SF Bound?

I’ve discussed with some of you my current search for a new place in SF. By no means have I decided for certain to move to the city, but looking around causes no harm so I figured I’d give it a try.

First, why would I want to move? Well, SF is more fun. Its compact nature and large number of restaurants, bars, and stores of various kinds presents an opportunity for exploration on every day. Most fun things are happening in the city on the weekend and, as a nexus of public transportation, it’s easier to see every part of the bay from SF than it is from Mtn. View.

So, why wouldn’t I want to move? Most importantly, my job is in Palo Alto. Any move away from there is either going to result in inconvenience in the commute or me doing my job less well (by working from home). It’s also worth pointing out that for all of the fun things the city offers, it’s inconvenient to take care of day-to-day activities when you live there. Grocery shopping is more of a pain-in-the-ass, there is little parking anywhere, and God help you if you want to get to a Home Depot.

The reduce some of these downsides of the city, I’ve told my agent that I want to find a place that is near the Caltrain or VMware’s shuttle locations and ideally near both of them. The shuttles pick up on Market (near 7th) and in the Mission (Valencia and 16th, I believe). Caltrain would get me to Portrero Hill and locations all the way up to the Financial District. As I’m willing to walk a good distance. Looking at this district map, I’m primarily talking about districts 5 and 9 with possibilities of some places in the southern portions of 6 and 8.

Here’s a list of what I’m looking for:

• Required: Near (6-8 blocks) either Caltrain or VMware shuttle.
• Desired: Near (6-8 blocks) both Caltrain and shuttle as well as the BART.
• Desired: Easy access to 101.
• Required: Two bedrooms, good kitchen, patio for grilling.
• Desired: A third bedroom or an office nook so my desk doesn’t go in the second bedroom.
• Required: One parking spot.
• Desired: Two parking spots.
• Desired: In a neighborhood with relatively good parking.

I spent one day a week ago checking out places in South Beach and the Mission and found that for the money I’m willing to spent there are a lot of options. You definitely get a lot more place for the money in the Mission and I’d rather live in the Mission than South Beach due to the central location and wide variety of things to do on any day of the week. But, South Beach is really growing fast due to the UCSF expansion there so as far as an investment the South Beach area is prime.

I’m going to take a break on hunting until 2/9 or 2/10. More updates then.