NYC vs. San Francisco (best neighborhoods, job market, neighborhoods)

[julicious]

I am contemplating a move within the next year. This question is mostly for those who have lived in both areas, but anyone is welcome to answer.

Which location would be better to live in in terms of safety, job opportunities (i have a degree in web design), and affordable housing (keeping in mind the ratio of income to cost of living).

I have a little boy (6 years old), so I am hoping to be near good schools.

And any other tips or advice are welcome as well.

Thank you!

[David Hammond]

you picked 2 tough areas for a single parent. I'd seriously consider what's the best place for a kid to grow up 6-16 years in.

There are many more places better for a kid than NY and SF, much of which is geared to adults.

[Joe Bama!]

I've been in Brooklyn, New York my whole life. I was raised by a single Mom. It was a tough place at times to grow up. Didn't live in the best neighborhoods, didn't live in the worst neighborhoods.
I'm actually considering moving to the Bay Area. For me it seems to be a better place to raise a family and persue a career. The people seem to be more physically active in the Bay Area because the environment is more suitable. Its freezing cold about 4-5 monthes out of the year here. The schools seem to be not quite as a disaster as the NYC Public School system in which I am a product of. My High School in Coney Island had about 3,500 students with about 35- 40 students in a classroom.
I'd stick to the Bay Area if I was you, but I'm a lil Jaded from my 27 yrs here in New York.

[PeixeGato]

You are comparing apples and oranges when you compare NY and SF. What are you looking for in a city? What do you need to make you happy? Neither has stellar public schools and neither are terribly "kid friendly" (I believe SF has the lowest percentage of residents under 18 in the country and NYC isn't much better).

I used to live in Jersey City, NJ and live in the Bay Area now. I love it here, but that's because it has what I'm looking for.

Its all about what will make you happy. Decide that first, then find the location that fits the bill.

[Happy Cells]

S.F. can't even come near New York City.


ha ha

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by Happy Cells

S.F. can't even come near New York City.


ha ha

Well obviously, its like 3,000 miles away.

[Jonotastic]

I think raising a child in San Francisco would be a much better environment. I LOVE New York City, but the reason I chose San Francisco was because I felt a bit isolated in Manhattan. It takes an hour just to get off the island and is a little too overwhelming for me. This is just my opinion though, I love New York, but I think San Francisco is much more livable. It's basically a smaller NYC built on 40 hills and on the Pacific Ocean. I heard the job market is really competitive in New York City as well, but I cannot say first hand because I've only visited NYC a few times. If you have any specific questions about San Francisco, just ask.