Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, those views are pretty fabulous, but getting the most out of San Francisco on the same level as the locals means understanding the city properly. The City by the Bay may only be seven miles by seven miles wide, but it packs more personality and raw potential experience into that space than larger cities many times its size.

I’m Shannon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for San Francisco, and I’m here to let you in on all the little secrets you need to know – everything from hidden gems to practical advice to personal insights. Think of it as your catch-all starter kit to living your best life here, from me to you.

Standout San Francisco Neighborhoods: Where You’ll Actually Live

San Francisco is a veritable patchwork quilt of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique culture and sense of community. Here’s a closer look at some of my very favorites, as well as the tradeoffs that come with each.

The Mission District

Awesome live music, stunning murals, and next-level tacos at midnight – just a few of the things I love about the Mission. The Mission District is a historically Latino neighborhood and is a haven for artists and culture lovers. Spots like Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley are especially appealing with their beautiful street art celebrating resistance and community pride.

Life here is ideal for people who love it when there’s something going on. It can get noisy at night, parking can be a challenge, and gentrification is a sticking point for many of the residents. But you’ll have easy access to perks like Dia de los Muertos parades, art walks, and block parties. And the tacos at Mission staples like La Taqueria and El Farolito will change your life.

The Marina

I personally love ambling waterfront walks, especially when they come with breathtaking views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge – exactly why I love spending time at the Marina whenever I can. It’s an especially wonderful place to come home to at the end of a long day, especially when you’re in the mood for some amazing seafood and maybe a late-night bar trip.

Crissy Field and Fort Mason are right there when you live in the Marina, biking, running, and picnicking opportunities included. However, it may not be right for those looking to live somewhere quiet. The Marina is lively. It can also be pricey, but it’s well worth considering if it’s within your means.

Inner Sunset

If you’ve always dreamed of living within a stone’s throw of Golden Gate Park, then take a closer look at Inner Sunset. It’s packed with students, nature lovers, and families – exactly the type of people who make San Francisco great. Inner Sunset is diverse, and you can’t beat the trail access or nearby venues like the Botanical Garden and the De Young Museum.

If you’re a sun worshiper, know that you’ll be trading wall-to-wall sunshine for the area’s trademark fog rolling in by afternoon. But for many people, myself included, that’s the vibe, and it goes wonderfully with such easy park access.

Noe Valley

If you’re looking for a place to put down some roots that’s sunny but quiet, you’ll definitely want to take a peek at Noe Valley. The hills surrounding the neighborhood basically act as a fog shield, making it one of the sunniest areas in the whole city.

Noe Valley is further characterized by idyllic Victorian homes, quirky boutique shops, and playgrounds, making it a favorite for families and young professionals. There isn’t much of a nightlife here, nor is this one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city. But it’s definitely one of the most comfortable.

Next-Level Hidden Gems to Know

Every city has its special little nooks that you really only properly discover when you live there. Here are a few of the local treasures I’ve personally fallen in love with during my time in the city:

• Balmy Alley: If you’re an art lover, you need to head to Mission and check out the gorgeous mural gallery here. There’s nothing like it.
• Old School Café: If you love soul food and jazz, give this supper club a try. It’s a nonprofit run by local at-risk youth, and it’s well steeped in irresistible 1920s speakeasy vibes.
• Ina Coolbrith Park: This is a tiny little spot, tucked neatly away on Russian Hill, and it treats visitors to one of the most spectacular views in the entire city.
• Filbert Steps: This is an unforgettable garden climb from the Embarcadero to Coit Tower – a must-do to add to your San Francisco bucket list.
• Treasure Island’s Cityside Park: This spot is still under development, but it’s one of my favorite places to go for views that seem too incredible to be real.

Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list of must-see San Francisco gems. It is a good cache of favorites where lots of locals bring their friends when they want to introduce them to the city properly.

Must-Do Classics (and How to Do Them Like a Local)

Being a local (or seriously considering becoming one) doesn’t have to mean passing on the bigger things to do in San Francisco. The big things are big things in the first place for some good reasons, but there are smarter ways to do them.

Golden Gate Bridge

Got your heart set on a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge? If that’s the case, skip midday, as that’s when the tourists are there in droves. Try planning a nice walk or bike ride there either early in the morning or right before sunset instead.

Cable cars

Everyone should catch a ride on one of these at least a couple of times to experience the novelty. But it’s a mistake to actually count on them for transportation. Avoid the worst of the crowds by catching yours on California Street.

Twin Peaks

Looking for the ultimate way to experience a San Francisco sunset in style? Head up to Twin Peaks right before dusk. You’ll get the sunset and a fantastic view of the sparkling city lights when they come on.

Dolores Park

Dolores Park really is the Mission hangout spot. But Saturday is the best time to head down there, as it transforms into a carnival of great music, terrific picnic opportunities, and gorgeous views.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is a terrific spot for anyone who loves the idea of pairing next-level views of the Golden Gate with a really nice beach bonfire. But be aware that the northern end of the beach is clothing optional, and plan accordingly.

Eating and Drinking Like a Local

One thing that definitely happens once you either move to San Francisco or start spending a lot of your time here is that you develop hard-and-fast opinions about food. Really, it’s practically a civil duty!

Taquerias

I’m like a lot of diehard San Franciscans in that I’ve got my favorite place to go when nothing but a truly transcendent taco will do. (It’s La Taqueria, by the way. Try the rice burritos while you’re there!) But everyone here has their own opinion. You’ll develop one, as well.

Dim sum

San Francisco is a treasure trove of excellent dim sum places, but you’ll find the best of the best in Chinatown or the Richmond District. And if takeout’s your thing? Hit up Good Mong Kok Bakery for some delicious, inexpensive options.

Coffee

As with the taquerias, everyone in San Francisco has a favorite coffee shop or two that they swear by. However, it’s worth noting that third-wave roasters like Blue Bottle got their starts here. Explore those, but don’t sleep on the corner cafés where you ultimately settle.

Brunch

Brunch and long lines go hand in hand pretty much anywhere, and San Francisco is no exception. But arriving early can go a long way toward minimizing your average wait. Personally, I’m a big fan of a good weekday brunch at a place like Zazie – amazing brunch fare without the ridiculous lines.

Nightlife

I tend to favor daytime activities when I’m in the mood to get out and about, but when I do feel the need to venture out at night, there’s nothing like a spot that’s a little off the beaten trail. Chapel in the Mission is a terrific indie venue to keep an eye on. You can also take in some excellent jazz in the Filmore or soak up a great dive bar experience out toward North Beach.

And a pro tip

Reservations are worth their weight in gold around here. (OpenTable and Resy are insider tools locals swear by.) But I’ve also got to admit I’ve had some amazing experiences simply wandering around, exploring, and remaining open to whatever I stumble across. San Fran is great for that.

Getting Around San Francisco

Every San Franciscan has a unique love/hate relationship with public transportation, and you probably will, too. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know:

• Muni options like streetcars and buses can get you where you need to go, but they’re not always as speedy as one might hope.
• BART is a godsend if you’re headed downtown or over to the East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland, etc.)
• Ride-share options like Uber and Lyft are abundant, but they can get a little pricey if you’re too dependent on them.

Parking is a constant headache, so know that before relying strictly on your car to go everywhere. (If you do manage to snag an apartment with a dedicated parking spot, you’ve hit the jackpot. Treasure it.)

I’m personally a fan of walking or biking whenever I can, as it’s a great way to work around public transportation, but be prepared for San Francisco’s famous hills.

Local Culture and Events to Explore

In San Francisco, diversity, culture, and creativity aren’t just nice to acknowledge once in a while. They’re celebrated with gusto all year round, so you’ll want to keep your finger on the pulse of the city’s cultural event scene. Here are some absolute must-sees from my own personal running list:

• Carnaval in the Mission: This goes down in the spring and is a riot of rich Latinx culture, parade floats, and music.
• Outside Lands: This is a huge summer music festival in Golden Gate Park, not to be missed.
• Folsom Street Fair: If leather and alt-life are on the menu for you, this world-famous street festival takes place in the fall.
• Chinese New Year Parade: And in the winter, you’ve got this incredible event, easily one of the largest outside of Asia itself.

And there are lots of other events to look forward to, too. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting goings on at art galleries and small theaters. The city’s many street fairs and open-air markets are always worth exploring, as well.

Logistics for Life in the City

Now, let’s get into a few truths you’ll learn really fast once you’re actually living in San Francisco. Being prepared is the best way to get the most out of your experience.

Quirky apartments

San Francisco apartments absolutely ooze charm and creative quirk, but there are two sides to that equation. Many also come with slanted floors, questionable heating, clawfoot tubs, and similar features you’ll need to adapt to.

High cost of living

Although some places in the city are much more affordable than others, the cost of living here is on the high side. Rents can be steep, and many restaurants tack on service fees. Budget accordingly.

Fog and earthquakes

Fog quite literally divides the city, so choose your ultimate location carefully. The Sunset and Richmond are cooler and foggier, while sun worshipers might want to stick closer to the Mission or Noe Valley.

And there’s a reason why San Fran is famous for its earthquakes. Most are small, but they do happen. As a renter, you should know where your gas shut-off is and have a light go-bag at the ready just in case.

Recycling and composting

These are big in San Francisco, as residents care deeply about the environment. Don’t get caught casually tossing any recyclables in the trash!

Ultimately, living in San Francisco means embracing contradictions, but that’s part of the city’s charm. Glamor and grit, tech and counterculture, historic and evolving – all of these dualities exist side by side here, and there’s truly nothing like it.

This is the kind of place that gets under your skin. Sure, you’ll have your gripes just as any city dweller does, but trust me when I say you’ll also brag about living here. Once a San Franciscan, always a San Franciscan!