[josh3736]

SF for 10 years

In this reporter's humble opinion, it's wild how dissonant the narrative about this city is with the reality on the ground. If you ask our relatives who watch too much cable news, they think we live in doom loop hellscape on the verge of total collapse. Yet when we go out and walk around different parts of the city… it's mostly nice. There's plenty of people out and about; it feels like things have recovered from pandemic-era decline.

Of course there are problem areas that do look like the Bell Riots might pop off at any moment, and I really do hope we find a way to address those problems. But the truth is, that makes up a small part of the city, and even in the sketchiest parts of SOMA, the homeless population et al will for the most part leave you alone; it's not particularly unsafe.

Pros: Lots to do. You can walk most places you'd want to go. Weather is always great. If you're in tech, it's the center of the universe, and the place you're most likely to maximize your career options. Plenty of meetups/events for every niche where you can meet people, network, etc.

Cons: Expensive, but that's why the salaries are higher. I'm told that if you're single, the dating scene is a nightmare. Not exactly an easy place for families either unless you've already won the startup lottery. I don't really see this discussed, and maybe it's a little uncomfortable to admit, but there is definitely a degree of having to be able to "make it", and not everyone can.