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London is definitely grander than San Francisco as far as historical architecture and bustling thoroughfares. True.
As far as shopping by foot(LOL), there are over 500 stores in Downtown San Francisco that a person could access very easily by foot as they are all in relatively close proximity to each other-I suppose that's one of the advantages of being more compact.
I kind of did a Census a while back. And while I'm certain Central London has significantly more stores, as someone who shops a lot, I found 500-ish stores to be more than enough to satisfy my craving for apparel. LOL
San Francisco has some of the largest department stores in the US, Bloomingdale's 2nd largest store, the 2nd largest Nordstrom, the largest Neiman Marcus store, etc.
Department Stores: 12
Barneys New York
Bloomingdale's
Burlington Coat Factory
Macy's & Macy's Men's Store
Marshall's
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Rack
Ross
Saks Fifth Avenue & Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store
Target
Wilkes Bashford
Partial List of Stores:
7 For All Mankind
AAA Automobile Club Store
A Pea in Pod
A. Shine & Co.(2)
AB Fits
Abercrombie
Abercrombie & Fitch(2)
Ace Hardware(Cole Fox)
Abigail's Flowers
Adidas
Adriano Goldschmied
Aeropostale
Aerosoles
AG Ferrari
Agent Provocateur
Agnes B.
Alden Men's Fine Shoes
Aldo(2)
ALESSI
Alexander McQueen
Allen-Edmonds
Amadeus Flowers
Ambassador Toys
Amber India
American Eagle Outfitters
Amir H. Mozzarffarian
Ann Taylor
Anne Fontaine
Anthropologie
Apple Store
AX Armani Exchange
Elizabeth Arden Red Door
Aricie Lingerie de Marque
Aritzia
The Art of Shaving
Arthur Beren
ArtPeople Gallery
Avant Card
Aveda
Axelle Fine Arts
Azul
B44
Babette
Baby Gap
Bacarrat
Bakers
Banana Republic(3)
Bang Olufsen
The Bar Method
Barcelino(2)
Barcelino Per Donna
Bare Escentuals
Bath & Body Works
BCBG Max Azria
Beautyland
Bebe
Bella Ceramica
Bella Pelle
Benetton
BEST Camera
Betsy Johnson
Black Scale
Bond Latin Galley
Border's Books and Music
Borrelli Menswear
Bottega Veneta
Bose
Bucheron Paris
Hugo Boss
Bossa
Break Point Massage
Brian Gross Fine Art
Bridal Galleria
Brighton Collectibles
Brite Smile
Britex Fabrics
Brooks Brothers
Brookstone
Brows Shaping Salon
Burberry
Burke Williams Day Spa
Bvlgari
Cache
Cafe Coton(Menswear)
Calbee Shop
Caldwell Snyder Gallery
Camper Shoes
Calvin Klein
Candelier
Cardiology
Carlton Hair
Cartier
Casserd Shoes
CB2
Cecile Jeanne
Celine
CH Carolina Herrera
Champs
Chanel
Chico's
Christian Audigier
Christian Dior
Christian Louboutin
Chronicle Books
Claire's Boutique
Clarks
Club Monaco
Club One
Coach
Cocoa Bella Chocolates
Cohen Reese Gallery
CompoClay
Cole Haan
Conway Jewelers
Couture
Cowboys and Angels
Crate & Barrel
Cresalia Jewelers
Crocs
Crumpler
DB Shoes
De Beers
de Vera
DeMasqe
Designer Consigner
Desigual
Diesel USA
Digital Powell
Dior Homme
Disney Store
Don Sherwood's Golf & Tennis
Downtown
DSW Shoe Warehouse
E&O Trading Co.
EB Games
Ed Hardy
Easy Spirit
Eastern Newsstand
Ecco
Eddie Bauer
Edward's Luggage & Gifts
Emporio Armani
Emporio Armani Express
Emporio Rulli on Union Square
Enchanted Garden
Eve Carumba
Express
Farinelli
Salvatore Ferragamo
Ferrari Store
French Connection UK
Fiona's Sweetshoppe
Fly Fishin Outfitters
Footlocker
For Eyes Optical
Forever 21
Fossil
Franco Sarto
Frederick's of Hollywood
Fresh
Furla
G-Star Raw
Galleria de Bellagio
Galleria Hair Design
Game Stop
Gap(3)
Gap Kids(2)
George Krevsky Gallery
Ghiradelli Chocolate
Giants Dugout
Gioia Fine Art
Giorgio Armani
Glitter Optics
Goyard
GNC(2)
Go! Toys & Games
Godiva Chocolatier
Golfsmith
Good Vibrations
Grace Jewelers
Grant's Pipe Shop
Gucci
Guess
Guess by Marciano
Gump's
Gymboree
H2 Cards(Happiness Happiness)
H20
Hang Art
HANNspree
Harper Greer
Harput's
Harry O Meanswear
Hats on Post
Henry Cotton's
Hermes Paris
Herve Leger
H&M(2 locations)
Hicky Freeman
Himmelberger Gallery
Hollister Co.
Hound
Icing
Ilori
International Wholesale Jewelers
J. Crew
Jacqueline Perfumery
James *****
Janie & Jack
Japanese Sweets
Japanese Weekend Maternity
Jeffrey's Toys & Comics
Jenkins Johnson
Jessica McClintock
Jil Sander
Jin Wang
Joanie Char
Joe's Jeans
John Fluevog
John Varvatos
John Walker & Co. Wine & Spirits
Johnston & Murphy
Jos. A. Bank(2)
Judith Ripka
Juicy Couture(2)
K & D Home Furnishings
Karen Miller
karikter
Kashmir Home Collection
Kate Spade
Katie Koos
Kay Jewelers
Kenneth Cole
Kest Jewels
Kiehl's
Klaus Murer Swiss Jeweler
Kvanum
Lacoste
Lady Foot Locker
Lang's Antiques & Estate Jewelry
Latin Bond
Le Colonial
Lenscrafters
Levi's Flagship Store
Lids
Light Opera
Lily Sami
L.L. Brown Jewelers
L'Occitane
L'Occitane en Provence
Locker Room Sports
Loehman's
London Sole
Longchamp
Loro Piana
Louis Vuitton(3)
Lucky Brand
Lucy
Lush
Lupicia
Lutece
Lydia's Flowers
Madewell
Mai Do
Mango
Manika Jewelry
Malm Luggage
Marc Jacobs
Marlowe
Marmot
Marquad's
Martin Lawrence Galleries
Mason Smoke Shop
Max & Co.
Maxmara
Maxferd Jewelry
MaxStudio.com
Medicine New-Shonjin
Memento Press
MemXpress
Melvita
Men's Wearhouse
Metier
Meyerovich
Michael
Michael Kors
Michael Toschi
Midtown Jewelry
A Miner Miracle Shop
MIX
MNG Mango
Montblanc
Morrow's Nut House
Murik Children's Store
Nara Camicie
Natalie's
NE Q&J Boutique
Needlepoint Inc.
New Asia
Nevska
Niketown
Nine West(2)
Nob Hil Cigar
Nobel Shoes
The North Face
Oakley
Old Navy
Office Depot
Onsen
On the Fly
Optica
Optical Underground
Original Discount Perfume
Origins
Orvis
Pacific Sunwear
Pagewhirl
Pandora
Papyrus(2)
Paris Affaire
Paris Jewelry
Patrick & Co.
Paul Frank Store
Paul Smith
Pavillion Christofle
Payless Shoe Source(2)
Pearl Jade Empire
Pesarisi Ceramics
Peter Panos
Thomas Pink
Polo Ralph Lauren
Ponzu
****'s Jewelry
Porsche Design Center
Prada
Premier Atelier
Premier Health & Beauty
Priscilla of Boston
Pro Style
PUMA
Pure Beauty
Quicksilver
Radio Shack(2)
Ralph Lauren Home Collection
Rasputin Music
Ravits Watches & Jewelry
Ria Shoes
Rims & Goggles
Rochester Big & Tall
Rolex
Rockport
Rosetta Stone
Sample Sale
San Francisco Dancewear
Sanrio
Safton Rare Threads
Scheuer Linens
Scoop NYC
See's Candies(2)
Selix
Sephora
Serge Sorrokko
Sereno
SF Jazz Store
SF Museum of Craft Store
SF Souveniers & Luggage
Shiekh
Shirtique
Shoe Wiz
Shreve & Co.
Shuz of San Francisco
Signature Perfume
Sikara Jewelry
Simayof Jewelers
Sisley
Sketchers
S+L Gem Company
So Good Collectibles
Solstice Sunglass Boutique(2)
Something Silver
Spa Nordstrom
Spargo, a place for men
Spectacle Shoppe
St Croix
St John Boutique
Staples
Sterling Works
Stuart Weitzman
Stylo Fine Pens
Sun Shade Optique
Sunglass Hut(2)
Sunglass Hut & Watch Station
Sunshine Health Foods
Superdry UK
Sur La Table(2)
Swarovski
Swatch
Talbot's
Ted Baker
Teknion
Teuscher Chocolates
The Archive
The Artists Alley
The Body Shop
The Children's Place
The Container Store
The Custom Shop Shirtmakers
The Mens Wearhouse(2)
The Rafael's
Theory
Three Bags Full
Tiffany & Co.
Timberland
Tommy Bahama
Torso Vintages
Tory Burch
Torneau
Tous
Travel+
Travelex
True Religion
TSE
TUMI
Ugg Australia
Union Square Gallery Market
UnkKum
Uomo European Meanswer
Urban Outfitters
Valentino
Van Heusen Men & Women
Vanity Beauty Lounge
Vans
Vera Bradley
Vera Wang
Vi Gallery
Victoria's Secret(2)
Vidal Sassoon
Villeroy & Boch
VIP Luggage & Leather
Vision First
Waterworks
Weinstein Gallery
West Cost Leather
Wet Seal
The Whiskey Shop
White House Black Market
White Science
Williams-Sonoma
Wolford
World of Charms
YAP
Xanadu Gallery
Yves Saint Laurent
Zara
Partial List of Grocery Stores:
Bristol Farms
*Not sure if I should include Whole Foods and Safeway in SOMA.
The Ferry Building
Movie Theaters: 3(29 screens total)
AMC Loew's Metreon 16 Cinemas
Century 8 Cinemas at SF Center
Landmark's Embarcadero 5 Cinemas
Partial List of Miscellaneous:
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf(2)
Jamba Juice(4)
McDonald's(4)
Peet's(17)
Starbuck's(32)
Walgreen's(8)
7-11(4)
Restaurants:
In my research, I've discovered that there are at least 1,000 eateries and restaurants in Downtown. Its too exhaustive to go through Google Maps street view.
But to be honest, whenever I prepare to travel somewhere and want to give gifts from here to my friends I go exclusively to local boutiques and shops to find one of a kind stuff.
I will say this. I wish SF had an Asprey store. I love that place.
Anyway, SFs downtown offers a vibrant, upscale, urban vibe for shoppers, workers, visitors and residents alike.
Oh, and in a crushing blow to The City, we have some top tier malls in suburbia. The Bay Area's only Balenciaga and Halston stores are both located at Valley Fair Mall in San Jose. LOL
So now your telling us that as well as a bridge and some trees to entice visitors San Fransico also has some..........shops! Well why didn't you say before! I didn't realise the city was so sofisticated that it actually has shops and shopping centres too! How can New York possibly compete with that! Next you'll be telling me that it has trains or buses or even an airport!
Oh, and in a crushing blow to The City, we have some top tier malls in suburbia. The Bay Area's only Balenciaga and Halston stores are both located at Valley Fair Mall in San Jose. LOL
San Jose isnt a suburb though. That's just something complete idiots over in the City versus City section say and it shows their lack of experience there.
It's a really nice city with the most financially responsible residents on planet Earth. Has every sort of amenity one could ever want. State parks, national parks, urban parks, cultural institutions (museums, art galleries, theater, performing art musical groups), it's own international airport, and a boatload of very very diverse restaurants, foreign movie theaters, foreign clothing stores, foreign prayer halls, foreign consulates, an international airport, two professional sports teams. Some of the most powerful and richest companies on the face of the planet and in it's suburbs one of the planet's greatest private universities in Stanford (and in my opinion the most prestigious in the United States after Harvard). Lots of nature and hiking trails and recreational areas. An awesome location, less than an hour to San Francisco, less than an hour to Oakland, just a little more than an hour to Sacramento, and a weekend trip / long weekend trip to the likes of Reno, Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Diego, Tijuana, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. So on.
So now your telling us that as well as a bridge and some trees to entice visitors San Fransico also has some..........shops! Well why didn't you say before! I didn't realise the city was so sofisticated that it actually has shops and shopping centres too! How can New York possibly compete with that! Next you'll be telling me that it has trains or buses or even an airport!
Hey now! Does London have, for example, a Burlington Coat Factory or Marshall's? Didn't think so!
Hey now! Does London have, for example, a Burlington Coat Factory or Marshall's? Didn't think so!
F*ck knows but if it doesn't I'm on the first flight there! (it does have an airport apparently), forget the pyramids, forget the Tal Mahal! I want to see the 'coat shop'!
So now your telling us that as well as a bridge and some trees to entice visitors San Fransico also has some..........shops! Well why didn't you say before! I didn't realise the city was so sofisticated that it actually has shops and shopping centres too! How can New York possibly compete with that! Next you'll be telling me that it has trains or buses or even an airport!
Most international travellers, will tell you that London beats out S.F. for shopping. Union Square in S.F. is just mostly chain stores that exist all over the U.S. so nothing special.
Yes there are other areas with shops, but anyone who has walked down Market Street, will tell you how dirty it looks. Some of the panhandlers are quite aggressive.
Is shopping in S.F. enjoyable, of course it is, but as a North American it's really just more of the same.
Shopping in London is on a totally different level, especially at Christmas time.
San Jose isnt a suburb though. That's just something complete idiots over in the City versus City section say and it shows their lack of experience there.
Well, Valley Fair is actually located in Santa Clara, which is a suburb. That's what I meant. And I work in Palo Alto so I'm not unfamiliar at all.
Quote:
It's a really nice city with the most financially responsible residents on planet Earth.
Well, San Jose itself is great but I will take this opportunity to share this:
Quote:
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – A new study says Silicon Valley has the highest level of well-being in America, while depressed parts of the San Joaquin Valley have the lowest. The “Portrait of California,” constructed by the American Human Development Project, measures well-being and access to opportunity, based on level of education, income and life expectancy.
Here are the top scoring places in CA: Bay Area in Red County-Area Santa Clara-Los Altos/ Mountain View/ Palo Alto 9.35<- Highest score in the US. Santa Clara-Cupertino/Saratoga/Los Gatos 9.12
Orange-Newport Beach to Laguna Hills 8.88 Contra Costa-Moraga to Walnut Creek 8.77 Contra Costa-San Ramon/ Danville/ Alamo 8.76
Los Angeles-Bel Air/Brentwood/Pacific Palisades 8.75
Orange-Irvine 8.73
Los Angeles-Redondo/Manhattan/Hermosa/El Segundo 8.63 San Francisco-Marina/North Beach/Chinatown 8.27 Santa Clara-Sunnyvale 8.25 Alameda-Piedmont/Oakland-Berkeley Hills 8.24 San Mateo-City & Pacific Coast 8.20
San Diego-Torrey Pines to Mission Bay 8.17
Los Angeles-Signal Hill/Palos Verdes/Lomita 8.16 Alameda-Livermore 8.07 Marin-Mill Valley 8.06
San Diego-Encinitas 8.06
San Diego-Poway 8.02 Santa Clara-Almaden 8.02
As far as quality of life, the Bay Area offers huge swaths of very desirable, family-oriented, highly regarded areas all over the region with exceptional schools, extremely high levels of affluence and educational attainment.
That's actually very, very important to lots of people.
I'm unsure if this is a parody of montclair or not, but it was a very entertaining to read anyway.
Funniest thread ever. San Francisco is a nice city in a beautiful location, but the only way to magnify it to make it comparable to the status of London is by distorting the emphasis of certain metrics, making lop-sided comparisons by equivocating on definitions of either urban area and deliberate, select ignorance of other important metrics.
The Bay Area apologists have done all of the above extremely liberally. It's far from convincing, and if anything, makes San Francisco look worse than what it is.
What metrics would you like to measure then? Surely not economics, because so far we can establish a few things: Social mobility in London is weak compared to S.F., San Francisco--thats pretty obvious when analyzing the abundance of wealthy Youth in S.F. to the old money London elite. Surely not unemployment as S.F. is 4.8% vs London's 8%. Surrounding Bay Area cities like Berkeley, Oakland/Fremont/Hayward, San Jose/Silicon Valley are 6.3%, 6.8%, and 6.3% respectively. Surely not average income since London's is 21,600 pounds versus 74,922 dollars for the Bay Area (I left out greater London because I couldn't find any data, but from a distribution chart it was clear the incomes go lower deviating away from London immediate, and it plays in your favor since combining all the Bay Area actually lowers income).
You can counter and say there's high investment in London, but investment is not only not specific, but it doesn't establish any economic status for the average person, nor does it tell us what region is more prosperous. Surely not education, as Oxford may have historical value, but it's no match for Berkeley and Stanford. Surely not technology, but that goes without saying.
So because of this we go off into more subjective methods of what area is better, and London has much historical value. I can admit this freely, and I saw it when I lived in Westminster. But if you're going to say that SF boosters are ignoring metrics, can you please lay down some besides saying vague statements and ignoring objective data.
Everybody knows that London is more recognizable than San Francisco, or at least more mentioned ( I question 'recognizable'), but in todays modern world, do you sincerely believe that San Francisco is a 'nice city' and 'beautiful location', and not 'the mega-center of global technology' and 'economically seconded only to New York'? In todays world where technology is growing exponentially, do you really thing more professional foreigners want to go to London over San Francisco?
You've got to be joking if you do.
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