Relocating to San Francisco

RSS

Quality of Life

San Francisco is one of America’s most politically and culturally dynamic cities, with a fiscal reach that is global. The cosmopolitan city is home to a diverse group of people, many of whom were attracted by its rich history. An entrepreneurial spirit drives San Francisco, making it one of the top business cities in the world. Not only is it an appealing city for the young and adventurous, it’s also a haven for the seasoned and established.

San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the United States. The Golden Gate Bridge serves as an emblem to distinguish this great West Coast city as a province of the great American values of family, community, progressive thinking, the preservation of heritage and culture and the development of entrepreneurial ambitions. With it’s diverse neighborhoods, people from every socioeconomic and cultural background feel right at home in this welcoming city. And that’s just San Francisco. The Bay Area as a whole represents an even greater collection of world-class communities. From Oakland to San Jose, living in the Bay Area means ensuring a high quality of life for one’s self and one’s family.

San Francisco is a city that offers its residents all of the cosmopolitan amenities of the world’s greatest metropolises while also paying heed to the importance of maintaining the environment. In short, San Francisco and the Bay Area are the rare urban landscapes that have found a way of preserving the nature around them. In fact, it’s estimated that only 18 percent of the Bay Area is urbanized, meaning that residents are free to enjoy the great outdoors whenever it strikes their fancy. Limitless educational opportunities, a fun and exciting nightlife, amazing retail opportunities, gorgeous homes and great parks and recreational areas all in one location. That’s San Francisco in a nutshell.

History
San Francisco was first occupied by Europeans in 1769 by a group of Spanish explorers. Don Gaspar de Portola claimed the land for Spain. A short time later, the Mission Dolores (then known as the Mission San Francisco de Asis) was built. The building still stands to this day. This Presidio area was an important place of trade and commerce, and was a temporary refuge for travelers from France, Russia and the rest of Europe. When San Francisco became independent from Spain in 1821, it then came under the jurisdiction of Mexico.
The California Gold Rush saw the dawn of a new age in San Francisco as the population grew exponentially. Do to the swell of people in the area, many entrepreneurs and business hopefuls flocked to the area, some of which established names that are still in existence today, including Levi Strauss & Co. and Wells Fargo Bank. Sam Brannan, a Mormon who arrived in San Francisco in 1946, was the first millionaire from the California Gold Rush.

San Francisco became an important mining town as the quest to strike it reach by finding gold became the primary motivator of bother personal and commercial enterprises. Despite its immense growth, San Francisco did see it’s share of hardships. The city was hit was a cholera epidemic in 1855 due to the poor sanitation that was developing due to the increase in population. The first county hospitals were established in order to take care of the situation.

Meanwhile, another history was beginning to develop from the East. The development of the transcontinental railroad saw an increased need for physical laborers. Thus begins the story of the Chinese migration to San Francisco in the mid-1800s. Chinese men settled in Chinatown, but many were unable to bring their families to the country due to the immigration laws that were in place. When the exclusionary laws were repealed, the population surged, the result of which is the largest Chinese ethnic enclave outside of Asia.

In 1906, San Francisco suffered one of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history. The earthquake was caused by the movement of the San Andreas Fault. Even though the initial earthquake was incredibly devastating, the disaster was far from over. Due to ruptured gas mains throughout the city, more than 30 large-scale fires ravaged what the earthquake had left intact. It is believed that more than three-fourths of the total damage was caused by the fires following the earthquake. The result was that much of the city’s population became displaced. The final death total was 3,000, the largest death toll from a natural disaster on the West Coast.

The San Andreas Fault was once again the cause of another major earthquake in 1989. The earthquake was considered a major disaster and parts of San Francisco were completely leveled. The earthquake was the first to be documented on camera due to the high amount of on-site camera that were there to capture the warm-up session of the World Series. Since then, the city has taken a wide range of preparations and precautions in the case of further earthquakes of this magnitude.

The 1960s was a time of intense political activism and reform. Jaded by the limitations of the contemporary society, the youth of this decade created a counterculture based on peace, love and a desire to see the end of the world’s ills. People who identified as hippies often participated in rallies protesting war and the segregation that was still prevalent in the South. San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury became synonymous with the hippie culture movement; it’s estimated that by the mid-1960s, at least 15,000 hippies were concentrated in the area. Many of these young people were former students of San Francisco State University.

The 90s saw the birth of the dot-com boom and San Francisco and the Bay Area were once again in the national spotlight. Silicon Valley, an already established mecca for the electronics industries, saw an astronomical increase in start-up companies flocking to the region in an attempt millions by extension of the Internet, which was just starting to become a household amenity. The vision of an entire world in cyber space was an enticing idea, considering the versatility of fully functional Web sites. Unfortunately, the dot-com bubble, as the time period between 1995-2000 has come to be called, didn’t last long. Despite the ensuing bust, the Bay Area has remained a strong haven for fledgling and established technology companies.

In the past decade, San Francisco has become one of the leading centers for the development of green energy and related sciences. The city has been a heavy proponent of the green movement, with local energy companies developing new systems that make use of biofuels, solar energy and wind power. Since 2008, the green energy has seen dramatic increases, making it a viable industry alongside traditional oil and gas.

When it comes to new technologies and developments, San Francisco continues to be at the forefront. With so many viable industries located in and around the Bay, the economic prosperity of the region is sure to be in tact for years to come.

Politics
Since the 1960s, San Francisco has developed a reputation for being the one of the primary epicenters of liberal social movements. San Francisco is a decidedly liberal city, and the population of the Bay Area in general tends to mirror the political Democratic political views of the state of California. Residents who identify as conservatives tend to be on the more moderate side of the political spectrum.

Religion
San Francisco prides itself on being a city with a secular worldview, but it’s reputation as a progressive community should not undermine its pious religious heritage. One only needs to look at the splendor of Grace Cathedral and the city’s other places of worship to see that religion is prevalent throughout the metropolitan area. The large Roman Catholic and Protestant numbers are a testament to the Christian values of the Bay Area. In addition, San Francisco is home to a significant Jewish community, as well as an expanding Muslim community. One shouldn’t forget that a progressive mindset is open to the possibility of all faiths, and that’s what San Francisco truly is: a haven for all who want to practice their religion freely and without reservations.

The Bay Area Counties
The Bay Area refers to the urban expanses that are located around the perimeter of the San Francisco Bay. To be as concise and comprehensive as possible, Relocating to San Francisco covers the following nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.

Family-Friendly
San Francisco is the quintessential family city, and much of that has to do with the high concentration of resources located in the Bay Area, not to mention their versatility. Many families look for cities with a great public education system. Others look for neighborhoods that are community-oriented and child friendly. Still others prefer a city that, as a whole, is progressive when it comes to major social issues. Then there’s the preference of having many public areas for out door recreation. Not to mention a strong presence of the visual and performing arts. San Francisco is all of these things rolled into one. Imagine taking a child to Golden Gate Park on Saturday afternoons to enjoy its beautiful gardens, or spending a Sunday with the family admiring the city’s famous “painted lady” Victorian homes. San Francisco is a city that is primed for creating lasting memories and childhoods that are filled with adventure and wonderful outings.

Taxes and Laws
When moving to any new city, it’s important to know some of the basic laws so that you can maneuver your new surroundings without the worry of making any unnecessary violations. The following section describes San Francisco property tax, sales tax, seat belts and child safety, pet licensing, cell phone and liquor laws. Be sure to mark any of these summaries if they apply to you, especially if they differ considerably from your current place of residence.

— Property Taxes
When owning property in San Francisco, it’s important to remember its volume, block and lot numbers. The volume number references which of the city’s 45 sections the property is located. The city’s official assessment map will have the block and lot numbers of every list property. Property owners should keep these numbers on file, as they are needed to make a property tax payment.

Each property tax value is configured using the following calculation: (Assessed Value x Annual Tax Rate) – Exemptions + Special Assessments/Fees/Liens. Property values are assessed by the Office of the Assessor-Recorder, which usually reflect the market value at the time of purchase. The Office of the Controller will then apply the correct tax rates. The Office of the Controller will then take that number and subtract any exemptions and special assessments to arrive at the final property tax figure.

Property tax bills are mailed to residents by November 1 each year. It is important to remember that the bill will be for both installments of the payment, and no reminder notices are mailed for the second payment. The first installment is due on December 10, and the second installment is due on April 10 of the following year. Both payments can be made on or before the December 10 due date for the first installment. A 10% penalty fee will be added to each late payment. An additional $10 administrative fee will be added if the second payment is also delinquent.

— Sales Taxes
As of March 2010, the sales tax rate in the city was 9.5 percent. This figure is slightly higher than the sales tax rate of the state of California.

— Seat Belts and Child Safety
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) notes that 500 children are killed each year in traffic accidents. In an effort to decrease this number, the SFPD has outlined a series of safety measures that parents should take when transporting their children in their family vehicles.

All children under the age of 12 should wear seatbelts at all times, preferably in the back seat which receives the least impact in a head-on collision. Pillows, towels and other materials should never be used as makeshift booster seats. Infants and small children should be placed in safety seats, which should have been tested for an appropriately tight fit beforehand. Parents are encouraged to fill out their booster seat registration cards in the event of a national recall.

It should also be noted that California’s booster seat law requires that all children under the age of six, or who are under 60 pounds, must travel in a child restraint. The law was specifically designed to satisfy the safety needs of children too old for infant car seats but not big enough for adult seat belts. All booster seats must conform to the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This law brings a $100 fine for first-time violators and a $250 fine each time after the initial offense. Parents are fined for each child in the vehicle that does not comply with the booster seat law. If parents or legal guardians are not present, the driver will be cited and fined.

— Pets Licensing and Leash Laws
Owning a dog in San Francisco means obtaining a proper pet license, with no exceptions. Dog licenses have many benefits, one of which is that they are a sign that a dog has all its vaccinations and that it does not carry the threat of rabies. License tags are also the quickest way of returning a dog to its owner. Unlike microchips, license tags are clearly visible and do not require a scanning device.

Most importantly, dog licenses are required by law. Owners are also required to renew their licenses every year. Owners are charged a $12 late fee if they do not renew their license after 30 days of the expiration date. In order for a dog to be licenses, owners must be able to provide a recent rabies vaccination certificate. New residents have 30 days to obtain a license. If 30 days elapse from the move date, the $12 late fee will be added to the cost of the license.

The City of San Francisco also mandates that dogs be leashed or tethered at all times. There are a total of 19 dog play areas throughout the city that do no require dog leashes. Dog Play Areas (DPAs) can be located on the City’s web site at www.sfgov.org. San Francisco’s DPAs are noted for their large expanses of space (between 10,000 and 30,000 square-feet) and their subtle presence in the larger community.

— Cell Phone Laws
In June 2010, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors voted in favor of an ordinance that would require cell phone retailers to give customers the specific absorption rate (SAR) of each model before purchase. The law is an attempt to examine the long-term of effects of cell phone usage as it relates to health and brain tumors.

As of July 1, 2008, it became illegal to use a handheld telephone will driving. The current cell phone law allows driers to use their phones when making emergency calls to a law enforcement agency or medical provider only. Fines for the first offense are $20 and $50 after each additional conviction. Conviction will appear on the offenders driving record, but no violation points will be added. Passengers are not affected by this law.

— Liquor Laws
The legal drinking age in San Francisco is 21. Alcohol can be sold and consumed any day of the week, but according to California’s state laws, it cannot be sold anywhere after 2 a.m., including bars and nightclubs. Restaurants that have patios or outdoor seating usually allow their patrons to indulge in alcoholic beverages as long as they keep the drink on the premises.

Driver’s License
If new residents plan on owning their own vehicle and using it as thei primary mode of transportation, they will have to apply for a California driver’s license. New residents have 10 days to obtain a California driver’s license. First, applicants must establish California residency, which can be done by voting in a state or city election, filing for a homeowner’s tax exemption, paying resident tuition at a local school or any of the DMV’s approved list of criteria.

Applicants must then report to a DMV office and complete a DL application form. They will then need to provide a thumb print, have their picture taken and provide their social security number. They will then be asked to verify their date of birth, legal presence and true full name. The application fee will then be paid and the applicant must then past a vision test and a traffic laws and sign test. The traffic laws and sign test consists of 36 questions, and the test can be taken a maximum of three times for a single application process.

Incoming residents from foreign countries are required to take a driving test. The driving test will gauge an applicant’s proficiency in basic driving skills. To take the test, an applicant must make an appointment at their desired DMV location. The applicant must also provide proof of financial responsibility and that they meet the California insurance requirements. The driving test can be taken a maximum of three times. Each time an appointment must be made, and a $6 fee will be collected after the initial test.

The procedures are the same for minors who intend to hold a driver’s license for the first time. After the minor has passed the written traffic laws and sign test, they will be issued a permit. In order to practice for the driving test, they must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age at all times. Minors holding a permit are not allowed to drive on their own at any time. Minors are encourage to study the California Drivers’ Handbook, which can be downloaded at www.dmv.ca.gov. When they are ready, they must set up an appointment to take the driving test at their desired DMV location.

Vehicle Registration
New residents have 20 days to register their vehicle to avoid any fees and penalties. Newcomers to California that have not properly settled in San Francisco have a bit more leeway when it comes to vehicle registration. They can be considered nonresidents until they find employment in San Francisco, rent or lease a residence, enroll in a college or university, claim a homeowner’s tax exemption or acquire a California diver’s license. As soon as they become official residents, newcomers to San Francisco will be required to register their vehicle within 20 days.

To register a non-resident vehicle, an applicant must fill out the Application for Title or Registration (REG 343). The application must be signed by all of the registered owners of the vehicle. Names and addresses of each owner should be include, and applicants should fill out the remainder of the questions.

Applicants will then need to provide the out-of-state title that was previously issued. This is not required if a California title is not being requested or there will be no change of registered owner. A California title cannot be issued if the out-of-state title is not presented to the DMV. If only registration is needed, then only the last issued registration certificate will be requested.

The vehicle must then go under inspection by a DMV employee that is certified in the process. A law enforcement officer or a licensed vehicle verifier can also perform the inspection. Inspections are performed at the DMV of the applicant’s choosing. Appointments are recommended for faster service.

If applicable, smog and weight certifications will need to be obtained. Applicants will need a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) form for commercial motor vehicles. A Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Application Certificate is also needed for any trailer vehicles new residents plan on using in California.

Transportation
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest airport in the Bay Area and the second-largest in California behind Los Angeles International Airport. SFO ranks among the world’s top 30 busiest airway systems, with seventy-four major airlines departing for the airport every day. SFO is also noted for its emphasis on passenger comfort and high customer service. Passengers can enjoy the benefits of a consolidated rental car center, a BART station and the AirTrain automated PeopleMover. Automated and integrated baggage screening ensures passengers some of the shortest wait times in the country.

SFO recently began a $382 million renovation project of Terminal 2 to accommodate the airport’s growth in passenger traffic and an increasing demand for more usable gates. According to SFO’s Web site, the new domestic terminal will feature 575,000-square-feet with a capacity for 5.5 million enplaned passengers per year, 14 gates for narrow-body aircraft, 30,793-square-feet of retail space, a pedestrian crossing to AirTrain, significant works of public art, environmentally friendly amenities such as paperless ticketing and preferential parking for hybrid cars and the first dining program in the country to recruit Slow Food® vendors.

Elsewhere on the Bay, the Oakland International Airport (OAK), a system supports the travel of more than 14 million passengers on an annual basis. Only 25 minutes from downtown San Francisco, it’s also a great option for visitors who will be staying in accommodations on the periphery of the city.

The Airport Development Plan (ADP) is an ongoing program to help make OAK a top-tier airport system and one that is the first choice of travelers to the Bay Area. Recent enhancements projects have included improvements to terminal and curbside areas, the construction of additional gates and connections to outlying businesses and residential districts.

Located 60 miles south of San Francisco and only two miles from downtown San Jose, the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is a self-supporting system that accommodates more than 9.7 million passengers on a yearly basis. As a result of the airport improvement plan, passengers have enjoyed more efficient parking and a more comprehensive rental car system.

According to the airports website, SJC averages 256 commercial and 141 general aviation flights per day, making the airport a viable option for meeting planners who are hosting events throughout the region.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is a major component of San Francisco’s public transportation system and is the fifth-busiest heavy-rail system in the country. BART is a rapid transit railway with five operational lines across 104 miles of track, including 43 stations in four different counties.

Much of the underground railway system includes the area that was previously serviced the city’s electric streetcar network. Bart’s five routes are Fremont – Daly City, Dublin/Pleasanton – Millbrae, Pittsburg/Bay Point – SFO, Richmond – Millbrae and Richmond – Fremont. Passengers have access to Oakland through all routes except for Richmond – Fremont.

Many residents are heavily dependent on BART, making San Francisco less susceptible to the congestion of daily traffic on freeways than other cities in California. As a result of the popularity of BART, train cars and stations are in a constant stage of refurbishment to make daily use more enjoyable. BART has consistently proved to be a user friendly transportation system, especially when it comes to accommodation the business needs of its riders. The system was the first in the nation to offer cell phone communities to passengers of all carriers and has increased its weekend and night schedule, making for easy and effective use no matter what time of day.

Anyone familiar with the city knows that the favorite mode of transportation in San Francisco is the cable car. There are three cable car routes currently in operation, the Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde and California lines. The Powell-Mason line begins at the Powell/Market turntable line then runs over Nob Hill and down to Bay Street at Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Hyde line also begins at the Powell/Market turntable and runs over Nob and Russian hills before ending at Ghiradelli Square. The California Street line runs East-West from the Financial District through Chinatown over Nob Hill and stops at Van Ness Avenue. This classic mode of transportation offers a way for attendees to navigate through area hotspots, event venues and hotels in a manner that San Franciscans have preferred for more than a century.

Streetcars are a charming and memorable way to get around the city. Historically, streetcars were at one time so utilized in San Francisco that they were the only vehicles on the road referred to as cars. Today, streetcars are still very much in use, traveling from Market Street between the Castro and Fisherman's Warf (collectively known as the F-Market line). Thus, the F-Market line provides transportation through some of the City’s key meeting locations.

The popularity of the F-Market line has led to some overcrowding issues that might put a damper on the experience. In this regard, the City has proposed a restoration contract that would add an additional 16 streetcars and help alleviate the stress on the F-market line. In addition, the proposed changes would allow for the opening of the E-Embarcadero line which will run from Caltrain to Fisherman’s Warf and provide another option for event attendees. It should be noted that streetcars are also zero emission vehicles.

Media
The San Francisco Chronicle is the Bay Area’s primary newspaper, and is distributed throughout Central and Northern California. The publication has a long history of top-tier reporting and has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize several times. Its online component, SFGate.com frequently includes articles and features not available in its print form. SFGate.com has the distinction of being one of the first major newspaper Web sites to have been launched when it opened in 1994.

The San Francisco Examiner was founded in 1863 and now runs as a free daily newspaper. Its daily circulation of 190,000 copies (and 250,000 on the weekends) includes a distribution to households in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. The last decade has seen the San Francisco Examiner develop into its current incarnation: a tabloid-size publication without story jumps and a focus on local news, business, entertainment and sports.

The San Francisco Bay Guardian is an alternative newspaper with a left-wing bent. The publication strongly supports progressive social issues through extensive editorial coverage. The San Francisco Bay Guardian also publishes its annual “Best of the Bay” issue, which celebrates the city’s best restaurants, entertainment venues and businesses as selected by readers and staff members.

The Bay Area is the country’s sixth-largest television market. As a result, all major television networks have affiliates in the region, most of which are based in San Francisco. The BBC, CNN and ESPN each have regional news bureaus based in San Francisco. KPIX is the city’s oldest television station, whose parent company is the CBS Corporation.

The Bay Area is also the nation’s fourth-largest radio market. KCBS (AM) is the city’s first radio station, and currently operates as a local news outlet with regular segments on traffic, weather, sports and business. Established in 1941, KALW is San Francisco’s first FM radio station. KALW is an independently-operated National Public Radio affiliate, and produces its own music, local news and interview shows.

Bay Area Sports
Sports fans of all varieties find the Bay Area an easy place to adjust to, as the region has more than its fair share of professional teams to cheer for. If there’s not a team in San Francisco that newcomers can fully get behind, chances are there’s one just across the Bay. It’s the best of both worlds: traveling enjoy a home game just a boat ride or short commute away.

— Base Ball
AT&T Park is the official home of the San Francisco Giants. The Giants originally played in New York City before they moved across the country in 1958. Major League Baseball (MLB) fans know that the Giants have produced 66 inductees of the Baseball Hall of Fame, more than any other team in the history of the sport. And if you’re not a fan of baseball, then AT&T Park is a notable attraction in and of itself. For its innovative design and stunning architecture, it was named the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal.

Oakland also has a Major League Baseball team in the form of the Oakland Athletics. Whereas the Giants play in the National League, the Athletics play in the American League. The team’s history includes three World Championships, three pennants and the 1989 World Series win. The Athletics play their home games at the Oakland Coliseum.

— Football
The San Francisco 49ers are a National Football League (NFL) team that holds the distinction of being the first team to win five Super Bowl Championships. The home venue of the 49ers is the Candlestick Park. There is currently a proposal in action to be build a new 49ers stadium in Santa Clara, which would give the team a new residence for the 2014 NFL season.

The Bay Area’s second NFL team is based in Oakland. The Oakland Raiders also part of the American Football Conference. The team has produced 13 Hall of Famers and has won the Super Bowl three times. The Oakland Raiders are housed at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

— Basketball
The Bay Area’s National Basketball Association (NBA) team is also based out of Oakland. The Golden State Warriors play their home games at the Oracle Arena, the oldest venue used by the NBA. The Golden State Warriors have the reputation of discovering and cultivating some of the best young basketball talent in the country; no other team has produced more Rookie-of-the-Year winners than the Warriors.

— Hockey
The National Hockey League (NHL) also has a presence in the Bay Area in the form of the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have won a total of five division championships and are known for their signature home game antics. Hockey fans can see the Sharks play their home games at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

— Soccor
The San Jose Earthquakes are a Major League Soccer (MLS) team that play at Buck Shaw Stadium located in Santa Clara. The Earthquakes recently resumed playing in 2008 after a two-year hiatus in which the team moved to Houston and played as the Houston Dynamos. Their return to MLS has been a notable success.

Must-See Attractions and Historic Sites
New residents of San Francisco are often amazed at the rich historical landscape of their new city. There’s always something to see and do, and most importantly, to learn. Unlike in other major cities, one can live a lifetime in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area and never experience everything it has to offer. The following descriptions are just a few of San Francisco’s iconic attractions that new residents will surely fall in love with.

Alcatraz Island is the site of the famous federal penitentiary of the same name that housed some of the most high-profile criminals of the twentieth-century. The penitentiary closed in the early-60s and the island was first opened to the public in 1973. Every year, an estimated 1.3 million people visit Alcatraz Island. Tours are available that takes visitors around the island by boat and also give an inside glimpse into the main building. The brilliant flora that is dispersed throughout the island is also a significant draw for the area’s gardening aficionados. In 1976, Alcatraz Island was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Golden Gate Bridge is the single monument that defines the Bay Area and the one that has become synonymous with the city of San Francisco. The structure was completed in 1937 and with a span of 4,200 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. If there’s no need to drive across it, the Golden Gate Bridge can be enjoyed from the water by using the Larkspur and Sausalito ferries. Pedestrians and bicyclists can cross the bridge during the day using the available sidewalks. A gift shop and café are located on the southeast side of the bridge, perfect full day of outdoor activities and leisurely excursions with one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops.

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s many family-friendly attractions; great food, amazing shopping opportunities and beautiful bayside scenery make it an enjoyable entertainment for residents of all ages. Pier 39 features 110 boutique shops including Alpaca Fashion, the Aquarium of the Bay Gift Shop, Del Sol, Krazy Store, National Parks Store, Treasure Island, Vitality and Zip it. Pier 39’s 14 top-tier restaurants include the Crab House at Pier 39, the Fog Harbor Fish House, Forbes Island, Hard Rock Cafe, Sea Lion Cafe, Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant and Wipeout Bar & Grill.

The Musée Mécanique on Fisherman’s Wharf is devoted to the private collection of Edward Galland Zelinsky, a fifth-generation San Franciscan whose extensive body of mechanically operated arcade machines and musical instruments is easily one of the most interesting destinations on the wharf. Some of the penny arcade machines are more than 100 years old and many of the exhibitions can be played for a quarter of 50 cents. Visitors will want to take pictures with some of the more famous machines, including Laffing Sal, Susie the Can-Can Dancer, and the Carnival.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to hundreds of sea lions that can be observed from the surrounding docks. 2010 marks the twentieth anniversary of their arrival to Fisherman’s Wharf. Despite a brief disappearance in the winter of 2009, the sea lions look like they are here to stay. On weekends, the Marina Mammal Center provides docents for visitors interested in learning more about the sea lions.

San Francisco’s cable car system is the largest in the world. Even so, it only comprises three routes, making it more of a tourist attraction than a regular mode of transportation for locals. Riding these mementos of a world gone by is a pleasant affair and shouldn’t be missed. The California line takes riders through the financial district, Chinatown, over Nob Hill and ends at Van Ness Avenue. The Cable Car Museum is an extensive historical tribute to the cable car’s presence in the city of San Francisco. The museum features an array of mechanical devices and photograph collections in addition to three authentic cable cars dating back to the 1870s.

Ghirardelli Square is known for its charming and piquant atmosphere. This historic square was once the home of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company headquarters, but now is the site of several fine dining establishments and retail shops. No visit to Ghirardelli Square is complete without treating oneself to a hot fudge sundae or a piece of gourmet chocolate from the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. The company’s original manufacturing equipment is on display, giving visitors an inside look into how their favorite sweets were created more than 150 years ago.

Shopping in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is a top destination for world-class shopping excursions. Residents have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of shopping experiences, including indoor malls, outdoor malls and outlet malls. Located in the Financial District, the Crocker Galleria, modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, houses a breathtaking collection of the best clothing boutiques in the city. Underneath the glass dome of the Crocker Galleria, shoppers can find international names in fashion, first-class luggage, stunning jewelry and everything else one needs to live a cosmopolitan life of first-class style.

Union Square is another of San Francisco’s marquee shopping attractions. Department stores that can be found in Union Square include Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s West, Nordstrom’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Restaurants that can also be found in its vicinity include the Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s Steakhouse, Le Colonial, E&O Trading Company and Mocca.

Located just two blocks from Union Square, Westfield San Francisco Center is a metropolitan marvel of high-end shopping. Westfield is a vertically-designed shopping center with nine stories of retail options connected by a spiral escalator. The mall features the second-largest Nordstrom in the United States, as well as the West Coast flagship of Bloomingdale’s. Its roster of more than 170 stores includes Aldo, American Eagle Outfitters, Aveda, Bath & Body Works, Calvin Klein, Express, Movado, Nine West, Sanrio and Zara.

The Great Mall of the Bay Area in Milpitas, California features 1,357,000 square-feet of retail space, including 11 anchors and an additional 200 stores. Previously a Ford automobile assembly plant, the Great Mall is the largest mall in Northern California. Its status as an outlet mall ensures a significant concentration of brand names and low prices. Major names found at the Great Mall include Banana Republic, Burlington Coat Factory, The Gap Outlet, Kohl’s, Nike, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Old Navy and Sports Authority.

Of course, these are just the major malls in San Francisco. The shopping options throughout the Bay Area are virtually limitless. From small boutique shopping center to large-scale outlet malls to the grand shopping emporiums mentioned above, there’s never a shortage of retail opportunities in the Bay Area.

Dining
San Francisco and the Bay Area represent an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the local dining industry. Thanks to its world-class wineries, small local farms and close proximity to the sea, San Franciscans can enjoy a rich variety of high-quality cuisines. Restaurants in the Bay Area are known for their farm fresh, ingredient-driven menus, as well as a particular attention to detail. Dining in San Francisco isn’t just eating, it’s an experience. A myriad of high-end restaurants allows for maximum culinary variety; eating out never tasted so good.

The Cliff House is one of the city’s iconic dining experiences. With stunning views of the California Coastline and a history that goes as far back as the nineteenth century, The Cliff House is a favorite among both residents and visitors of San Francisco. The Cliff House specializes in seafood and traditional steakhouse favorites. The Terrace Room is a popular private dining room for residents to host their social events at.

Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Alioto’s is the restaurant of choice for seafood. Established in 1925, Alioto’s has eighty-five years of excellence under the belts, and the famed quality of their cuisine isn’t hard to see or taste. Their ciopinno and crab entrees are world-class, not to mention the tranquil views of the surrounding wharf. Not looking for a night of fine dining, but still want the best seafood that’s available? Their outside crab shack, Café 8, offers great tasting food on the cheap and on the go.

Supperclub is an international metropolitan dining concept that’s not quite like any other that’s come before it. With locations in Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Istanbul and Singapore, the San Francisco location reflects all of the decadence of the international jetsetter traveler. Scintillating music, awe-inspiring entertainment and fashion-forward furnishings combine to make this high-end dining establishment something like a nightclub experience. And we haven’t even discussed the food. supperclub’s menu reflects its international background. Even more fascinating, guests are treated to an all-night experience that consists of several courses, not just a single meal.

Think you’ve done it all when it comes to dining out? Think again. Opaque offers one of the most creative eating experiences on the West Coast with its imported dining-in-the-dark concept. Guests choose their meals in a lighted lounge area, then are led into a pitch black dining space that makes the visual an obsolete sense. Once they are seated and their food is prepared, guests are then fed by a visually-impaired wait staff that have specifically trained to assist in the endeavor. The result is a heightened sensory experience that guests will never forget.

If you were to ask a native San Franciscan where to find the best Vietnamese food in town, they would more than likely say The Slanted Door across The Embarcadero. This forward-thinking restaurant concept combines traditional Vietnamese recipes with local produce and ingredients for a distinctly San Francisco experience. Executive Chef Charles Phan is a city favorite, as he has the reputation of delivering exceptional customer service with his enticing meals, which include sumptuous poultry, beef and seafood dishes.

These are just a few of the Bay Area’s top-tier restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie or you just want to break the monotony of eating in, San Francisco offers a never-ending menu of exciting dining options.

Performing Arts
San Francisco is home to a thriving performing arts community that includes resident companies of every major theatrical medium. Built in 1932, the War Memorial Opera House is a gem of a building that features the coffered ceilings, lavish balconies and marble foyers of its European forbears. The 3,146-seat venue is the permanent home of the San Francisco Opera (SFO), the second-largest opera company in North America. SFO has recently staged productions of Aida, The Marriage of Figaro, Madame Butterfly, Cyrano de Bergerac and The Makropulos Case. SFO’s Opening Night Gala is considered one of the highlights of the city’s calendar of social events.

The War Memorial Opera House is also the headquarters of the San Francisco Ballet (SFB). SFB is the nation’s oldest professional ballet company and is considered one of preeminent dance companies in the world. SFB presents more than 100 performances on a local and international level, and continues to explore the possibilities of its art form by commissioning new works from the most in-demand choreographers, as well as staging new interpretations of classic dance productions.

Since its opening in 1980, the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall has housed the San Francisco Symphony (SFS). In contrast with the War Memorial Opera House’s classical design elements, the Davies Symphony Hall is a marvel of modern architecture. Its 2,743 seats allow for the San Francisco Symphony to perform on a full-time basis. SFS performs more than 220 concerts to nearly 600,000 people every year. With more than 12,000 donors throughout the Bar Area, SFS is considered to be one of the country’s most financially stable arts institutions.

The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is San Francisco’s chief venue for world-class live dramatic theater. Founded in 1965 and stationed in the Geary Theater, A.C.T. has built a national reputation for delivering high-quality presentations of some of the stage’s most enduring works.

Museums
San Francisco is without question of center of culture and learning. The city is home to some of the most renowned museums in the nation, a big draw for new residents who are lovers of art and history. These magnificent repositories of material culture not only feature stunning permanent collections, but also host extensive calendars of touring exhibits. The following are a few of San Francisco’s key museums.

The M.H. de Young Museum and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, a gift from Alma Spreckles, the wife of sugar magnate Adolph B. Spreckles, are part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), the city’s largest public arts institution. The California Palace of the Legion of Honor features an extensive collection of ancient and European art that covers a span of 600 years. The permanent collection includes masterworks from such artistic greats as El Greco, Rubens, Degas, Monet, Cezanne, Pissaro and Seurat. FAMSF is also the city’s most successful public/private partnership. Although a designated a city department, most of the museums’ operational funding and all funding for art acquisitions and exhibitions are raised privately.

An international museum, based in San Francisco, The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is committed to showcasing the best of the best from the African Diaspora. To facilitate this, MoAd reaches out and initiates collaborative ventures with institutions of similar vision from around the world. Already, the museum has forced rich relationships with the British Museum, the Museum of African Art (NY), Eileen Harris Norton and Peter Norton, and the University of California Berkeley, among others. Drawing from the collections of museums, institutes, organizations, universities and private citizens, MoAd is a collector of stories – a repository of information to be shared with all who wish to know about the African Diaspora.

At the heart of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens, situated south of Market Street, is a bustling center for arts and culture, including the first museum on the West Coast devoted solely to 20th-century art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF-MOMA). Nearby is the new Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Mexican Museum, which has recently constructed a new facility.

Recreational Parks
San Francisco isn’t like other major urban areas that are gray and concrete-filled from the inside out. In fact, San Francisco is famous for the abundance of green that can be seen throughout the city. Paradise is on every corner as residents are able to enjoy a multitude of public and neighborhood parks. The following are just a few of San Francisco’s major parks, but feel free to explore the many smaller ones scattered throughout the city.

Golden Gate Park is the largest park in the city, and has the distinction of being larger in area than New York City’s Central Park. The park features an abundance of floral specimens and has ample space for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. There are several key areas to visit at Golden Gate Park: Kezar Stadium, the Conservatory of Flowers, the AIDS Memorial Grove, the Music Concourse, the Japanese Tea Garden and Stow Lake.

The Presidio of San Francisco is located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and features trails along the coastline. The Presidio is the site of the Palace of Fine Arts. Washington Sqaure Park in North Beach is a popular place to lounge and enjoy the sun. It’s mostly frequented by dog walkers and young people eager to play a game of one sort or another. Pioneer Park is located at the top of Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower is its most prominent feature. It is also the site of a bronze sculpture of Christopher Columbus.

San Francisco Bay Area Beaches
Due to San Francisco’s bayside location, the city is home to a plethora of pristine beaches, which are perfect for family outings and weekend gatherings with friends and loved ones. The Bay Area in general is lined with these picturesque environments, making it an ideal place for lovers of the sun and water activities. Here’s a brief synopsis of some of the local beaches new residents will want to explore.

Ocean Beach runs the entire west side of San Francisco and is the city’s largest beach. It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and approximately five miles of peaceful surf and sand.

Baker Beach is located in San Francisco at the bottom of the deeply wooded Point Lobos, just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s very picturesque with great views of the bridge and the Marin Headlands.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers expansive sand beaches, forests, marshes, open grasslands, brushy hillsides and forested ridges. A place where visitors can discover more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. People enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking and biking.

Stinson Beach is located just north of San Francisco. The 3.5 mile sandy coastline provides plenty of access to swimmers (lifeguards are on duty May through September), surfers and sun bathers. The 51-acre park adjacent to the beach offers more than 100 picnic tables (some with grills and all available on a first-come basis). A snack bar is open April through September. The park is open until sunset.

Tomales Bay State Park is situated on the eastern edge of Point Reyes Peninsula and is a popular destination for a day of picnicking, hiking or water-oriented activities. The beaches and east-facing slopes of this 2,000-acre park are protected from the prevailing winds by the high backbone of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The park is located 40 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, close to Inverness and Point Reyes Station and the Point Reyes National Seashore.

San Gregorio State Beach is 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1. The area includes a protected, driftwood-strewn estuary at the back of a wide, sandy beach with grassy bluffs along the coast. The estuary is home to many birds and small animals.

Año Nuevo State Reserve is located 55 miles south of San Francisco and is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. People who hope to see the seals during the winter breeding season are urged to get their reservations early. The males battle for mates on the beaches, and the females give birth to their pups on the dunes.

During the breeding season, December through March, daily access to the reserve is available via guided walks only. Most of the adult seals are gone by early March, leaving behind the weaned pups who remain through April. The elephant seals return to Año Nuevo’s beaches during the spring and summer months to molt and can be observed during this time through a permit system.

Montara State Beach, which is 20 miles south of San Francisco, is a popular location for visitors who can explore the beach tide pools or go surf fishing. The beach is bounded by low hills both to the north and south and restaurants and a grocery store are nearby. Point Montara has a lighthouse that offers overnight accommodations, operated by Hostelling International (www.hihostels.com), a nonprofit group.

Pacifica is a wide crescent-shaped beach that marks the northern gateway to the coastline stretching south of San Francisco. It’s located off Highway 1 in downtown Pacifica.

Pescadero State Beach is located 14.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1. The beach has a mile-long shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, fishing spots and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

For more information about San Francisco Bay Area beaches, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

Welcome to your new city on the bay!
San Francisco is a city like no other on the West Coast, or in the United States for that matter. The city has so much to offer new residents, we would have to dedicate an entire book to just attractions and entertainment. But as a sustainable city, San Francisco is perfect for just about every type of newcomer, from entire family units to corporate power couples to young twenty-somethings breaking out on their own for the first time. The team at Relocating to San Francisco would like to take this time and welcome you to the city. We hope that you are able to use this guide to your advantage in navigating your way through San Francisco. And if you haven’t already made the decision to move, consider this publication your introduction to what awaits you in the future: an unmatched quality of life and an unforgettable living experience.