now. It was a long time coming, but worth the wait.

Great post! The Embarcadero is my front yard and Golden Gate Park is my backyard. Both are bike ride distance away. The Embarcadero had amazing fireworks for NYE and it took us 5 minutes to bike there and seeing people stuck in traffic a little silly. Watching all sorts of people gather, exercise and play on a Saturday morning is a blessing. Taking the Muni and seeing people interact with each other on the bus is always interesting. It may take a little longer to get to places, but the journey is well worth it. Waking up to fresh air and clear and self sustaining environment (relatively speaking) makes my morning walk to public transit giggly. And amenities that are so overwhelming and most of them are free.

I used to live in San Diego, beautiful weather and beaches. I lived in the suburbs, a nice HOA community, have two cars and a 4 bedroom house (built in 2003). My wife and I too spent only in half of the house. It was nice but not as interesting and fun as living in a condo and having a stimulating life.

We downsized by 50% and we have more fun and the living expenses are about the same. At least I know I am not wasting water watering the lawns and I am more healthy than before.

[katnip kid]

This thread is making me want to move...or at least pay a visit.

[MystSky]

Yes, thread is really truth.
@dalparadise, I'm really happy for you.

Except the beautiful scenery, nature and climate, I like open-minded and liberal characteristic of San Francisco.

So, the combination of it all is a dream!

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by analyze_this

Do you people have any idea that you live in the closest thing to paradise in the country despite the high COL?

NO! I have lived in many places and overcrowded Frisco is without out a doubt the worst place I have lived.

Top 10 Reasons I Hate San Francisco