San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco — this high-tech metropolis and California icon will steal your heart. In many ways, San Francisco is a city of contradictions — it’s one of the world’s business capitals, and also the birthplace of beat poetry and known for its hippy scene. In short, whether you're an ambitious professional or more laid back and groovy, San Francisco has a lot to offer you.
City Overview
Located on the San Francisco bay in Northern California, San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the 13th most in America. San Francisco is a top tourist destination, and the setting for many famous films, such as Bullet. San Francisco ranks high on the world livability scale. As Buffalo Springfield said, “There’s something happening here”. The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re just here for an internship or plan on staying long-term, San Francisco has something for every taste and budget.
Arts
San Francisco is famous for its thriving arts scene. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is constantly showing new and exciting exhibits. The Palace of the Legion of Honor exhibits European antiquities. The de Young Museum, The Asian Art Museum, and the Steinhart Planetarium are other must-sees. Music appreciators will need to check out the San Francisco Symphony in Davies Hall, and the San Francisco Opera at the War Memorial Opera House. The San Francisco Ballet can also be seen here.
Business
San Francisco is one of the business capitals of the world. It’s a major hub for shipping and for tech. Silicon Valley is right in the Bay Area. San Francisco’s GDP is approximately 400 billion dollars. Of course, you don’t have to be a programmer to be at home here. San Francisco boasts a highly diversified service economy — over 30 international financial institutions and six Fortune 500 companies are located here. The top employers in San Francisco are the City of San Francisco, University of California San Francisco, and California Pacific Medical Center. San Francisco’s largest manufacturing employer is the Anchor Brewing Company.
Climate
San Francisco has the characteristic California coast climate — that is mild winters and somewhat hot summers. On average there are 73 rainy days per year.
Cuisine
San Francisco has something for every palate. Whether you want experimental and quirky, or classic European cuisine, you’ll find something to sate your appetite in San Francisco. The region's seafood is considered particularly good, with Abalone, Dungeness crab, sand dabs, bay shrimp, and crusty sourdough French bread being local favorites. The Top 5 Zagat-rated restaurants in San Francisco are Acquerello (Italian. Order the rabbit loin), Gary Danko (French. Amazing glazed oysters here), Kokkari Estiatorio (Greek. Mouth-watering pita and spiced lamb), La Ciccia (Italian. Great spaghetti), and Kusakabe (Japanese. Amazing seasonal sushi options here).
Demographics
San Francisco is a very diverse city. The population is 48% White, 33% Asian, 15% Hispanic and 6% African-American. The median household income in San Francisco is $72,947.
Historical
There’s tons of American history in San Francisco. Alcatraz is probably the city’s most famous site — indulge your inner mobster with a guided tour. History enthusiasts will also want to check out the San Francisco Maritime Historical Park and the Fort Point National Historical site.
Landmarks
Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, San Francisco Bay Bridge, Chinatown, AT&T Park, Twin Peaks, Ferry Building Market Place, Pier 39, Fort Point National Historic Site, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco City Hall, The Embarcadero.
Nightlife
San Francisco’s Nightlife is famous and offers tons of variety. Geeky partiers will want to check out Monarch on 6th street, a steampunk themed dance club. For a quintessential SF party experience, head down to the DNA Lounge on 11th street. DNA lounge has 3 dance floors with the 90s, trance, and R&B. You can also buy tickets so you don’t have to wait in line. The bar scene is also great here. Mikkeller Bar on Mason Street has a great specialty beer selection and fine pub fare. If nautical nonsense is something you wish, swing by Smuggler’s Cove, a pirate themed tiki bar on Gough street. San Francisco is also known for its thriving LGBT scene, which has plenty of nightlife offerings. Popular gay bars in San Francisco include Blackbird and the Eagle Tavern.
Transportation
There are plenty of public transportation options in San Francisco. The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system covers 104 miles and has 44 stations. It also links San Francisco to nearby Berkeley and other Bay Area cities. There is also the MUNI bus. Traffic can be intense in San Francisco, and those who don’t take public transportation often prefer to bike instead of using a car.
Finding Apartments for Rent in SF
San Francisco is a hyper-competitive rent-market, so when you find a place you like you’ll have to move fast. It also means that rent can be expensive, roommates are basically a fact of life for younger professionals. Luckily, Rentberry streamlines the application process. Instead of hounding your buddies to fill out their paperwork, you and your roommates can apply together online.
Remember that because the San Francisco market is so popular, open houses can be packed. So if possible, it’s better to try to schedule a private showing for the place you are interested in. Make sure to have all your information prepared, and ready to upload on Rentberry, because you’ll need to move quickly once you find a place that you like. You can use Rentberry to stand out from the crowd and make a custom offer. Even better, you always know where you stand, you can view the highest current offer on thousands of long-term San Francisco apartments for rent. And remember, it’s not just about the money – include your rental history, references – anything that shows you’re a star tenant (we know you are!).
If you’re a student, be sure to check out hundreds of student apartments for rent in San Francisco.
Pet owner? Use the search function and sort by pet-friendly. You can also look for any other amenities you need to feel at home, whether it’s a balcony, swimming pool, doorman or anything in-between.
San Francisco Neighborhoods
The Mission District
Located in east-central San Francisco, the Mission District gets more sunshine than any other part of the city. There’s lots of cool street art here too. The Mission District is popular with hipsters, who enjoy trendy local spots like the Mission Minis cupcakery. Another icon is the Roxie theater on 16th street — it's got an awesome retro feel. The Mission District is also a hub of San Francisco Latino culture and there are cool festivals year round and lots of Mariachi music. This neighborhood is a good choice for young people or families seeking long-term apartments and condos for rent. The median price of a one bedroom apartment in the Mission District is $3,450.
Civic Center
A great neighborhood for lovers of music and the performing arts, the Civic Center is home to some of San Francisco’s coolest cultural institutions. The Opera house and the Davies Symphony Hall are located here. Jazz fans will want to check out the SFJazz Center, which is within walking distance. You can find great apartment and condos for rent in this area. The median price of a one bedroom apartment in the Civic Center is. $3,500.
SOMA
A popular district with IT professionals, SOMA has a lot to offer. Home of the San Francisco Giants, sports fans will love this district too. It’s proximity to the Caltrain means Silicon Valley is just a short ride away. There are lots of great apartments for rent in SOMA, in addition to condos and houses. Culture vultures can’t miss 111 Minna — a dual purpose art gallery and dance club! The median price of a one bedroom apartment in SOMA is $3,890.
Nob Hill/Russian Hill
Luxurious even by San Francisco standards, the hill is the place for those who enjoy life’s finer things. There are lots of luxury houses and apartments for rent here with great views of the Bay. It’s a good neighborhood for fitness lovers, as the nearby Huntington Park offers running trails. Searching for the perfect breakfast? You can start your day with at Nob Hill’s Cafe Bean — famous for its omelets. The median price of an apartment in Russian Hill is $3,740 and $3,100 for an apartment in Nob Hill.
Pacific Heights
Quiet, affluent and residential, Pacific Heights is a great place for those looking for a family-friendly environment. Houses here also feature some of the best views in all of San Francisco. There are lots of retail offerings on Fillmore street — including designer furniture stores like Nest and Zinc Details. The median price of a one bedroom apartment in Pacific Heights is $3,860.
North Beach
North Beach offers a charming Little Italy and also an action-packed nightlife. Be sure to walk up the scenic Greenwich Steps. Afterwards, replenish your energy with delicious Italian seafood at Sotto Mare. Apartments for rent in North Beach are good options for young professionals. The median price of a one-bedroom apartment in North Beach is $3,450.
Hayes Valley
Super fashionable — Hayes Valley is for the chic. Restaurants, art galleries, and designer boutiques line the streets here. For great New American cuisine, Rich Table is a must — definitely try the swordfish. Want to unleash your inner fashionista? Azalea Boutique on Hayes street offers a number of forward thinking fashion options. Studio apartments for rent in Hayes Valley start around $2,500.
Financial District
The beating heart of San Francisco business, the financial district is full of great high-rise apartments and condos for rent. You can also hop a ferry to the East Bay from here. If you like to laugh, don’t miss the Punch Line Comedy Club — greats such as Robin Williams have performed here. The median price of a one bedroom apartment for rent is $4,180.
Marina
Right on the waterfront, the Marina is one of SF’s most beautiful neighborhoods. It’s also a great place to go for a run. The buildings aren’t so tall here, so it’s great for those looking for a more laidback feel. There are plenty of cool places to go out in this neighborhood too — the Marina Lounge on Chestnut street is a local favorite. The median price of a one bedroom apartment in the Marina is $3,680.
Haight-Ashbury
Gentrifying, Haight-Ashbury still has just enough edge to be cool — it’s a great choice for young professionals. Nature lovers will be pleased by its proximity to the Golden Gate Park. There’s no shortage of trendy shops, bars, and restaurants here either. Try Alembic known both for its inventive cocktails and unique dishes. The median price of a one bedroom apartment in Haight-Ashbury is $3,160.