San Francisco

caliotter3 · Dec 13, 2009

No jobs and few, if any, places with yards. Most housing in San Francisco is overpriced apartments with no parking, and few of them. Most people live as far away from the city as their budget and their transportation money will allow.

desertnurse222 · Dec 14, 2009

Awww. That's too bad. Not really interested in living outside of the city. What do people in SF with pets do?

CaliAliRN · Dec 14, 2009

Awww. That's too bad. Not really interested in living outside of the city. What do people in SF with pets do?

It is possible to have pets in SF. There are a bunch of dog parks spread through out the city so as long as your puppy dog is house trained, you'll have plenty of locations to take him out to play and socialize with other dogs.

http://sanfrancisco.about.com/od/environmentnature/a/dogparks.htm

As for cats, they will have to become indoor kitties if you are gonna live in the city. Neighborhoods in SF generally aren't conducive for outdoor cats.

desertnurse222 · Dec 14, 2009

Great-thanks for the info!

mfrancisco · Dec 14, 2009

I was born and raised in San Francisco, and just recently moved from SF to the North Bay. Anyway, just be fully aware of every factor before you move. San Francisco is a lot of fun and has a lot to offer. However, we were paying $2000/month for a one bedroom apartment with no elevator, no parking, and no washer and dryer. Parking took up soooo much time. Also, we lived on the fourth floor, so you can imagine how fun it was walking up those stairs with groceries after parking a few blocks away. However, we did live in a great area. It just wasn't worth it to us to stay with all of the inconveniences. I guess we could have paid a little bit less ($1700 or so) if we lived in a different area, but you have to be careful in San Francisco, especially if you are single. On the otherhand, it is fun if you are single. Yes, there are many dog parks, but be prepared to be in a tight space with your three pets unless you are willing to dole out a lot of money. Good luck to you! It's definitely a lot of fun, and is like a vacation. All of the inconveniences you can put up with if you are not staying long term. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions about SF. Good luck to you!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 15, 2009

I just moved to San Francisco from the Midwest. The lifestyle here is definitely defined by the crowded and vibrant city atmosphere. Space is very limited - even in areas within the city that mimic suburban enclaves. There isn't much of a yard in most homes. However, you could probably find a home for rent that would provide space for you and your animals. Your dog will be alright - there are many dog-owners in San Francisco and as already mentioned many walkable dog parks in the area. I also advice you to keep your cats indoors. The city streets are very busy and although cats are smart in finding their way home, I think the atmosphere may scare them. I have a cat myself and I keep him indoors (although I always did even before I moved).

bigdreamsstartinSF · Dec 30, 2009

Yes keep the kitty's indoors, I have 2!

Testa Rosa, RN · Jan 5, 2010

I grew up in SF and we had pets, but our pets were much happier once my parents moved from North Beach to the suburbs. SF is very commutable from the suburbs (South San Francisco is a short commute and has cute houses with nice yards and has very affordable rents/leases. BART train is walking distance from some cute neighborhoods in SSF and San Bruno). Honestly, I think I spent as much time trying to find parking and walking to my flat in the Marina district as I did commuting to my parents SSF house.

Consider yourself lucky to pick up a travel assignment in SF--it would be great fun. But, I would do the suburbs if you plan to come with pets.

Good luck on your journey!

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2010

My boyfriend lives in SF- has a place in the city- and attends college out there, 2 years left. I would like to move out there eventually, as he may be doing a one year internship after school and we are sick of the distance. I've been out there to visit several (5-6) times....... But I hear that there are absolutely NO JOBS in SF. And NO LTC's. I find this hard to believe, but what do I do?

rayhay · Jan 7, 2010

i plan on moving to sf (not from far, im in the east bay now) if i get into usf *fingers crossed**

i'm going to take my dog with me, but i realize she will have to get used to being a city dog w/o a big yard.

do you think its worth it to live in sf? or would you do a commute of 30 min? at the moment i'm doing a commute but thats because i'm at a jc and i CAN plan my school around my commute...