SF relocation - some questions (San Diego, San Jose: apartment, brokers, movies)

[urbantraveler]

I am living in NYC now and thinking about a possible move to SF. I have a few questions.

How difficult is it to find an apartment in the bay area? Is it as difficult as it would be in NYC? Would I need to go through a broker? Can someone recommend some newspapers or free local papers that might have listings? Is there anyplace online besides Craigslist that I could check?

Also, what areas would be good areas for me to live in? I would like to be able to commute to downtown via Bart or Caltrain. I would like to be close to city life and within walking distance to some restaurants, shops, movies, etc. but would also like to have a back yard or some outdoor space. And I don’t want a cramped, NYC-sized apartment. I'm not sure if I would want to be right in SF/bay area or on the outskirts/suburbs. (Could someone make recommendations in both areas?) Is this possible in the city or would I need to move to a more suburban area for outdoor space and more square footage? Also, what is parking like? Is it fairly easy to park on the street? Is car theft an issue in most areas?

Last question: how would you (as a resident) characterize the city in terms of friendliness of residents and ease of someone fitting in from the east coast? I am single and middle-aged and I love the arts and music. I have a lot of interests and for a long time loved living in NYC but the place has changed and so have I. I’m looking for somewhere that would be a little more laid-back (and more friendly) but still interesting. Do you think that SF would be a good fit for me?

Thanks for your input.

[humboldtrat]

SF Chronicle classified ads: San Francisco Bay Area — News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Classifieds: SFGate
San Jose Mercury News classified ads: Home - San Jose Mercury News

Rent will be a little cheaper in the suburbs than in San Francisco. And on street parking is extremely difficult in SF.

Go for any of the suburbs on the peninsula (south of SF), but skip the towns near SFO airport because of jet noise.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by urbantraveler

Last question: how would you (as a resident) characterize the city in terms of friendliness of residents and ease of someone fitting in from the east coast? I am single and middle-aged and I love the arts and music. I have a lot of interests and for a long time loved living in NYC but the place has changed and so have I. I’m looking for somewhere that would be a little more laid-back (and more friendly) but still interesting. Do you think that SF would be a good fit for me?

Thanks for your input.

The friendliness of SF was just addressed in a previous post.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/4898661-post8.html

"Laid back and more friendly" is a great description of San Diego,not San Francisco!

[NorthernCalifornia]

brokers are not a normal thing in SF, apartment management co's are though. They're a bit like mini-coop boards at times. bring cash and you'll get it done.