Crime in San Francisco (Daly City, Cupertino: job, housing, college)

[redwoodlvr]

Crime is relative. If you believe you will experience it, you will. If you focus your attention on what you want to experience, and I would guess that probably includes peace, you should be fine. Knock on wood, I've never experienced it after living in more than one large metropolitan area most of my life. And I've done some risky things believe me. Walking late at night alone and stuff like this in my younger days. You wouldn't catch me doing this now, but I always walked around with an attitude of "I wish you would" and it works. Criminals can smell fear a mile away. And if you are the proud owner of common sense you are golden. I now live in the burbs and frankly I'm a little more jumpy than when I lived in SF. I'm used to more noise and less wide open spaces. lol. I need to apply my logic to living in the burbs now.

[gizmo980]

I think you're absolutely right, redwood... I'll hear people talk about how CRAZY or dangerous a place is and think - huh???? - because I've had a much different experience there. Guess I just have a no-nonsense attitude, or maybe it's the opposite, and they can sense my peaceful/friendly nature (which is how I really am). I'm also fairly tall & muscular for a woman, so they think I won't be easy to take advantage of. I've definitely had my sketchy moments, but *knock on wood* it's never turned really ugly.

P.S. Until recent years, it probably also helped that I had big boyfriends... last one was a 6'3" 225 lb. Black guy, and one before was a stocky Native American with long hair & a mean-looking attitude (even though he's a sweetie).

[redwoodlvr]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

P.S. Until recent years, it probably also helped that I had big boyfriends... last one was a 6'3" 225 lb. Black guy, and one before was a stocky Native American with long hair & a mean-looking attitude (even though he's a sweetie).

Hey Gizmo, I've had those sketchy moments too, I'm glad you got through yours okay. That's when your common sense kicks in. If you feel like you're being followed in your car, don't go home and drive to the nearest police station. If you feel like someone is following you as you're walking down the street, stop and turn around and stare them in the eye. I've done this and they turned around and walked across the street. If you sense anything off at all, pay attention to your gutt instincts. They're lit up for a reason. Works everytime. I'm short, nice and friendly, but I can become mean like a chihauhau. I think people pick up on this. Especially after a long day at work when I'm on my way home LOL. "Big Boyfriends" definately help too. And Big Law Enforcement Officer Boyfriends are even better. My Dad was a cop and I'm dating a cop. Do you think I should call my therapist? hahaha.

[niffyat]

Wow! The information on this thread has been so helpful for a person like me: I'm moving to SF next year, in January. I'm going to attend SFSU so I was thinking to live in Daly City. Right now, I live in St. Louis, MO... which is only like a city in some neighbourhoods. The one I live in now, the Central West End, is pretty urban, with cafes and small shops and restaurants along the streets, so I'd like to live in a similar environment in SF (any former STL/Midwest people on the forum? How are you doing in SF?)

So I had 2 questions:
1>> What about Japantown? Is it dangerous to work (possibly live) around that area? Is it expensive? I am going to establish residency before I start school, so I don't mind not living in Daly City initially... although I think that would be easier. My minor is Japanese, so I thought it might be cool to live around that area.

2>> I haven't heard a lot about Daly City. I have a friend who moved from STL to Cupertino last year, and when I asked her about Daly City, she asked around and said the general response was "Eh, Daly City..." I don't care if it's boring, but I thought living near the Uni. would be good because there are lots of students around (I hope.). So, any advice on good neighbourhoods that are safe (AND affordable-haha, I hope it's not safe OR affordable when it comes to housing) around SFSU?

Thanks in advance, super friendly San Franciscans!

On a side, totally random note:: I like to know what locals call the town. What do people who are from San Francisco call the area? Is San Fran a tourist name? Heheh, very important question, no?

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by niffyat

On a side, totally random note:: I like to know what locals call the town. What do people who are from San Francisco call the area? Is San Fran a tourist name? Heheh, very important question, no?

Most people I know call it "The City".

Just don't call it "Frisco".

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by mdwstrnkid

Most people I know call it "The City".

Just don't call it "Frisco".

Yep! "San Fran" is also a dead giveaway that you're not from here... most locals simply call it "The City," even when you are in San Jose or Oakland (the latter of which has more residents than SF). Only other acceptable name is San Francisco, or maybe "SF" if you're feeling lazy.

[gizmo980]

Oh, and regarding your other question, Daly City is an OK place... positives are the shopping (3 nearby malls, lots of mini-malls), BART station, proximity to SF & the airport, and in my opinion, the cool weather - which could be a negative for some people. It does have some sketchy areas, particularly near BART and the edge of San Francisco (Cow Palace, Geneva Ave., Mission St., etc). It's pretty nice in the Westlake district, and most parts that are west of hwy 280.

[CamaroGuy]

Originally Posted by mdwstrnkid

Most people I know call it "The City".

Just don't call it "Frisco".

I've heard some of the "PC gestapo" loonies want to drop the "San" part of the name. Something about sepration of church & state.lol They're evidently unaware of the history of California.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by CamaroGuy

I've heard some of the "PC gestapo" loonies want to drop the "San" part of the name. Something about sepration of church & state.lol They're evidently unaware of the history of California.

LOL... even I think that's ridiculous, and I'm an ultra-liberal Jew!

[radagast]

Daly City sucks! (jk but you don't want to live there, it's like living in the ****tier parts of New Jersey, which is where I grew up!)

There are basically no Japanese people in Japan Town anymore...just Korean people for the most part. Trust me you don't want to live near Japan Town it is inconvenient and not that nice of a neighborhood. Check out the Sunset/Parkside areas. Easy to get to SFSU and safe.

There are quite a few Japanese students at SFSU but there are way more Chinese and Korean students

I lived in Japan for 7 years btw, JET program etc etc