Is There a Mainstream Culture in San Francisco? (San Jose, Oakland: crime, home)

[Tallysmom]

As two people that do not answer the phone between 8-9 PM on Tuesdays because it's NCIS night.... I understand.

I think Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill might be more to your liking -- mainstream shopping and chain restaurants, very nice place to be.

There is such a backlash at "suburbia", but a lot of people are failing to realize suburbia has become urban in it's own right. Sure -- it's not going to be the SF or NYC kind of urban. It may not have that high WalkScore, and everything you could want or need in a two block radius.

But I live in a part of Oakland that is as urban as any place -- and it doesn't have that either. In fact -- a lot of SF doesn't have it.

[rah]

I think you're overreacting a little, alaskan princess. San Francisco may be known for being "progressive,'" liberal, green, anti-chain, etc, etc, but when it comes down to it, it's an American city just like any other...plus it's a diverse city, and you can find all sort of differing views on anything. Here's some info that might make you feel a little better:

-The Gap was founded and is headquartered in SF, no problems there.
-There's at least one Olive Garden in SF, and there are plenty of other chain stores, restaurants, and yes, even some big-box stores. Also, remember SF is only 7 by 7 miles, so if we don't have it you don't have to go far to find it.

We have plenty of commercial radio stations too, in fact I would say we don't have enough good independent ones (for my own tastes anyways). We actually have one of the largest radio (and TV) markets in the nation, and it definitely includes top 40.

Also, i personally know plenty people who live in SF who are interested in the same things as you. You won't be deprived here...except for Target, which is still not that long of a drive from SF. It's maybe 15 or 20 minutes south, in Serramonte.

[gizmo980]

Stereotyping is just what it sounds like....... believing stereotypes and generalizations. We can all give our personal opinions and "lifestyles," but really it's a city of almost a million people (4+ million in the greater Bay Area), so NOBODY will be truly unique or alone in their ways.

As for myself, I am quite mainstream in the context of how you described it - don't shop at The Gap because their stuff doesn't fit me right, but I like Macy's and Banana Republic! I also LOVE the Olive Garden (actually went to the one at Stonestown recently with my mother), I watch prime-time television nightly, listen to certain top-40 artists, and my favorite place in the whole world to shop is Target. So no, you won't be alone in your lifestyle, and in fact I bet we'd get along quite well. Don't believe the people who say you need to be rich/elite to live here, because obviously that is false or it would be a small town.

[Nella925]

hey there is a BIG old navy in san francisco and other 'chain' stores lol

[Jeff Jarrett]

There is a Costco in San Francisco but there is no Target or Wal-Mart there.Also there are chain restaurants like Ihop, Olive Garden, and Dennys. But no Applebee, Outback Steak House, or TGI Fridays.

[Lulu101]

Well I don't know about that advice. It might be cheaper there but you can't put a price on personal safety and staying alive.

Originally Posted by sav858

I don't think its as bad as you think but check out Oakland as well as surrounding areas.

[Huckleberry3911948]

dear friend
i know SF well but it hard for me to make comments bek i cant tell where you are coming from.
your name says alaska but your profile is a blank. your style of writing is very much like many people i have known in memphis.
give me a clue and i can help.

[Lulu101]

Are you talking to me?

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

dear friend
i know SF well but it hard for me to make comments bek i cant tell where you are coming from.
your name says alaska but your profile is a blank. your style of writing is very much like many people i have known in memphis.
give me a clue and i can help.

[Stacy From Cali]

I think that many of the posters here have never actually lived in San Francisco, so listen to the ones who tell you that people are people. Living in San Francisco is a great experience and I think that you would fit in just fine. The most affordable "normal" neighborhoods are the Richmond District and the Sunset District. If you live in the Sunset you will be close to the mall at Stonestown (which has an Olive Garden...and a great J.Jill my personal fave...oooh and an Apple store). Sunset is home to many students because it is close to San Francisco State, and the area on Irving Street down by 7th Avenue has lots of great local restaurants and cafes (and a great video store!). AND you're close to the ocean. Best of all worlds if you ask me. Plus you can sometimes find wntire houses for rent for around 2500 a month (which in the Marina would get you a one bedroom apt) and it is a safe place to live.

[Jonotastic]

Don't worry, you will be fine. Grey's Anatomy is huge here, can't say I enjoy it though lol. Seriously, there's so many different types of people here, you will be fine, better yet you will love it here. Besides the high cost of living I rarely hear anyone complain about living in San Francisco. It's a great city.