Moving to San Fran from Boston (San Francisco, Oakland: to rent, condos, houses)

[guthrie_jennifer]

My husband and I are moving to San Fran and looking forward to it! We both have been there on vacation and loved it. I currently work in the telecommunication field (American Tower Corp) and I was wondering how the job market is there?
Also, the high cost of living has me a little nervous. We are looking to buy within 6 months... we are going to rent until we get a feel of the area. Do you have any suggestions on neighborhoods that are safe, good location and not unreasonably price for a condo / home buying? Boston is not inexpensive, so I'm used to higher cost of living. Any insight will be helpful.

[NoSoulInSoCA]

As far as the rents, they are comparable to the rents in Boston, but it is much harder to find a decent place there, as there just isn't as much to go around. The only good places I ever found were through friends, friends of friends, someone died, that sort of thing. "Condos" don't really exist, unless you go outside the city itself, you will most likely have to get into a partial Victorian if you want something nice. There are some newer, high-rise buildings along the Embarcadero, but I've been inside and they are crap. As far as neighborhoods, where you might like to live would depend on the kind of people you are, what you like to do, the kind of places you like to go, etc. They all have their own kind of community and character about them. Just explore, and see where you feel you are a "fit." You will find the city to be a vastly different experience from the Boston one -- I know because I moved from there to Boston (and cannot wait to go back!) Good Luck!
PS One little tip...don't call it San Fran or Frisco, it akin to saying you hate the Red Sox

[gizmo980]

Like the above post said, San Francisco has a ton of neighborhoods, each with their own distinct personality... and I also agree about condos being rare, since the city is mostly row-houses & Victorians. Outside of the financial district, you don't see many high-rises here, mostly due to earthquake dangers. But anyway, there are plenty of homes available to buy - at a hefty cost, of course. The prices for a typical SF home (2-3 bedroom) can range anywhere from $650K-$1M and up, depending on the quality & location. We also pay a lot for views here, so double the price if you can see water or a bridge!

Without knowing your exact price range or preferences, I'd suggest looking into the following neighborhoods... Noe Valley, Inner Richmond, North Beach, Bernal Heights, Potrero Hill, Glen Park, and maybe SoMa. These are all nice neighborhoods, but not THE most expensive ones (which would include Nob Hill, Twin Peaks, Presidio, etc). But it all depends on what exactly you like... for instance, do you want to be near public transportation and/or downtown? Do you like a more quiet area, or something "bustling?" And what kind of activities do you enjoy? Also, if you have (or plan to have) children, that can make a difference in what I'd suggest.

[trevor-b]

Only one suggestion: lose the San Fran moniker

SF, the city etc are all acceptable alternatives

[Lurker]

Originally Posted by lemonadegirl

There are some newer, high-rise buildings along the Embarcadero, but I've been inside and they are crap.

What is wrong with them? I was planning on looking in South Beach and vicinity and I'd like to know what to avoid.

[jscore]

I wouldn't say the new condos on Embarcadero are crap; they're pretty nice actually.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by jscore

I wouldn't say the new condos on Embarcadero are crap; they're pretty nice actually.

I haven't actually been inside them, but they certainly look nice from the outside - especially the ones near AT&T Park, which I believe is now called the "Mission Bay" district. My sister's friend bought a place there, and she's a fairly successful doctor (who grew up in serious luxury)... so I doubt she'd buy crap!

[mburns]

Hi Jennifer,

I am also a native of Boston and now live in the East Bay. I love it and there are actually many similarities to the Boston area. If you are thinking about living outside of SF, there are some great neighborhoods in Oakland and Berkeley. Redwood Heights, Montclair, and Crocker Highlands just to name a few.

By the way, I also used to refer to SF as San Fran. My husband, a native of Oakland, broke me of the habit, but I don't know what's wrong with saying that. I think it sounds endearing.

Mary
Alain Pinel Realtors

[pppkkk]

Boston and the people are infinitely better..