Moving From San Diego to San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide
Nov 22, 2023
Few people would opt to leave San Diego for any other city unless absolutely necessary. 2020-2021 was the only year in a decade when its population shrank. But if the people who left had an option of moving to another city within California, it’d probably be the City by the Bay, San Francisco.
Whether you’re chasing job opportunities, embracing the tech scene, or just craving that cool NorCal vibe, moving to San Francisco is justified in every way. In this expert guide, we’ll spill everything you need to know about moving from San Diego to San Francisco.
From finding the perfect neighborhood to navigating the Golden Gate Bridge traffic, as one of the best residential movers, we’ve got your relocation covered.
Learn More About Your New Neighborhood
The moment you realize you’re moving from San Diego to San Francisco, it’s innate to learn more about the city. And while you should learn more about it, you should place equal emphasis on the neighborhood you’re moving into.
San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods, each with its unique personality. Whether you’re into historic charm, trendy boutiques, or panoramic views, there’s a spot for you. But these neighborhoods carry different price tags. Like San Diego or any other city, some neighborhoods are considered posh while others are reasonable.
Thus, use internet forums, blogs, and Google Street View to learn more about the location. If possible, fly or drive down for a day and explore the area yourself before settling.
In case you haven’t finalized on the neighborhood, here are some recommendations:
- Mission District: For the artsy and food-loving, with murals on every corner and the best burritos in town.
- Marina: Ideal for those who love a bit of glam, with upscale boutiques, waterfront views, and buzzing nightlife.
- Noe Valley: Family-friendly and sunny, with picturesque Victorian houses and a laid-back atmosphere.
- SOMA (South of Market): The tech hub, perfect for the urban professional with sleek condos and a thriving nightlife scene.
Calculate Cost of Living Differences
Both San Diego and San Francisco are in the same state. So, you may not prioritize the cost of living differences. But it’s always better to have accurate figures for how much you’re expected to pay, more or less.
Please note that just like San Diego, San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the US. The median cost of living in the Bay Area is 76% higher than the national average and 26% higher than the state average.
Of all the components, the housing is the most expensive. It stands at a whopping 202% higher than the national average. Expect to pay $3,330 on rent alone. Others like utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation are on the higher side, too. Thus, the cost of living, rent included, will come around $5,940.
However, certain neighborhoods like Outer Richmond, Parkside, and Anza Vista will cost you less. Thus, optimize your neighborhood as per your budget.
Expensive Real Estate Market
As already hinted, real estate is alarmingly expensive in the Bay Area. So, don’t expect to make any significant cost savings when you move in from San Diego.
The median home listing price in San Francisco in 2023 comfortably stood at $1.4 million. But there are cheaper options, too, in the $200,000 – $300,000 range.
This expensive housing market is due to the city’s tech hub. All the major tech companies are headquartered in San Francisco. And every time there’s an IPO, the real estate market goes up due to the influx of new millionaires.
Comparable Schooling System
A well-oiled, result-driven schooling system is paramount for folks who want to raise a family. Rest assured, San Francisco has one of the best school systems in the country.
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) oversees most public schools. It has the second-highest Academic Performance Index among the state school districts.
Besides that, there are various private and parochial schools catering to different educational philosophies. You have endless options for higher education with institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford.
Along with a good education system, San Francisco has one of the lowest crime rates in the US. This makes the Bay Area an excellent location for raising a family in a safe and sound environment.
Welcome to a Mediterranean Climate
San Diego is characterized by a semi-arid climate. You’d expect the Bay Area to have a similar climate since it’s within the same state. But San Francisco actually has a Mediterranean climate. This means cool summers and mild winters, influenced heavily by the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, San Diego had a comparatively hot weather.
But beware of the infamous temperature fluctuations. Famous for its iconic fog, the city experiences frequent temperature fluctuations due to neighborhood microclimates. Summers are often cool and foggy, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C). Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 45 and 60°F (7 to 15°C). The city rarely sees extreme temperatures, offering a comfortable year-round climate.
So pack sweaters and jackets, especially if moving during the winter months.
A Cultural Fest
Corporate headquarters are not all that the Bay Area has got. San Francisco is a cultural mecca, with many museums, theaters, and street art waiting to be explored.
The city has a rich cultural history dating back to the late 1770s. Numerous arts and cultural icons have lived in this area. Even today, you’ll see street artists adorning the neighborhoods with murals. From the iconic SFMOMA to the California Academy of Sciences, the city is a treasure trove of cultural institutions.
The Theater District or the historic Castro Theatre is a treat for those looking for a cinematic experience.
To dive deep into the city’s rich history, tour the Barbary Coast Trail.
All in all, the Bay Area won’t disappoint you with its cultural offerings once you’re out of the office.
A City Better Explored on Foot
San Francisco is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the US, making it easy to ditch the car and explore on foot. It’s common to see people prefer walking instead of taking the bus or cab.
But that’s not to say the city has inferior public transport. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is the backbone of public transportation, connecting SF to neighboring cities like Oakland and Berkeley. Cable cars are another option to explore or get around the city.
San Francisco is also bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and stunning routes. This is perfect for fitness enthusiasts and eco-warriors alike. So you have numerous options for getting around within the city.
Get Packaging Done in Advance
Doing your packaging in advance is a proactive approach contributing to a smoother, more organized, and less stressful moving experience. Discovering you’re short on packing materials at the eleventh hour can lead to unnecessary stress and delays, which you’d surely want to avoid.
So, pack your belongings well in advance instead of waiting till the last week.
To help you pack and make a successful move, hire a Reputed State-Wide California Moving Company. The 500-mile distance may seem insignificant at first, but you need expert movers behind the wheel to transfer valuable items. So, request a quote today.
Get, Set, Go
So, all set to relocate? Contact California intrastate movers to get moving. Atlas Allied offers a free moving quote. Get our moving services to make moving simpler. Contact us today.