Relocating to San Francisco-East versus West parts of town (Richmond: apartments, neighborhoods)

[mwaussie]

I have more questions for everyone after reading alot of articles and posts. In my search for apartments, I've been drawn to the west side due to the proximity to the outdoor activities of the beach and GG park. A little more inland, I've enjoyed exploring Haight Ashbury. I like the variety of interesting and/or unusual people.

But then there's fun of the Castro and I've heard the Mission is cool. It seems most of the action and nightlife is on the upper east side.
I've read that San Fran is made up of pockets of neighborhoods with distinct class levels and lifestyles.

Is there anywhere that is a compromise? Say, somewhat artsy, somewhat alternative, green living, not too far from the beach and/or parks and is neither run down nor snobby. Or is this my personal, unrealistic idea of utopia?

[Stacy From Cali]

Well I loved living on the westside personally, but if its a "scene" you are looking for you won't find it there. Outer Richmond and Sunset are quiet neighborhoods, much maligned by the college crowd for being "boring". However its not a run-down area by any means, nor is it snobby. Its one of the few areas in the city that has more families than singles. Its just as green as any other part of the city, in that a green lifestyle is what you make it...you are more likely to be able to have a yard in these neighborhoods if that makes a difference to you.

Outer Richmond has a cute little neighborhood strip along Balboa whith restaurants and a couple of coffee shops but its more asian than artsy (not that ya 'can't be both). Simple Pleasures cafe on Balboa is great (they roast their own coffee and their bagels are sublime).

Outer Sunset has a great health-food store out by 43rd and Judah (I think) and a place nextdoor where you can get vegan burritos an smoothies. The store has been there forever. It is nice to be able to get onto the N-Judah and take it downtown and its quicker than taking the Geary Bus from the Richmond...but I still loved living in the Richmond because of its proximity to Land's End and Clement St.

Ok..now I'm just rambling. Hope this helped.

[uptown_urbanist]

I like our location in the Central Richmond - we can walk to the beach (China and Baker), to the Inner Richmond Clement strip, to all the businesses in the 20s and Clement, to the stuff along Geary, and to the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. There are tons of restaurants and bars within walking distance of our house. It's not a run-down or snobby place, and there's a pretty good mix of ages. There's more going on than in the Outer Richmond, but we're still close enough to easily get to Ocean Beach and that area. Depending on where your job or friends are located it might not be as convenient as something on the other side of town, but there are many positives to balance that out.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

The Inner Sunset, Cole Valley and the Western edge of the Haight.

[matt345]

I'm also considering this area for my eventual move to San Francisco. Now just to give me some perspective coming from LA....when people say it's a boring area, are we talking "San Fernando Valley boring" or just boring when compared to a place like the Castro?

[redwoodlvr]

Originally Posted by matt345

I'm also considering this area for my eventual move to San Francisco. Now just to give me some perspective coming from LA....when people say it's a boring area, are we talking "San Fernando Valley boring" or just boring when compared to a place like the Castro?

IMO boring in the sense that there is less activity and the definition of activity falls in the subjective category. I love the Sunset/Richmond districts because of their close proximity to the ocean, GG Park, hiking trails and they're quieter than other districts. You're only 20-30 minutes away from the coveted activity irregardless - San Francisco is a small city in comparsion to LA for example. Wherever you live, you're not far from whatever you're seeking. If you enjoy nature & reflecting in your downtime, I would consider the west end. But also keep in mind you will be just a little bit freezing cold on some days ~ it can be cold & foggy moreso than other areas of the City. On the same day and at the same hour nonetheless. Good luck with your move.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

The Inner Sunset, Cole Valley and the Western edge of the Haight.

I HEART Cole Valley. One of my favorite neighborhoods in The City.