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Finding an Apartment in San Francisco Bay AreaLike any other big city in the United States, San Francisco is expensive to live in and housing is a tight commodity. Rents are high no matter where you live in the city with many single bedroom apartments priced at $2500/month or more. Even if you slip out of the city to the south and head towards Daly City or Burlingame you are still looking at extremely high apartment rents. The various districts in the city to choose from are Twin Peaks, Haight, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Marina, Sunset, Castro, Mission, and Pacific Heights. Public transportation with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and muni buses keep people moving towards their final destination pretty well, but traffic congestion is certainly an issue on the streets of San Francisco. Owning a car can come in handy, but finding a place to park is another thing. When looking for an apartment in the city, make sure it offers parking. Also, if you have a pet (cat/dog/bird), disclose that information up front so you don't waste time looking at a place that won't work out in the long run. If you do choose to live south of the city, both 280 and 101 lead into SF so your commute has a direct route but traffic can be horrible. The conveniences of living in the city might be worth the added rent you pay each month. We suggest ditching the car (save $100's a month) and finding a good location to limit your commute and enjoy the nightlife and daily activities the city offers. You can start your apartment search on major sites like Rent.com or Apartments.com but ultimately we have found that the specific websites (like the ones below) for particular complexes can be more beneficial with more up to date info and contact details.
The cost of living is high in the Bay Area, and 1 BR apartments will normally set you back $1500 or more per month. Below are listings for some San Francisco Apartment Rentals.
Apartment Inspection Checklist - take this on your walkthrus and jot down notes. Avoid Renters Remorse: parking, noise, etc. Check this list. Rules for Renting a Condo: Condos are a little different.. Your Credit Report: What is shows, what to look for. Other neighborhoods to include in your search are: Bernal Heights, The Castro, Chinatown, Cole Valley, Deco Ghetto, Fisherman's Wharf, The Haight, Inner Sunset, Richmond District, The Marina, The Mission, Nob Hill, North Beach, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, SoMa, The Tenderloin, Union Square.
Buying a Home in San Francisco: Real Estate Brokers and AgentsWhen looking for a home, whether for a corporate relocation or just moving across town, it always helps to begin with MLS listings to get an idea of what is on the market and what your $$ can buy. Start with MLS Listings. Then find a real estate agent you trust and are comfortable with. Coldwell Banker Residential (415-447-8800) serves the entire Silicon Valley region, aiding in finding a home or planning a relocation. Pacific Union Real Estate is another well-trusted local name (415-447-6200), traditionally dealing in higher end properties. Get information on neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, etc. Check out the tools below:
School Reports: Find out school rankings and scores.
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