Good Towns Outside SF For Single, Professional, "Thirty-Something" Females? (San Francisco: rental, job market)

[Gingerblu]

Does anyone have any opinions on towns around SF that would be suitable for a single, professional, thirty-four year old female who'd eventually be looking to restart her career in international marketing/communication?

I'm tired of living in a dreary, cold and snowy part of the country and would love to just escape. I have always loved California and figure that if I don't do it now...I'll never do it!

SF itself is amazing, but so expensive. Can anyone suggest an area anywhere in the vicinity that might be more reasonable AND be great for meeting people/dating others in their 30's?

I love the wine regions...is there anywhere up around those areas that fits the description? What about job opportunity in my field? What about other places north or south of SF?

My two main concerns are (1) finding a place that won't be too difficult to restart my career and (2) finding a place that will be easy enough to meet other single professionals my age and date.

[sliverbox]

yes. I have a few suggestions, but they might be a little further from SF:
Austin, Raleigh, Atlanta, Dallas. These are also warmer and about 1/3rd the cost. good luck.

[Gingerblu]

Damn, I knew someone would say something like that!

[City Boy]

My Recommendation

Oakland, Alameda, Treasure Island, Port Richmond, Albany, El Cerrito, Berkeley. Still expensive but better weather and cheaper than SF but only a short drive or BART ride away from the city.

[gizmo980]

I second the above... especially Berkeley and Oakland, which are very popular for young single folks. Fyi, I'm "single, female, professional & 30-something" too, and live in the southeast part of San Francisco. This part of town is actually quite cheap, and I'm downtown in less than 10 minutes when I want to "mingle". Don't rule out San Francisco, until you've actually researched the rental costs in every neighborhood - check craigslist for listings, where I found my current house! If you want info on where exactly to look/avoid, let me know.

Oh, and in addition to the above towns, you could look around the North Peninsula... Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Brisbane, Millbrae, etc. They aren't that exciting really, but all have easy access to the city. You might also consider the Palo Alto area, which has a pretty good social scene. Slightly younger crowds, though, since there are a few colleges nearby.

[Gingerblu]

Thanks so much for your replies...and, Gizmo, thanks for offering to fill me in on what areas to avoid. I will definitely contact you when I get closer to making a move.

One quick question...City Boy mentioned Treasure Island (echoed by Gizmo)...where is it? I looked, but couldn't find it on a map.

What kind of place is Petaluma, by the way? Probably not quite what I'm looking for, I gather?

Thanks again to all!

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Gingerblu

Thanks so much for your replies...and, Gizmo, thanks for offering to fill me in on what areas to avoid. I will definitely contact you when I get closer to making a move.

No problemo. Feel free to PM me when you're ready, and I'll do my best to fill you in. I've only been living in the city for 2 months (also lived here for a year after high school), but I grew up just 12 miles away, so I'm a "real" local.

One quick question...City Boy mentioned Treasure Island (echoed by Gizmo)...where is it? I looked, but couldn't find it on a map.

What kind of place is Petaluma, by the way? Probably not quite what I'm looking for, I gather?

Treasure Island is technically part of San Francisco, as far as I know... it's right off the Bay Bridge, about halfway between SF and Oakland. It's a beautiful spot, but honestly I don't know many people who live there - probably because it's a b-tch to drive on that bridge every day!! Here's some more info on it: http://www.sfgov.org/site/treasureisland_index.asp?id=286 (broken link)

I don't know too much about Petaluma, but it's quite a drive from San Francisco... I'd guess it takes about an hour, possibly more with traffic on the Golden Gate. I have heard it's a pretty nice town, but then again, they did a "To Catch a Predator" episode there - mega scary. Good luck in your decision!

[northbay_guy]

It doesn't sound Petaluma would be what you're looking for, but thought I'd respond since you asked about it. I grew up in Petaluma and IMO, it's a great town for families, but not so much for single 30-somethings looking to meet people. It does have a fairly lively downtown for a town it's size, but I think you'd do much better closer to San Francisco. Not to mention, the commute from Petaluma to San Francisco would be rough (minimum of an hour each way).

If you are interested in the North Bay San Rafael might be a better option for you. It also has a lively downtown, is much closer to San Francisco (which is where I'm presuming you will work), and from what I can tell has a good singles scene (at least for the area). If you are looking at the East Bay at all I'd also consider looking at Walnut Creek. It has an excellent downtown, plenty of nightlife, and from what my brother tells me a pretty good singles scene as well... plus you'd have a pretty easy commute to San Francsico on BART.

[DianasBow]

Hi,
I'm thinking about moving to the SF area too. I'm gay & wiccan and would like to live in a politically liberal area. I'm an adminstrative and organizational consultant, but business is slow here in Atlanta.

Can someone tell me how the job market for Administrative Assistants is? I've mostly worked for and with non-profits and I'm really passionate about working for a "green" organization or company. Also, a big deal for me since I don't have a car... How convenient is the BART system?

Thanks!