Leaving Europe for San Francisco ?

Question

My girlfriend and I are actually planning to leave Europe (Belgium) to experience the World.
We've been thinking of many interesting places all around the planet but SF is coming on and on every single time we start talking about it.
I've been to NYC, Chicago and Washington DC.
I love SF but I've never been there.
Maybe I'm idealizing the city but I think I could feel myself both comfortable and at home there.

So, if you live in SF: please give me some information.
And if you don't live there but have lived in the Bay Area, go ahead.

I'm waiting for any details from anyone who knows SF... !
Thanx !!!

Answer 1

Well, yes, San Francisco does get idealized in Hollywood propaganda as some sort of paradise where everyone is welcomed with open arms...but of course, the reality is far more complicated than that.

Crime and homelessness does exist. The gap between rich and poor is growing. And the official policy of religious and social tolerence belies the very real tension between conflicting groups (such as during the recent wars in Lebanon and Iraq) -- which ocassionally spills out into street protests, and counter-protests, and counter-counter protests. These are not "San Francisco problems", however. I think these are world problems that often manifest themselves in large cities with diverse populations.

For the visitor, many Europeans love San Francisco because it reminds them of home. It is a wonderfully compact city with a strong cafe culture/street life, an excellent Metro system, and many immigrants. It is certainly one of the most pretty "surrounded-by-water" cities in the world (like Sydney, Cape Town, and Venice). And probably one of the most tourist friendly places in the U.S.

I think you'd have a good time, if you don't expect too much and just treat it like any other trip.

Answer 2

You've clearly idealized San Francisco; otherwise, how could you "love" it without having been there? That being said:

I live in the San Francisco Bay area; I can see SF and the Golden Gate Bridge out my windows in the East Bay Hills. While I would not want to live there, I frequently go into the City for the cultural things and great restaurants.

I am familiar with NYC and Washington DC. By comparison, SF has more things of interest and fun to offer than DC, but less than NYC. Like all the big cities in the U.S., SF has its share of homeless and crime.

Sounds like you will be visiting the U.S. west coast for the first time. It is significantly different from the east coast. For one thing, it is rarely above 70 deg F in the summer and rarely below 50 deg F along the coast in the winter.

I would suggest you make it a point to expand your stay beyond SF alone. Try a couple of days in Monterey, for example.

Monterey is about two hours drive south of SF. The drive along highway 1 is breathtaking with its cliffs, beaches, and ocean views. Monterey itself is a beachfront town that is small, but with lots of things to do and see. I call it a small town with a big city culture.

You've spent time on the right coast, now spend some time on the left coast. I think you will find that the U.S. is not just one big homogeneous country.

Answer 3

I've lived in and around SF for years and I think it's one of the best metro areas in the US. You can find all kinds of people (and so all kinds of food) and most people will leave you alone/respect you no matter your background. I don't know how expensive where you live in Belgium is, but SF is one of the most expensive (if not the most) in the US (in terms of housing). There are a lot of homeless as was mentioned, crime in the city itself isn't really that bad compared to other cities (for example, Oakland a city with half the population across the bay has probably twice as many murders every year). Also there's rarely a real summer with sunshine and heat, it's usually foggy and cool. But all in all I think you'd like it. I think it's hands down better than chicago or DC, and can compete probably better than any other US city with NYC (now that New Orleans is rebuilding).

Answer 4

I've lived in the Bay area for many years, and you would find your visit to 'Frisco a very memorable experience. There is a lot to do and see in the city, as well as the areas around the bay. Don't forget your camera! The hotels in town are a little expensive, but better in outer communities. You can also check with local realtors and find a room or apartment on a month to month lease, similar to a pension in Europe. Rapid transit is available in most of the area, as well as cabs, and busses. There is something in San Francisco to fit just about anyone's idea of a perfect vacation, and can be budgeted easily. Have a good trip, and welcome!

Answer 5

I don't live in SF but I've been their at least 16times. To be honest, I really don't like it. Too many homeless people, and people can be a little weird their. I mean, there are very nice places in SF but those are costly. And it is almost impossible to get building permits there. Did I also mention that almost half of the pollution from china goes there each DAY

Answer 6

I assume you have the appropriate visas. If you don't then you can forget about getting one once you are there. If you want to do it illegally, then good luck to you, don't get caught; they deport you immediately and then you have no way to revisit in the future.
S.F. in my experience is very expensive. Housing is outrageous and when I was working the Bay Area (down San Jose area) it was necessary to book a hotel months in advance.