From the PNW to S.F. on 50K? (San Francisco, Marina: real estate, renting)

[trunky]

I know very similar questions have been posted, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to get some fresh answers.

By the way, thanks to everyone who's contributed their knowledge and experience to these forums. This place really is a great resource.

I think I'm nearing the end of a nationwide job hunt. One of my most solid leads in S.F. so I'm now thinking about what it would mean to move there (from the PNW).

I currently live with my gf who's finishing the final year of her BA in Education (teacher). We've got no kids. I'd be making 50-60k. Not sure what she'd be making, but initially she'd probably get a job in food service/hospitaliy, in which she has 5-star management experience. I have decent, but not great credit. I don't have much in my savings account.

Off the top of my head, I'd definitely want to live in S.F. proper. But I'm reading all this stuff about people moving away out of desperation because they can't handle the high costs, housing in particular.

I read about the virtues of S.F., beauty, culture, the ocean, Cali life, the arts, diversity, higher pay, good access to other great locations.

I also read about how it's debatable whether S.F. truly offers these things.

I read how some people see the current state of things as a low part in a cycle.

I also read how others are leaving in disgust and never looking back.

I may end up with other options like New Orleans or Miami. Less likely but also possible are ATL and NYC.

Am I disillusioned thinking I can make it S.F., be happy and secure a good future for me and mine? I love the ocean, I've got no problems with city life, I'm fine with a "liberal" or not so liberal atmosphere, the job would be a very good career advancement, my immediate family's on the west coast...seems good?

I know I'd get along fine in NoCal, I guess I'm really just worried about the money.

[astrozombies2]

Originally Posted by trunky

I know very similar questions have been posted, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to get some fresh answers.

By the way, thanks to everyone who's contributed their knowledge and experience to these forums. This place really is a great resource.

I think I'm nearing the end of a nationwide job hunt. One of my most solid leads in S.F. so I'm now thinking about what it would mean to move there (from the PNW).

I currently live with my gf who's finishing the final year of her BA in Education (teacher). We've got no kids. I'd be making 50-60k. Not sure what she'd be making, but initially she'd probably get a job in food service/hospitaliy, in which she has 5-star management experience. I have decent, but not great credit. I don't have much in my savings account.

Off the top of my head, I'd definitely want to live in S.F. proper. But I'm reading all this stuff about people moving away out of desperation because they can't handle the high costs, housing in particular.

I read about the virtues of S.F., beauty, culture, the ocean, Cali life, the arts, diversity, higher pay, good access to other great locations.

I also read about how it's debatable whether S.F. truly offers these things.

I read how some people see the current state of things as a low part in a cycle.

I also read how others are leaving in disgust and never looking back.

I may end up with other options like New Orleans or Miami. Less likely but also possible are ATL and NYC.

Am I disillusioned thinking I can make it S.F., be happy and secure a good future for me and mine? I love the ocean, I've got no problems with city life, I'm fine with a "liberal" or not so liberal atmosphere, the job would be a very good career advancement, my immediate family's on the west coast...seems good?

I know I'd get along fine in NoCal, I guess I'm really just worried about the money.

Dont sweat it . You will find a way, but living in SF proper will be tough.

[NorthernCalifornia]

the only people who leave sf out of desperation over costs are people dead set on purchasing property. you have to understand that sf is a small, tight space and real estate is at a premium. if you want to buy a big house with a backyard and a garage you probably won't be doing it in SF no matter how much money you make.

that said 50-60k in sf plus a second 30-40k income will do you very well in sf. you don't need to own a car and in fact you should probably get rid of it unless you're compelled to leave the city every weekend. you can spend the money you'd normally invest in gas, parking, insurance, payments, etc, on taxis everywhere.

[gizmo980]

Your comments above (OP) draw one conclusion, which I've said time and time again... happiness is relative, and for every person who LOVES a place, there will be someone who HATES it. So you basically have to draw your own conclusions, either by listening to only the sources you know & trust, or checking it out for yourself. I'd suggest taking a nice vacation to visit the places you're considering, and spend a good 3-5 days (each) soaking them in.

San Francisco is a great city with a lot to offer, but only you can determine if the cost is worth it. I earn just around $50-55K at the moment, and live fairly comfortably in San Francisco proper with 2 roommates... it's a tight squeeze occasionally, like this month when I got hit with unexpected expenses, but I'm not about to be homeless or anything. If you can't survive here on $50K, you'd probably want to re-evaluate your lifestyle, since many people survive on much less - often with children to support, nonetheless. Will you be able to buy a home in SF on that salary? Probably not! But you shouldn't have a problem renting, especially if you share housing or live outside of the city. Good luck, and let me know if you need more help!

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by NorthernCalifornia

the only people who leave sf out of desperation over costs are people dead set on purchasing property.

Sooooooo true! Once I got over the fact that I'm not going to buy anything here (until/unless my financial situation changes), I am much more content. I actually looked into purchasing a condo in the East Bay, since that's where I work... but after a little soul-searching, I determined I'm happier renting in San Francisco. Why get myself into a financial burden, and take on the worries of house maintenance, taxes, HOA fees, re-sale value, not being able to move on a whim, etc?? Renting is not only easier and less stressful, but also do-able on an "average" salary here. Not to mention, I'd rather live in the city than the East Bay, regardless of the cost differences. That's just me, speaking as a young-ish single woman, but you might draw the same conclusions... so if you don't focus on BUYING a house, San Francisco will have a lot more appeal.

P.S. Comparing to Miami and New Orleans, I personally think it's a no-brainer - San Francisco hands down! But I can't stand heat and humidity, and have family who have lived in those cities... and hated them. Guess it's all relative, though, like I said above.

[clongirl]

I'd say that most people that move out of the City are people that get married and/or decide to have children. You'll be fine and will probably love it until you decide to "settle down" and possibly buy or get a bigger place with good schools etc. for the kids.

[trunky]

Thanks everyone for the replies. There's so much to consider when relocating.

I'd be working along The Embarcadero, near Sydney Walton Square (what's this area called?) I don't know if I'd have a car and I guess I'd rather not. So I'm looking at renting in nearby neighborhoods like north beach, marina district, china town, western addition...

Any thoughts/feedback about finding a place in those area? Or other options I might want to consider?

[gellio_sf]

Originally Posted by trunky

Thanks everyone for the replies. There's so much to consider when relocating.

I'd be working along The Embarcadero, near Sydney Walton Square (what's this area called?) I don't know if I'd have a car and I guess I'd rather not. So I'm looking at renting in nearby neighborhoods like north beach, marina district, china town, western addition...

Any thoughts/feedback about finding a place in those area? Or other options I might want to consider?

I would not choose Chinatown as a place to live (too dirty for me) or the Marina (too far out w/o a car - relying on the bus as your sole transportation is not fun, and cabs are expensive). The Western Addition is not the safest area. North Beach, Russian Hill and Nob Hill are my favorite neighborhoods, but they are extremely expensive. I live on the cusp of the Mission and Castro- and it's a prefect location. I'd look in the Mission, Castro or Duboce Triangle. The major benefits are it is cheaper than a lot of areas you mentioned, and the biggest of them all - these neighborhoods have easy access to both BART and the MUNI underground. It makes not having a car no chore what-so-ever. If you're on a MUNI Metro (light rail, not bus) line or BART, it's a breeze to get to the Embarcadero.

[gizmo980]

And if you can find something semi-affordable, Marina Bay would be a great location for you... right on/near the Embarcadero, and you can easily hop on the light-rail or bus to get anywhere. I actually think your workplace is in Marina Bay, though I'd have to check a map to be sure.

[sonarrat]

I'm pretty sure your workplace is in the North Beach neighborhood, though it's close to the financial district as well.