Moving to San Francisco, any suggestions

[MrsD3]

Evening,
It looks as though as a family we will be relocating from rugby (in the uk) to San Fransisco for at least 2 years. We have 3 children - aged 7, currently in year 3 - aged 4, just started reception - and a 2 year old.

I was wondering if there was any advice anyone could give about good places to live, the schooling system, good schools, cost of living etc. Any info would be great as I am a bit in the dark at the moment

Thank you very much

[sailorsgal]

I lived in the east bay which is a lovely family area. Orinda, Lafayette towards Walnut Creek. Quite affluent areas and schools were good but this was a long time ago. The train, BART goes into the city. I also lived south of San Fran in Woodside which is near Palo Alto which was gorgeous. I was a nanny at the time and my boss was head of Macys California. Its a great lifestyle if you have the cash.

[CaliforniaLeaving]

Are you going to be in San Francisco proper or in the surrounding areas. I think it probably depends where work is going to be. Lots of people commute in from the East Bay where it's cheaper and also hotter in summer.
If money were no problem I'd live in the city or in Sausalito area. But most of us usually have a budget and driving limits to work with.

[CaliforniaLeaving]

Have a look at www.city-data.com/

[pupsiecola]

We spent the last 3 days of our honeymoon in San Fran 10 years ago. Loved it. We had a wonderful brunch in a proper diner in Sausalito. Sorry, no help whatsoever but CaliforniaLeaving's post just reminded me :-)

[mcmooncup]

I could suggest you bring me?

[sailorsgal]

the city is fantastic but driving and parking on those hills was a nightmare in a car which wasn't automatic. My ex lived in the city and I spent every weekend there which was fab. I got very fit walking the hills.

[MrsD3]

Thanks for all these messages. Work for my husband will be on Howard st, central in the city.
So far we have looked into outer sunset, millrea, Burlingame and Barkley - all seem to have good schools but not yet sure on finances - will be employed as a local not expat hence questions about costs. Commute time is a big one - don't want to go all the way there to find my husband travelling all the time and never at home to see the girls!
Help, help, help

[CaliforniaLeaving]

Howard street is right in the thick of it.
Maybe look at the Marina District and Russian hill too, he could catch the bus to work.
I like the Marina District it feels like it's own small town to me, with an area of shops you can walk around.