San Francisco, known as the City by the Bay, is a tech hub and cultural melting pot nestled on the Northern California coast. Its skyline is dominated by the Golden Gate Bridge, and its urban sprawl is defined by charming cobblestone streets and steep hills. Known for its progressive politics and street art, San Francisco also offers a thriving arts scene, jazz clubs, and some of the best seafood in the world.
Tips for expats in San Francisco
Visa requirements
Foreigners intending to work in California are required to apply for a B-1 Business Visa or a B-2 Tourist Visa. Both visas can be converted to B-1/B-2 Business and Tourist Visa H (capitalized H-1B) statuses, allowing for employment in the US. The B-1/B-2 Business and Tourist Visa H statuses may also serve as a path to permanent residency.
Language resources
Although English is the primary language spoken in San Francisco, expats with non-English speaking backgrounds can access a variety of language resources at local libraries and universities. Some popular language learning resources include the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Language Exchange and Language Trainers. Expat parents interested in providing their children with multilingual education should consider applying to one of the city's international schools.
Cost of living for expats in San Francisco
Housing
San Francisco's housing market is notoriously pricey. A room in a shared house will cost around $1500 per month, a one-bedroom apartment will set you back $2800 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $3100 to $4300 per month. Families with children will pay anywhere from $6100 to $10,200 for a three-plus bedrrom house.
Groceries
San Francisco's produce and grocery costs are on par with those in other major US cities. Expat grocery shoppers should prepare budgets between $300 and $400 per month, depending on their dietary preferences.
Transportation
San Francisco's public transportation network allows for affordable transportation. Monthly tenant passes range from $117 to $134, while bus passes start at $80 per month. A return hourly UberX ride costs approximately $45.
Climate in San Francisco
San Francisco's Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild temperatures and low rainfall, creating a lush environment for its foliage-dense hills. Summers are frequently foggy, while winters are mild and rainy. Spring and fall offer the perfect combination of sunny warmth and picturesque foliage.
Job market in San Francisco
San Francisco's dynamic job market is heavily weighted towards tech industry giants such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. Other key industries include finance, healthcare, and education. Expat IT experts can also find lucrative positions in growing tech startups. Opportunities for other professions, such as sales, marketing, and hospitality, are also abundant.
Healthcare in San Francisco
San Francisco plays home to several highly-ranked hospitals, including the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and California Pacific Medical Center. Accessible and innovative healthcare is standard in the city, while health insurance is mandatory for all resident expats. Preventative healthcare programs such as free vaccinations and flu shots are also available.
Transport in San Francisco
San Francisco's excellent public transportation system includes a subway system, two light rail lines, and multiple bus routes. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency offers fast and reliable services, including tenant passes, which provide discounted rides for students, seniors, and low-income residents. Expat drivers can navigate the city with ease via the well-organized street system.
Safety in San Francisco
San Francisco's safety record is relatively high compared to other US cities of its size. However, rainy winter seasons lead to higher crime rates in certain areas. Expat residents are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and walking in groups at night. The most dangerous neighborhoods - excluding areas surrounding the city's skid row - are concentrated between the 16th St BART station and the downtown Tenderloin district.
Neighborhoods in San Francisco
Castro
San Francisco's Castro district, historically associated with the Gay Rights Movement, boasts a thriving shopping scene, diverse population, and prominent community centers. Housing and accommodation prices are relatively steep; however, Castro's proximity to the city's downtown area make it a popular choice for expat residents.
Mission District
San Francisco's colorful Mission District is known for its cultural mix of Latin American, Asian, and Native American communities. Mission housing prices are often more affordable than those in the city's wealthier neighborhoods, making it an appealing choice for recent expat arrivals. Mission's residents can also expect easy access to the city's public transportation network.
Attractions in San Francisco
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a sprawling urban oasis filled with gardens, ponds, and lakes that showcase the city's rich fauna and flora. The expansive park is home to the world-renowned California Academy of Sciences, as well as the traditional Smithsonian Science Museum.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, served as a maximum-security penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Today, the island attracts thrill-seeking tourists who flock to its gray and ghostly halls to hear tales of the island's grisly past.
International Schools in San Francisco
Le Garage
San Francisco's Le Garage offers international elementary and middle schooling programs for expat families. Located in the vibrant Mission District, Le Garage's curriculum emphasizes innovative learning methods, including product development and entrepreneurial skills.
Expat families living in the city's northern neighborhoods may also consider San Francisco's French International School, which provides students ranging from ages 3 to 18 with immersive French-language education. Families living in southern San Francisco will discover the highly sophisticated American Singapore International School.
Useful expat resources in San Francisco
San Francisco Expat Group
Meetups and forums for connecting with other expats in San Francisco.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Website for SFO with information on connections to other airports in the United States and around the world.
San Francisco Public Library
Library system with branches throughout the city and resources for new residents.
San Francisco Transit System
Municipal transportation agency with information on buses, trains, and cable cars.
San Francisco Parking & Traffic
City agency for street parking and traffic management with information on permits and meters.
San Francisco Missions National Historical Park
Two original Spanish missions in San Francisco preserved by the National Park Service.
