California San Francisco

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Moving to San Francisco, California

San Francisco, with its beautiful bay, mild climate, vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and fabulous restaurant fare, is one of the most unique and appealing cities in America. Known for its iconic Victorian and Edwardian-era houses, the city boasts a diverse and culturally rich population. Its dynamic atmosphere and variety of attractions make San Francisco a vibrant and ever-evolving destination.

San Francisco by the numbers

883,000

City population

71% above

Cost of living vs. national average

$1,500,000

Median home price

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Discover San Francisco: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

San Francisco, with its beautiful bay, mild climate, vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and fabulous restaurant fare, is one of the most unique and appealing cities in America. Known for its iconic Victorian and Edwardian-era houses, the city boasts a diverse and culturally rich population. Its dynamic atmosphere and variety of attractions make San Francisco a vibrant and ever-evolving destination.

Sports and Recreation

Sport and Recreation

San Francisco offers a vibrant array of sports and recreation opportunities for residents, ranging from athletic fields and gyms to unique activities like archery and roller skating. Whether you're looking for structured programs or open spaces to enjoy outdoor activities, the city's facilities cater to diverse interests.

Adventures

Adventures

San Francisco offers an exciting mix of adventures for locals looking to explore their city in fresh and engaging ways. From guided tours to hidden gems, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the city's vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

San Francisco offers a vibrant array of seasonal events that cater to both local and visiting tourists. Here's a breakdown of some of the exciting events happening throughout the year:

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

San Francisco is home to several renowned hospitals and medical centers offering diverse healthcare services. Here are some notable facilities:

Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
UCSF Medical Center is known for advanced medical research and specialties like neurology, oncology, and transplant services.

Stanford Health Care provides cutting-edge treatments, including cardiology, cancer care, and orthopedic surgery.

Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center offers integrated healthcare services with a focus on preventive care, including primary care, pediatrics, and mental health.

California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) comprises multiple campuses (California, Pacific, Davies, and St. Luke's), providing maternity care, heart disease treatments, and general medical services.

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital is a public hospital specializing in emergency care, trauma, HIV/AIDS treatment, and psychiatric services.

Additional Options:
El Camino Health offers innovative services like robotic surgery and cancer treatment.

MarinHealth Medical Center focuses on orthopedics, women’s health, and emergency services.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

San Francisco, California, offers a variety of educational institutions across K-12 schools, high schools, and colleges. Here's an overview:

K-12 Schools:
Public Schools:
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) oversees 113 schools, including 77 elementary schools, 21 middle schools, and 17 high schools. It serves over 49,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.

Private Schools:
Notable private K-12 institutions include the Lycée Français de San Francisco, offering French immersion education, and Cornerstone Academy, which provides a rigorous academic program.

High Schools:
Public High Schools:
SFUSD includes prominent schools such as Lowell High School, ranked #10 among public high schools in California for its academic rigor, and Balboa High School, which remains active and serves diverse student populations.

Private High Schools:
Examples include Drew School, known for its personalized learning approach, and Convent & Stuart Hall, which combines single-sex and coeducational environments rooted in Catholic traditions.

Colleges:
University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a public university known for its diverse student body and strong liberal arts programs.

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a community college providing affordable education and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

San Francisco offers a range of utilities, government agencies, and public resources to serve its residents and businesses. Below is an overview:

Utilities:
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) provides water, wastewater, electric power services within the city, wholesale water services to neighboring counties and also operates programs like Hetch Hetchy Power and CleanPowerSF, delivering clean energy to municipal buildings and residential developments. It also manages wastewater treatment facilities such as the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant and Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is a private utility regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), providing electricity and gas services in San Francisco.

Government Agencies:
City Administration:
San Francisco operates under a "strong mayor" government structure. The mayor oversees city departments, enforces laws, and prepares budgets. Key departments include Public Works, Department of Technology, Emergency Management, Public Health, and the Municipal Transportation Agency.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates private utilities like PG&E to ensure safe and reliable service at reasonable rates.

Housing Services:
The San Francisco Housing Authority provides affordable housing programs. Resources for renters include eviction prevention, tenant stabilization, and rent dispute resolution services.

Public Resources:
311 Customer Service Center offers 24/7 assistance for accessing city services in over 160 languages via phone or mobile app.

Libraries:
The San Francisco Public Library provides educational resources and community programs.

Animal Care and Control:
Operates as the city's open-door shelter, investigating animal cruelty cases and rescuing wildlife.

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.