With its iconic bridge, historic cable cars, and beautiful Victorian architecture, San Francisco is undeniably one of the world’s great cities. The entire region demands to be explored. The vibrant and diverse East Bay, with cities like Oakland and Berkeley, is a cultural and culinary hotbed. Napa Valley and Sonoma County produce some of the best wine in the world. San Jose, and Silicon Valley, is an essential hub of innovation. Plus, you’ll find quaint waterfront towns, incredible shopping, fantastic museums, and endless outdoor delights at Point Reyes National Seashore. Here are eight good ones to get you started.
. The Progressive Culture
It’s a city with a minority-majority population and a global community. Everyone fits in. It’s no wonder this forward-thinking city was an early investor in the wonderful world of high-tech and continues to be a leader in the industry. But you don’t have to be a tech geek to fit in. SF loves to get weird — whether it’s the Folsom Street Fair, How Weird Street Faire, or the countless Burning Man pre- and post-parties.
. The Career Opportunities
The good news is San Francisco, and its Silicon Valley neighbor have the highest household income in the nation. The well-established and rapidly expanding technology sector draws talent from worldwide. When considering relocation, school systems and cost of living may be important factors, but attractive job prospects ensure the viability of the move.
. The Outdoor Lifestyle
It’s no coincidence that there are way too many people sporting Patagonia vests in the Bay Area. Outdoorsy types are drawn to living here because of the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Angel Island, a short ferry ride away, is the Bay’s largest island, where you can bike on the elevated trail with gorgeous views. Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove’s tall pines and fragrant eucalyptus are the idyllic backdrop to the well-known free summer Sunday concert series featuring San Francisco’s world-class symphony. But there’s no reason you even need to leave the city. San Francisco proper has an endless supply of parks.
. The Mild Weather
San Francisco’s cool coastal climate only reaches 80 degrees F or higher on an average of 21 days per year. If you’re still not feelin’ the fog, check out eastern neighborhoods where the fog is less pronounced. No more scraping ice off the windshields, either. The coolest the city ever gets is about 50 degrees F in January. San Francisco’s rainy period of November to April is slightly cooler, with about 70 rainy days per year and an annual precipitation average of 24 inches.
. The Culinary Scene
San Francisco’s restaurant scene turns out new hits at a breakneck pace. The city fosters niche eateries for every craving, even ones you didn’t know you had. Foodies have met their match — from the finest produce to the fiercest pieties, even those who despise posts of your lunch will feel compelled to start a food blog. And while the anti-foodie is chowing down on unpretentious street tacos, the unapologetic food snob is pouring herself a pitcher of blackberry and tarragon margaritas.
. Arts & Culture
San Franciscans are exposed to a mind-blowing variety of arts and culture — from world-class museums and symphonies to one of the largest collections of street art in the world. San Francisco’s theater scene has everything from national productions to innovative local theater companies celebrated for risk-taking. Among museum royalty, you’ll discover the Legion of Honor Museum, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Modern Art. San Francisco’s eccentricity is so grand it has greatly influenced the country and the world at large over the years.
. The Professional Sports
Whether you’re a football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer fan, the Bay Area has a pro team (or two) for you — and many are very good. The San Francisco Giants won the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Located in Silicon Valley, it’s not shocking that Levi’s Stadium is known for being the most high-tech stadium in the world, winning multiple “Venue of the Year” awards. If none of that interests you, there’s still soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes.
. Two Words: Bay. Windows.
San Francisco is known for its eclectic architectural mix of Victorian-era homes, modern landmarks, and of course, the bay window. An algorithm examining 25,000 photos of cities from Google Street identified the bay window as a defining characteristic of San Francisco architecture. But the bay window would be nothing if it weren’t for the iconic Victorian row houses in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, among other historic homes throughout the city. If you’re not into charming old houses, San Francisco’s architectural mega-stars will woo you — the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, Alamo Square, and the Conservatory of Flowers.
