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Looking for a place to live in San Francisco, is like searching for a needle in a haystack. In the mind of every San Francisco resident, there is no doubt that a housing shortage exists, let alone parking spots which retail for $300.00 a slot. It is not uncommon to see signs posted in residents' windows exclaiming "Save our Housing". And as new condos are built to fatten the wallets of overzealous landlords, eviction notices are passed out like parking tickets. Areas like SOMA (south of market) have become a virtual campground for the homeless. Struggling artists continue to fight for the right to keep they're studios, as the latest breed of dot comers migrate to California's "new" gold rush, Silicon Valley.
Numerous long term residents, as well as new comers to the bay area are flocking to the East Bay, (Berkeley and Oakland) where rent is relatively cheaper. The downside is non stop traffic jams. A fifteen minute drive can take you well over an hour. Of course with the invention of public transportation, though not the most reliable resource, you can minimize time spent traveling. However unlike New York and other major cities, trains only run until midnight. Because this endeavor is fairly new, routes are not yet expansive. Considering your route may require a bus and a train ride, car pooling may be the best way to go.
If you are moving to this robust city without a place to live be forewarned, it is a landlords market. A one bedroom apartment can start anywhere from $2000.00 and up. Fear not, Dot Comers, if your programming skills are sharpened, you will be fairly compensated for your services, but those who work for non-profits, as a teacher, or a writer (like myself), be prepared for an up-road battle.
If determination is not one of your best character traits, I wouldn't advise moving to San Francisco. Finding housing is harder than finding a job. It can take several months to find a place, so if time is not on your side, you may want to consider contacting an agency. There are numerous listings in local papers like The San Francisco Gate or The Examiner. Online services post listings for available apartments, as well as renters looking for roommates. Of course vagabonds like myself can find shelter at the various hostels located throughout the city at a minimal cost of $200.00 a week. One of San Francisco's best kept secrets is a site called Craig's List. This site posts listings for sublets, apartments, roommates, in addition to for sale ads, and personals. In fact Craig's List, has yet to fail me. Because postings are listed immediately, you've got to act fast, not only are you responding, but hundreds of other hungry hunters.
In my experience when responding to a roommate ad, get personal. Often the renter is looking for someone with common interests, a friend, a companion. Try to include something that sets you apart from other respondents. I always include where I am from and what I like to do. Hopefully if someone in the house likes to rock climb, roller blade, snowboard, sky dive, or write, they will call me. It is important to strike up a connection. The last interview I went on, they said they picked me out of two hundred other emails, because I am from Boston. I felt like saying "big deal" as opposed to smiling and responding "Wow being a Bostonian finally paid off". Trust me when I say looking for a place in San Francisco is a rat race, so be prepared and don't be surpised if you find yourself chasing your tail.
Good Luck, and Happy Hunting!
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