Firstly why San-Francisco, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: San-Francisco
• State: California
• Population: 883,305 people
• San-Francisco’s quick summary would be Iconic for the Golden Gate Bridge, diverse neighborhoods, and its historic cable cars.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 140,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 100,000 annually
• Net Migration: 40000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 8,000
• Number of Homeless people: 3,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it a tech and cultural hub attracting professionals and artists

Perk #1: San-Francisco Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 39%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 38%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $130,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in San-Francisco is $140,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & San-Francisco’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 210 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $7,898
• Property Tax %: 1.19%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $4,000
• Rent for an average house: $4,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Nob Hill
• Top 5 Growing Areas: San-Francisco, Pacific-Heights, Presidio, Nob-Hill, and probably could include Mission-District
• Avg. Age of Homes in San-Francisco: 83 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & San-Francisco’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in San-Francisco are  Technology, Finance, and Tourism
• San-Francisco Job Scene: strong job market in finance tech and tourism
• The General Tech Scene: global tech capital known for startups, venture capital, and digital innovation
• San-Francisco Resident’s pay $3,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in San-Francisco: 8.56%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 500 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 57

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in San-Francisco

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $220 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-80 provides major connectivity for San Francisco
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on the Bay Bridge
• Transportation Score: 86 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in San-Francisco: 350,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for San-Francisco: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 79 of 100
• Local Airport: San Francisco International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: San-Francisco’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in San-Francisco is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm summers with occasional fog
• Winter Weather in San-Francisco i’d describe as cool with fog and rain
• Spring Weather in San-Francisco can be described as mild and foggy
• Summer’s in San-Francisco are mostly cool and foggy
• Fall ( the nicest time) in San-Francisco is usually cool and foggy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in San-Francisco below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 25 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained through diverse regulations
• San-Francisco Winter Air generally good air quality with occasional pollution spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: San-Francisco Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in San-Francisco 20
• While the number of trade schools inside San-Franciscos’s city limits are 18
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the San Francisco Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & San-Francisco Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time San-Francisco only Doctors is about 900
• Local Hospitals here is  35
• Full-time San-Francisco only Police Officers is about 3,400
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• San-Francisco’s Monthly utility bill average is $250
• San-Francisco’s Monthly Gym Membership: $110
• San-Francisco’s Water Quality Score: 84

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in San-Francisco

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 30 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: iconic city with vibrant neighborhoods and scenic views
• You might enjoy concerts at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), San-Francisco  offers a bustling nightlife with a mix of clubs bars and cultural experiences in every district

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of San-Francisco

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes many diverse cuisines and a vibrant culinary scene
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 500 scattered around San-Francisco
• The Popular Sports Team is San Francisco Giants
• Top Level Political Climate in San-Francisco can be described as liberal stronghold known for progressive policies and activism
• San-Francisco’s Longer standing religious establishment is Grace Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: San-Francisco Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know San-Francisco has 200 Parks?
• Golden Gate Park is San-Francisco’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and sightseeing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: San-Francisco Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in San-Francisco can be described as fast-paced city life with a focus on tech and arts
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in San-Francisco visiting iconic landmarks picnicking in parks local events
• The Cities people commute to from San-Francisco are Daly-City 11 miles away Oakland 12 miles away San-Mateo 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about San-Francisco or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on the Bay Bridge. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   San-Francisco’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Nob Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby San-Francisco are Daly-City 11 miles away Oakland 12 miles away San-Mateo 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   San-Francisco has 0 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in San-Francisco people have an average (positive or negative) $10000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   3,000 homeless people living in San-Francisco. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal stronghold known for progressive policies and activism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to San-Francisco.

Retiree & Senior Life in San-Francisco

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax exemptions easing financial pressures
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Knollwood
• San Francisco Senior Center offers diverse programs health resources and social gatherings

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to San-Francisco, California?

If San-Francisco, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around San-Francisco, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!