San Francisco’s liberal spirit has been well-documented - it was the birthplace of the Beat Generation, the meeting point of the Summer of Love, and it’s also renowned for its prominence in LGBT rights and activism. 

Above all else, “San Fran” has been increasingly popularized as a tech mecca. Because of its close proximity to Silicon Valley - which sits south of the San Francisco Bay area - the city is increasingly flooded with the world’s biggest tech companies and venture capital funding.

San Francisco is also an important financial center for the West Coast, strategically located between Tokyo and London. The city also has a robust tourism sector, which saw a 1.2% rise in visitors to 25.8 million in 2018. 

Often described by its distinctive hilly landscapes, San Francisco’s population is just over 880,000 and is one of the most densely populated cities in the US. 

Gentrified - the Ugly Side of San Fran’s Technology Revolution

In 2018, venture capital funding in the San Francisco region constituted almost a third of total funding in the US. Another 2015 report revealed that tech companies accounted for 60% of all leases in San Francisco. 

With the most exciting innovations in tech coming out of San Francisco and its surrounding areas, the job market continues to explode with a smorgasbord of new tech roles. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon. 

High-income tech workers continue to pour in and spur demand for accommodation in a city with an especially limited housing supply.

This phenomenon has caused skyrocketing rental prices and is driving low to moderate-income households to leave the city in droves - or worse yet, made homeless. 

Pros

• If you’re interested in technology, the city and its surrounding areas will offer a deluge of career-defining opportunities in the industry. 
• San Francisco has a well-known public transportation system. From its iconic cable cars, light-rail vehicles, electric trolley coaches and its robust ride-sharing ecosystem, you’d be able to get around at any hour of the day. 
• From an endless supply of parks, beaches, street festivals, sports, and a vibrant nightlife, San Francisco is an exciting city for young professionals.  
• It’s a best place for foodies, as San Francisco has the most number of restaurants per capita in the US. 

Cons

• With the highest rent prices in the country, you can expect to pay top dollar for your accommodation. 
• Living cost estimates for a single person start from $5,000 per month, much higher than most cities in the US. 
• You’d be living in earthquake territory. Located in the middle of a few major faultlines, be prepared to experience tremors and keep a close lookout on the news. 
• Due to its dense population, traffic is notoriously bad. In 2017, San Francisco ranked the fifth-worst city in the world for its traffic congestion. 
• Check your locks, as San Francisco has one of the highest per-capita rate of property crimes, which includes burglary, larceny, theft, and arson. 

Major Attractions of San Francisco

• Golden Gate Bridge: There’s nothing quite like taking a walk on San Francisco’s iconic suspension bridge, which was an engineering marvel when it first opened in 1937. 
• Alcatraz Island: This supposedly inescapable island prison was once home to high-profile prisoners like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. 
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Well-known for its quaint shops, restaurants, and attractions, this beautiful waterfront is a must-visit if you’re new to the city. 
• Cable Cars: First introduced in 1873, San Fran’s iconic cable cars are a national monument, and offer the best ways to explore the city while soaking in its rich history.