Things You Should Know Before Moving to San Francisco, CA - Movers.com
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Things You Should Know Before Moving to San Francisco, CA

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Since its founding in 1776, San Francisco has served as an influence to countless authors, musicians, and artists, who have been inspired by its many sights, sounds and experiences. Today, it is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to call home, offering anyone who wants to move to the "City by the Bay" a multitude of attractions and activities to pursue in their own backyard. With a strong economy, ample job opportunities, and a high quality of life, San Francisco is a great place to live.

Over the years, the city has attracted numerous influxes of people, from gold-seeking miners during the California Gold Rush of 1849, to countless hippies during the counter-culture movement of the 1960s. Throughout its history, though, San Francisco has welcomed each new group of inhabitants with open arms, making it one of the most diverse and progressive cities in the United States. Today, the city and its many unique neighborhoods are home to more than 800,000 people, with thousands more moving into the area each year.


Moving is often the result of some of life's biggest events: whether landing a job, getting married and settling down somewhere new, or undergoing other changes in one's professional or personal lives, there are a number of factors that cause someone to relocate. Additionally, moving itself can be considered yet another major life event. With the time and effort it takes to move, any relocation to San Francisco should be well planned and well organized to make it most successful. For anyone about to begin the process of a San Francisco relocation, the following guide provides crucial information to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Why Move to San Francisco?

San Francisco is a city that offers something for everyone, and those who are considering a move to San Francisco, or already planning one, likely have a multitude of reasons for choosing the city as their new home.

Jobs - One of the biggest reasons people move to San Francisco is for professional opportunities. Whether planning a relocation because of a new position, or having the hopes of finding one in the city, San Francisco offers a growing economy. Its major industries including finance, software and technology, tourism and medical science, and the city is home to, and continues to attract, a highly educated and specialized workforce.

Education - San Francisco is home to a world-class educational environment, as the San Francisco Unified Public School District routinely outperforms the seven largest school districts in California. The city is also home to some of the best colleges in the state, including the University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, and Golden Gate University. Between its top-performing public school system, many private and parochial schools, and leading universities, those who want to ensure a bright education for their children or themselves will find the city more than accommodating.

Culture - San Francisco offers those seeking culture a wide array of activities to expand their horizons. From world-class museums with some of the finest classic and modern art ever created, to innovative restaurants serving cutting edge culinary inventions, to a wide variety of outdoor activities in its many parks and waterfront areas, San Francisco is one of the world's leading cultural centers. Anyone who moves to the city will find an endless number of activities and places to explore.



Lifestyle - San Francisco has long been recognized for its relaxed atmosphere as well as its open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all backgrounds and demographics. Many individuals choose to move to San Francisco to join communities who share their beliefs, practices, or cultural identities. No matter what your lifestyle may be, San Francisco is home to other people who share that lifestyle.

Neighborhoods - As diverse as its mix of inhabitants, San Francisco's many different neighborhoods are reason enough for many people to relocate to the city. With areas like Chinatown, Russian Hill, the Castro, Haight-Ashbury, Nob Hill, and the Mission District, anyone planning a move to San Francisco will find a neighborhood perfectly suited to their own tastes. Or, if you want, you can find a neighborhood completely different from what you're accustomed to.

Weather - San Francisco's pleasant year-round weather is yet another reason why so many people choose to relocate to the city. Those wishing to escape the cycle of freezing winters and sweltering summers can find solace in San Francisco's climate. Many of its residents find that they can wear the same wardrobe year round, without having to accommodate for the wide variances in temperature found throughout the rest of the country.

Planning the Move

No matter what the reason is for moving to San Francisco, CA, any move to the city should entail a fair amount of planning to ensure a successful relocation. Of course, one of the most important aspects is finding a place to live. Fortunately, there are a number of online resources that can help one find a new home to rent or buy, and there are plenty of real estate professionals who can assist those looking to move to San Francisco find a place that is right for them.


Any individual relocating to San Francisco should also be aware of the specific tax implementations affecting them as they move to a new city. For instance, if you plan to move to San Francisco from another state in the middle of the year, you may be required to pay income taxes for both states. Moreover, if relocating due to a job, you may be eligible to receive a tax credit if the place of employment is more than 50 miles from your previous home. More crucial information about the tax implications of moving to San Francisco can be found at Tax Service Center.


Also important for a successful San Francisco relocation is understanding the services the city provides to its residents. Becoming familiar with the city's transportation options, health services, recreational activities, and other departments and agencies, like the DMV, is beneficial for any newcomer to San Francisco. The city's official website is a key destination for information that new and future residents should know.

Of course, the most important part of conducting the move is getting one's belongings to their destination. Fortunately, Movers.com has a wealth of resources that can help anyone carry out a successful move to San Francisco. From finding a moving company or procuring a moving truck, to finding storage solutions and purchasing packing supplies, Movers.com provides all of the resources needed to ensure a successful move to San Francisco.

Movers.com - Ready to Help with Your San Francisco Move

Whether moving from another nearby city in California, or relocating from across the country, Movers.com is able to help anyone conduct a safe, simple and stress-free move. We are at the ready to provide the needed resources and support to help make your relocation as smooth as possible. That way, you can enjoy your new home of San Francisco from day one and take advantage of all this breathtaking city has to offer.

Adam Mandelbaum  Posted by Adam Mandelbaum on January 9, 2013

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