If you can put up with it, I'd recommend doing a short term lease while you get a feel for the city. There are advantages and disadvantages to different parts,

If you can put up with it, I'd recommend doing a short term lease while you get a feel for the city. There are advantages and disadvantages to different parts, and I don't think you'll have a good idea of what's right for you until you've been immersed/found employment, etc. Bring a bicycle and plan on spending some time getting acquainted with the city. Something like Lower Haight, SOMA, or Duboce Triangle area is centrally located and would be a good starting point to explore.