I would like to hear from people who made this move themselves (not "forced" by a new job):
1. What did you like/not like about it?
2. How did it impact your monthly budget/finances?
3. Did you get more opportunities?
4. Was it easier to create a new social circle than in Seattle (infamous Seattle-freeze)?
5. Did you move your entire family? If so, how did you like schools, day/care availability/price, etc.
I am considering this move with a family, keeping the same job. Seattle area became increasingly expensive over the last few years almost matching Bay Area (except for housing, but close), while I feel it is still sub-par to Bay Area when it comes to weather, no. of opportunities, access to VC capital, even education.
Thanks for sharing!
1. Over time the weather in Seattle got to me and I became depressed. I've gotten more sunshine in the Bay Area and that has made all of the difference to me. People complain about the fog in SF but after living in Seattle and Portland I find SF weather to be almost perfect year round. The things I don't like about SF are well documented in the news and social media, just look it up on YouTube or Twitter and you'll see footage from Market St. / Tenderloin areas.
However, most of my time is spent between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, which is just beautiful and pretty chill. The neighborhoods are walkable, have natural beauty, great food, and various venues where I enjoy hanging. So while I often see SF described as a "hellscape" and a "warzone", much of my daily life feels like a pretty postcard and is fairly quiet and peaceful.
2. I owned a 3 bedroom townhouse in Seattle but rent a 2 bedroom flat in San Francisco. I saved a lot in taxes and had a low mortgage in Seattle. SF is definitely more expensive, but the added cost was worth it for me since I've personally been happier. YMMV, some people seem to hate it here.
3. My pay went up in SF and I have had a variety of opportunities that I might not have had elsewhere.
4. Yes, I have been better at making friends in San Francisco. I never had much of a social circle in Seattle and failed in my efforts there. I do feel like SF has become a bit worse socially since the pandemic. I made quite a few new friends pre-2020, but not as many since. Also some of my favorite music venues and hangouts closed down in recently years.
5. I don't know anything about schools, day care, etc.