4 ms·

Can someone explain to me what's attractive about living in SF at all? This seems like one of the last places in the US I'd choose to live but something must be

Can someone explain to me what's attractive about living in SF at all? This seems like one of the last places in the US I'd choose to live but something must be bringing people in since it's so crowded. Is it just the though that you'll get to be part of Silicon Valley?

ferdowsi 5y ago
Despite all its problems, SF is still among the more attractive cities to live in the region, which is full of desolate, charmless suburbs. Tech moving out of the Bay is happening, but many workers will still be stuck with living in the region in the near term.
ghaff 5y ago
It has many issues, especially in recent years. However, in terms of most of the metrics you'd measure a city against--culture, cuisine, architecture, green space, natural beauty, diversity, etc. it's got a lot going for it. And cool grey fog aside, it's got a far better than average climate. I've never lived there but have visited many many times and definitely see the attraction. I'll also note that, if you're there on business and never stray too far from the Moscone, you're seeing one of the least interesting parts of the city.
- CountDrewku 5y ago
  I've driven the PCH and I get it but it just doesn't seem worth it with all the other cons it has. I'd prefer living in some low col anywhere else over renting a closet sized apartment for thousands and putting up with the ever increasing homeless/drug problems SF has. All those things you listed exist in plenty of other more affordable places. I think people have just been sold this false idea that only CA has this stuff.
  - ghaff 5y ago
    I don't live in CA and don't even live in a city. But I understand why someone might want to live in a city and, given that, for me SF has many attractions--though, as you say, the other side of the ledger is increasingly long. Personally, if I had to live in the Bay Area somewhere and had the money, it's unlikely I'd live in the city. But I have no real interest in living in the area generally. I can always visit.

ferdowsi 5y ago

Despite all its problems, SF is still among the more attractive cities to live in the region, which is full of desolate, charmless suburbs. Tech moving out of the Bay is happening, but many workers will still be stuck with living in the region in the near term.

ghaff 5y ago

It has many issues, especially in recent years. However, in terms of most of the metrics you'd measure a city against--culture, cuisine, architecture, green space, natural beauty, diversity, etc. it's got a lot going for it. And cool grey fog aside, it's got a far better than average climate. I've never lived there but have visited many many times and definitely see the attraction. I'll also note that, if you're there on business and never stray too far from the Moscone, you're seeing one of the least interesting parts of the city.

CountDrewku 5y ago
I've driven the PCH and I get it but it just doesn't seem worth it with all the other cons it has. I'd prefer living in some low col anywhere else over renting a closet sized apartment for thousands and putting up with the ever increasing homeless/drug problems SF has. All those things you listed exist in plenty of other more affordable places. I think people have just been sold this false idea that only CA has this stuff.
- ghaff 5y ago
  I don't live in CA and don't even live in a city. But I understand why someone might want to live in a city and, given that, for me SF has many attractions--though, as you say, the other side of the ledger is increasingly long. Personally, if I had to live in the Bay Area somewhere and had the money, it's unlikely I'd live in the city. But I have no real interest in living in the area generally. I can always visit.