City Living | San Francisco Revisited
San Francisco is a rich, diverse city, home to everything from multi-national corporations to some of the most exciting street festivals in the world. Greystar features a number of apartments in San Francisco, and as one of the most important cities on the West Coast, it is a popular place to call home. If you are thinking about moving to San Francisco, here are a few tips on getting the most out of your new home.
Public Transportation is Complicated (At First)
Public transportation works in San Francisco, contrary to popular belief. In fact, San Francisco’s public transportation is extensive and reliable. However, one thing to keep in mind is that San Francisco has two main public transit options: Muni and BART. This can make getting around the city tricky at, but still possible! These two lines connect at four major stations along their respective lines, making it easy to connect if you know where to do so. While a new resident might feel a bit overwhelmed, you will quickly learn the ins and outs of your route. When in doubt, you can always grab an Uber or Lyft or ride a bike (more on that later!).
The Fog is Real
You have probably seen the photographs of San Francisco covered in fog and thought it was mere hyperbole; however, it is as real as the Golden Gate Bridge. Locals are so fond of our “natural air conditioning” that we’ve even named him “Karl the Fog”. While Karl can bring an enhanced sense of either romance or darkness to San Francisco nights, special attention also needs to be paid when particularly dense. When you first get to San Francisco, drive safely and carefully in low visibility environments, especially as there are plenty of pedestrians.
Hills, Hills, Hills!
As quintessentially San Francisco as the fog, the hills are steep and plentiful. Some vehicles with low horsepower like scooters might even struggle up a few hills. If you are planning on walking, get ready for a bit of a workout. You could always take a cable car to get to the top of some hills to catch amazing views of both the city itself and San Francisco Bay, going from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge. The hills also provide some great natural workouts.
Bicyclists Love San Francisco
San Francisco is a bike-friendly city. Throughout the urban environment, you’ll encounter plenty of dedicated bike paths. When you get tired, cyclists are also welcomed on many of the public transportation lines, so long as you’re willing to put your bike up while you ride. You can also grab a bike share from one of the many Ford GoBike® stands around the city. Biking here has never been easier.
Green City
San Francisco is also known as a home for residents who are a bit more environmentally friendly. The city boasts an impressive number of green initiatives, and you’ll find plenty of eco-friendly vehicles in the streets. You will also catch a growing number of solar panels on rooftops and electric charging stations for vehicles.
Singularly Diverse
Few words describe the majority of San Francisco residents, but the one word that applies above all others is diverse. Residents of San Francisco represent cultures from around the world, and the city embraces and celebrates these differences. From the Pride Parade to Bay to Breakers, to a wide variety of cultural events, there is something for everyone. Explore the city with an open mind and be rewarded by the vast experiences that await!
Cultural Excellence
In a city as big and diverse as San Francisco, it should come as no surprise that there is always something to see and do. Of particular note are the food options and music. Think of virtually any type of cuisine and chances are there is a world-class restaurant serving up that particular food, whether in a fine-dining establishment or a hidden gem. The other thing that San Franciscans love almost universally is their music. Many locations around the city regularly offer live music, but the city also is home to a number of music festivals, including Treasure Island, Outside Lands, and BottleRock, to name just a few.
