Please Help! Moving from NYC to SF with Kids

[LexusNexus]

Originally Posted by Miborn

I would call the chamber of commerce they should be able to direct you maybe even send you information packets. They could possibly put you in touch with some realtor's also there are probably some as members. Also contact the police Dept they could probably tell you what areas you should avoid as most realtor's will not fess up to this for the most part.
Good Luck to you!

This is the best advice so far.

[Hobart]

Originally Posted by sherma

Thanks a million. Just following up to these now. Had baby and been busy! I hear laurel heights, portero good too?

Congratulations on the Baby! With a new baby, you really have been busy!

[TwinMom06]

My sister and her husband just moved into a townhouse in Potrero Hill this year. It is a nice neighborhood now, very gentrified. However, it borders a not-so-nice part of town, so be sure to check out the neighborhood fully. The area around Whole Foods Market and Goat Hill Pizza is very cute.

MUNI is decent. However, after living in Manhattan for 5 years and coming back, I do get frustrated sometimes. It is not as efficient as NYC public transportation, but a whole lot better that the bus and light rail system in Boston, DC or Los Angeles. The BART system that travels between San Francisco and the other Bay Area cities does follow its schedule and is very easy to use.

The neighborhoods with nice walking areas include the Presidio, the Marina, Nob Hill, Potrero Hill, Noe Valley, Forest Hill/West Portal.

Inner Sunset can be walking distance to Golden Gate Park and the many museums and activities there. All around 9th Ave and Judah St, there are a many cafes and restaurants and if you live in that area, you will also have easy access to the N-Judah light rail.

[brenty]

Have you considered any suburbs? There are plenty of diverse suburbs in SF. Take a look at Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Sausalito, and Millbrae just to name a few. I would not rent, I would buy. The Bay Area is such a good investment. I still do not understand how people afford these homes here though.

[Milliano]

Originally Posted by brenty

I would not rent, I would buy. The Bay Area is such a good investment. I still do not understand how people afford these homes here though.

Hehe maybe they can't afford them! And if they can't afford them, maybe it's a bad time to buy
The last few years in some parts of the country apparently economists have shown that renting has been more financially sensible than buying. Paying interest for 30 years isn't an investment, it's the opposite.

[sanfran4]

Gizmo you seem to be the person with the SF knowledge. I have a 13 year old son and is starting high school. Where should we look for a great school. Visited Burlingame High in December. How is San Mateo High? He plays football and tennis and we are looking for a great family neighborhood. We also have a first grader. My husband will be working in Brisbane. Any help would be appreciated. We are from LA. We are moving from Atlanta.

[KRISTINsf]

With your budget you could live anywhere.

-Upper Nob Hill
-Russian Hill
-Pacific Heights
-The Marina

All family friendly and in the means of your budget.