Who thinks San Francisco has the best weather in the USA? (Los Angeles: lease, yard)

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by tstieber

Lifeshadower, I actually did grow up in the far East Bay (Mt Diablo Foothills) and, as you mentioned, we didn't have the redwoods out there. It was too dry and hot, but we did have some nice oak groves in shady canyons. Personally, I prefer the more sparse landscape to the redwoods, because you get nice vistas instead of being closed in. But the redwoods are nice to visit nearby.

I guess growing up in SoCal, I always associated NorCal and San Francisco the most with Redwoods since we have absolutely none in LA. There are rolling hills with oak groves near here as well (near Calabasas), but its noticeably drier. It's different, that's all.

I drive by the Mount Diablo Foothills everyday before work. It's absolutely wonderful right now because it has rained so much. Just rolling green hills with oak trees. Before I leave the Bay Area, I will definitely hike them!

Originally Posted by jman650

Great post (as usual ) and I totally agree. I fully enjoy both as well and can adapt to either one. I personally prefer the air quality that comes with the West Bay fog, and the cooling off effect that we get. But at the same time the consistent warm weather in SoCal is amazing too. I think the best overall IMO outside of the Bay is in the Solvang-to-Santa Barbara region.

Ironically this is the first time I've ever heard anyone refer to the peninsula as the 'West Bay' I would agree that the most consistent weather in Central California, with San Diego coming in as a close second. Aren't microclimates just wonderful? I don't know why, but I always associate warmer weather with happiness...maybe it has a lot to due with the fact I'm a July baby

I would live directly in the city for at least a while should I move. But I'd also like to feel like there are a couple of appealing options outside of the city for down the road. I haven't checked those areas out enough yet. I will say I've spent time in SSF and walked down into San Bruno once. Very unappealing. So much so that I decided not to venture further south into Burlingame etc as I had originally planned to do on my last trip. Admittedly, I did want to hang out in the city some more and realize it's not fair to judge all points south of the city based on SSF and San Bruno....but...they did leave me with a general feeling of disinterest in anything outside the city. And parts east or north of the city obviously would involve a commute over (or under) the Bay. So, I dunno

Well, try living in the city. You may learn to adapt to the weather. However, there are plenty of awesome places along the peninsula you should check out if you are planning a more long-term move.

The great thing about the Bay is that its not THAT long a drive if you ever need a SoCal fix. My first year having a car up at Berkeley, I visited LA almost twice a month, and that's all I needed. Now that I'm leaving, I feel like I might be visiting the Bay twice a month, because it grew on me. By far, even though I'm definitely a SoCal kid, the Bay Area is my 2nd most favorite area of the country (even more than NYC, which I didn't like at all!)

Like what Joe Dirt says 'Home is where you make it'.

[tstieber]

Lifeshadower, I'm the same way, but in reverse -- the Bay Area is #1 for me, SoCal #2, and that's pretty much it for me. The Mt. Diablo foothills are nice and green now, but not sure if you've ever been out there in the summertime. Once the rainy season is over, those babies turn into a beautiful golden brown fire hazard. I actually think they look better yellow than green, personally, because it makes them look more unique. In particular the hills around North Concord into Pittsburg, which have virtually no trees, appear like sand dunes from a distance (as we've been told by puzzled out of towners), until you get close to them.

Not sure where Calabasas is, but one area that really reminds me of the Diablo Valley is the SFV. The mountains around Burbank and Woodland Hills are so similar to Contra Costa County.

[MalaK]

Even though I'm from Marin and love it to death, I have to say that the best
weather belongs to the coast in Southern California. I'm talking about Newport Beach,
Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point etc. San Diego can get really hot,
although La Jolla is got great weather too.

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by tstieber

Lifeshadower, I'm the same way, but in reverse -- the Bay Area is #1 for me, SoCal #2, and that's pretty much it for me. The Mt. Diablo foothills are nice and green now, but not sure if you've ever been out there in the summertime. Once the rainy season is over, those babies turn into a beautiful golden brown fire hazard. I actually think they look better yellow than green, personally, because it makes them look more unique. In particular the hills around North Concord into Pittsburg, which have virtually no trees, appear like sand dunes from a distance (as we've been told by puzzled out of towners), until you get close to them.

Not sure where Calabasas is, but one area that really reminds me of the Diablo Valley is the SFV. The mountains around Burbank and Woodland Hills are so similar to Contra Costa County.

Calabasas is on the west side of the SFV, directly west of Woodland Hills. I grew up in North Hollywood, so I saw the mountains around Burbank every single day of my life. I don't think the SFV and Diablo Valley have much in common, especially since the mountains around the SFV typically are brown with no foliage most of the time. In fact, if you hike along the west side of the SFV, it almost looks like desert mountains!

Near Calabasas, there are more rolling hills with oak trees along the 101, much like the ones in Diablo Valley. During the Summer, the resemblance is uncanny! I used to drive by Concord and Pittsburg on the way to the marina, and thought the same thing.

I think being from SoCal, almost any place's weather is absolutely inferior in comparison. I was there this past weekend; 82 degrees in LA with lows in the high 60s in February! That's what I grew up thinking the whole world should be like, but its not. The one thing I like about the Bay though is that its not nearly as dry, so when I sweat after running it doesn't feel sticky or anything. You learn to appreciate it after a while (especially if you've lived any other place besides California)

[sabbytabby]

...not I said the duck...

[PSBlows]

Originally Posted by Rhymes with Best Coast

I'll testify! SF has the absolute best weather in the world for me because I have sensitive skin. I can't stand the heat, humidity, or the cold. Period.

When I'm in even slightly humid conditions, I break out into hives. I'm glad my parents immigrated to the US, cuz I'd probably be dead from the heat and humidity of thier native lands. Heat rash, miliaria, you name it, I get it from heat and humidity.

I just got back from NYC and the cold temperatures between 20-30 does not do it for me as well. I got a blister on my lip because of the freeze and it just won't heal. Totally embarrassing for me at work.

SF is the perfect ideal. It's mild and fair, and warms up from time to time.

If it gets a bit cold, put on a light coat. No big deal. I'm shocked at the people that make this a big deal. If I had to live in a region with 4 season, it would be the death of me, seriously.

And don't get me started on our microclimates. We probably have the only customizable weather in the world, especially in the summer. Anywhere from 60 to 90+ degrees, it's up to you - you can choose. How crazy is that?

hmm, sounds to me like San Diego would be even better for you than SF.

San Diego is consistently mild throughout the whole year. It's never really warm except in the summer, and even then it's still usually in the high 70s.

[PSBlows]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

LOL...furthemore, the same people who claim to love heat are the first ones to put their AC on 65 as soon as they jump in their cars on a hot day.

I mean if its all that, why not swelter all the way. But no, they have to condition their air to feel like, well, San Francisco.

Ironic.

that's because the heat in a car that has been parked in the sun is just way too much. It feels like you're in an oven.

outside in warm weather feels evenly warm all over your body, while the hot car temp just burns your face.

[NorCal Dude]

SF, the best weather, thats a laugh. More like most mediocore weather in the US. That's more like it. Any place that has a yearly temperature ranging from 58 at its coldest to 72...I'll pass.

Id rather be hot, or cool, not both. 58-72 degrees means most of the year sf is too cold to wear a t shirt and to warm to wear long sleeves. Its the worst because if I am walking and get a little warm, I take off my long sleeve but then the chilly air hits and I wanted to put it back on. Cant ever find a happy medium. Thats SF weather.

I go to Giants games every year, and I remember the craptastic days of Candlestick. Where going to a baseball game in July felt like Going to A chicago bears game the day after Holloween.

Better weather in the east and south bay for sure. SF is known for a lot of things, but good weather, it is not.

[AliveandWell]

As long as there is not a huge wind blowing, if the temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, all you have to do is wear a long sleeved shirt and or a sweater and you are fine. The only real strike I see against SF weather is the wind. Otherwise it is pretty pleasant From a strictly comfort standpoint, SF seems pretty comfortable. And I'm only talking about SF the city not the other parts of the Bay. From what I understand, other parts of the Bay Area do get hotter in the summer. Is that true?

[ImRandy]

Originally Posted by AliveandWell

From what I understand, other parts of the Bay Area do get hotter in the summer. Is that true?

Even with the wind SF is pretty pleasant but I can see if you don't have a nice shirt it can be uncomfortable. Much of the Bay Area gets quite warm during the summer with the outer Bay Area frequently getting over 100°. This summer has been relatively decent in the hot areas. Fewer days of extreme heat and unlike "normal" years it isn't staying hot in the evenings dipping down into the 50's. A welcome change when it's normally still 80-90° at midnight here.