SF + young kids = workable?

[peliroja]

I am in a similar situation! Moving to SF and trying to find a good area for my daughter (2nd grade). We lucked out in NYC and got her in a great public school in the G&T. Thanks for the info!

[kikiclark]

If looking in the city, try West Portal, inner sunset, noe valley, parkside, inner richmond for starters. There's a lot of walkable amenities near these neighborhoods and also great for kids.

We are raising our three year old in West Portal. Basically, life will be fine IF you can afford to live here. It's crazy expensive here in the city, the only reason were here is we lucked out when we bought ten years ago. Not sure what age your kids are but preschools are pretty pricey here. We pay 11K a year for a part time small, low key, but great school in the inner sunset. Many of the parents there do send thier kids onto public schools and seem quite happy but I haven't been through the process yet but I've heard it's harrowing waiting to find out where you get in.

So, someone mentioned you would be automatically assigned to a school because you live in the neighborhood? that's news to me, I've never heard that before! Please tell me it's so! I have heard it's all a lottery, no matter where you live. Any details on that point?

Otherwise, it's the typical love/hate story raising kids here. Many pluses and many minuses. Pluses: amenities, culture, diversity, walk more than drive to places. Minuses: no land to run free (except the parks), high cost of living, public school problems, terrible drivers, have to be more aware for your kid not to get whacked in the head by someone walking down the sidewalk (luckily they learn that lesson fast).

Regarding race, SF is a good place to be. I see mixed race families all over, it's pretty common here and will become more so.

I can't speak for the peninsula or south SF since I never venture that way.