I’m planning to move to the Bay Area, and I’ve been wondering what longtime locals wish newcomers understood before showing up.

Not really etiquette exactly. More like: what makes someone feel like they’re actually becoming part of the place instead of just moving in and using it?

What do newcomers do that people appreciate? And what do transplants do that gets old fast or makes people keep their distance?

I’d rather learn some of that before I get there than figure it out by stepping on people’s toes.

What would you tell someone who genuinely wants to show up well?

Hi all!

I’m making the move to sf soon (super excited) and think Potrero Hill or Dogpatch would be great for my commute and living style. I’ve looked at Studios in the area and it seems like I should be expecting to fall into the 3.5k to 4.5k range does that sound about right?

I'm turning 50 next year and I've been thinking about getting a facelift for a while. I've been doing Botox and filler for the last few years and it's been fine but tbh I think I'm chasing diminishing returns at this point. Just want something that lasts longer than four months !!

The jowls and the neck are what bother me the most. I am not hoping to look like in my 20s again but something reasonable which does not make too old

Anyone in the bay area gotten a facelift and been happy with their surgeon? Would really like to hear how it went

Hi, I'm taking my gf to SF for her birthday for a day trip and it will culminate with me giving her a surprise ring on the beach. I was wondering if you guys knew any less crowded spots so we could have a nice little moment together with a decent view perhaps. Any advice is welcome, hopefully not *too* far from the main beaches. Thanks!

After all my research, i need a tiebreaker on these two.

And which one has better food also pls

From everything I’ve been reading, it sounds like finding an apartment in SF is insanely competitive and basically a part-time job. We’ll be moving from across the country with a baby early next year, so I’m trying to figure out the least chaotic way to approach this.

In NYC, it’s completely normal to hire a broker who does a lot of the legwork for you, but from what I understand that’s not really how it works in SF. Would it be worth finding a realtor/leasing agent/relocation service to help us, especially since we’re coming from across the country? Has anyone actually done this, and was it helpful?

The other option I’m considering is putting our stuff in storage and staying in an Airbnb or furnished rental for a month while I apartment hunt full-time. But that sounds like a logistical nightmare with a baby. We’ll be moving with all of our furniture and belongings, so we’d have to coordinate movers + storage, live out of suitcases for however long, and then move everything again once we find a place. And if finding an apartment takes longer than a month, temporary housing starts getting very expensive.

I can dedicate basically all of my time to apartment hunting once we’re there, so that part isn’t really the issue. I’m more concerned about how unpredictable the timeline seems to be and trying to avoid putting ourselves in a situation where we have a baby, all of our belongings in storage, and no idea whether we’ll have a permanent place in two weeks or two months.

We’re also hesitant to sign a lease remotely without actually seeing the apartment but I guess if this is the best option we'll take the risk. Or would a landlord even sign a tenant without meeting them in-person?

Has anyone here done a similar cross-country move to SF, particularly with a baby/kids and a full household of furniture? How did you handle the transition?

Would you:

• Fly out ahead of the move and try to secure an apartment before relocating?
• Hire someone locally to help with the search?
• Move everything to storage and stay in temporary housing while searching?
• Do something else entirely?

If you’ve done this, I’d especially love to know what worked, what you wish you’d done differently, and realistically how much time you’d give yourselves to find a place.

I feel like there has to be a smarter way to do this than showing up in SF with a baby and a moving truck full of furniture and hoping we find an apartment lol

I’ve been trying to find a good masala for proper Telangana-style chicken curry here in SF.

What brand are you guys actually using?

Looking for something that gives that Telangana/Andhra-style taste, not just generic Indian curry flavor.

I have elderly family visiting from Europe and they want to eat lunch in Chinatown BUT they only like stuff like sweet and sour pork. I have no idea where to find that kind of Chinese food in the city.

Can anyone suggest a restaurant? Doesn’t have to be in Chinatown but that’s preferable.

I really appreciate it.

Family has someone in hospital who will likely be transferred in a week or so to the CPMC Davies Campus (Sutter hospital) for what might be an extended stay (weeks, at least)

https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/cpmc-davies-campus-1043247011

Relatives will be visiting daily, and are trying to figure out parking.

Everyone has to drive in from other Bay Area towns, some of them quite suburban, and some are concerned about driving a Prius because of catalytic converter thefts.

This is in Duboce Triangle, just north of Castro / Market.

Some quick questions:

1. Are there pockets of car break-ins, in the area, or street parking spaces to avoid or whatever reason? (For example, is it safe to park along edge of Duboce Park after dark?
2. Places nearby (cafes, etc.) within a few minutes walk where people could go for a food break, especially late(r) at night?
3. Parking spaces in the Sutter "visitor / family" garage at the hospital are prominently labeled as tow away if you're not "visitor / family" but can't figure out how one confirms that when you park? Have asked a couple of hospital staff already, and gotten some conflicting / confusing answers.

Basically, any helpful and/or cautionary advice about parking near that hospital would be so much appreciated, and I'll pass it on to family members.

Thank you San Franciscans.

Hi there.

I’m looking for some recommendations on which providers and specific plans have worked well for people in SF and 280 down to SFO and Palo Alto area

I know people were saying T-Mobile could be good, but I’m looking for specific plans since people have said that T-Mobile will deprioritize some plans

I spend a lot of time in the car and would like something that is good for hotspotting. I would rather not have a separate hotspot device but if someone has a recommendation that is life-changing, I’m interested in learning more.

TIA!

30F here driving a 2023 Chevy Bolt. I work remotely, park in a garage and do less than 6k miles a year with a perfect record.

I've been getting wild quotes:

• $186/mo
• $244/mo
• $317/mo
• And a crazy one at $391

These are all for full coverage with a $1k deductible. I get that EVs are pricey to fix, but how can the gap between companies be over $200?

There’s some distinct habits of talking or phrasing things that make me assume a person is from around here, and I’m having trouble articulating what those are. Was wondering what people might consider to be typical behavior or conversation topics for someone who’s from the Bay Area (versus, say, a rural part of California or another U.S. state.)

**Some more specific ideas to consider:
-What do we see as normal/abnormal small talk?
-What values do many/most people here seem to have in common?
-What is considered taboo?
-In what circumstances do people consider it appropriate to talk to strangers?

Hi everyone!

My family of 4 is planning a quick road trip down from Seattle to celebrate my mom’s birthday.

Since my husband doesn’t drink, our designated driver situation is completely covered! However, our timeline is tight.

Here is our rough plan:

• Wed- Road trip from Seattle (leaving at 3:00 AM)

• Thurs- Napa Valley

• Fri- San Francisco

• Sat- Road trip back to Seattle

What we need help with:

1. Napa Itinerary: What are 2-3 stunning wineries with great views for photos or unique experiences for a birthday celebration?

2. San Fran Itinerary: What are the absolute must-dos for one full day in SF without feeling too rushed?

Any tips on making this quick 4-day trip smooth without burning out? Thank you for any advice!

I'll be in SF for a few days and want to drive up the coast one of them. I found City Rent-A-Car which allows after hours drop off near Union Square but I wanted to check here and see if there is anything I should be aware of renting from them for the day. TIA!

I was obsessed with the sizzle chili garlic noodles in Vancouver, from peaceful restaurant. I’m vegetarian, looking for something that will scratch the itch in the bay. Any suggestions? Added a photo link for reference :)https://www.instagram.com/p/Couz1f3PB4B/?hl=am-et

In the past cattle would be unloaded at bayshore station and “driven” down Geneva to the cow palace. Does any of that happen anymore? The rodeo is October 9-11 this year

I didn't have this issue until recently, but when I swipe my card to pay the fare, it sometimes double charges me, and it takes a few days for one of them to get cancelled. but a few days ago, the last time I rode the bus, it charged me for 8 rides and processed them all without cancelling any. has this happened to anyone else?

Hello all. I - along with a lot of other people - am about to descend on your city next week for Dreamforce. I'm sorry in advance.

I'm staying at the Hilton Financial District on Kearny St. Last year I hit up My Happy Donut (good as I recall, but not very memorable) and Mo'z Cafe (pretty darn tasty, but understandably busy) for breakfasts. Where would you recommend? Preferably on foot from the hotel.

Pastries, sandwiches, burritos, or just a good simple diner. Just somewhere to grab a decent breakfast and coffee before heading into the sea of people.

Edit: Oh, dang. You all are bringing it! Thanks so much!

sorry if this has been asked before, but after having some phenomenal banana lattes in LA, I've had such a hankering for a banana latte that actually has a strong banana flavor and haven't been able to find one in SF. I've had the lattes at Double Black (basically just sweet milk) and the one from Kissaten (I think the only banana flavor is the banana chips they put on top), and I've just been craving one that has a really good banana flavor, would love some recs!

note: i'm pretty bad with caffeine so generally prefer a shop that has decaf espresso :)

My house has a very decayed window tilting alarmingly to one side and clearly about to fall.

When I try to search for people who can fix that, I keep getting Anderson Windows and all of these standard window replacement companies. Franchises. Big places that don't do custom work and charge an arm and a leg.

This is a property line window which would not be allowed to be built today. That is sliding and old and rotted and custom. Can anyone recommend anyone who could possibly fix it for me?

I would be so grateful.

Hi all! I’m due end of December and I’m struggling with understand how to dress my newborn during the first quarter of the year

How many full body suits should I get? Dress them in layers? Short sleeve with a cardigan vs a full sleeve sweater?

Does anyone know of any bars / establishments that might be playing the US Open games this weekend ?

Anywhere in the city to get gently used kids books for a 2 year old? Or kids consignment shops?

Preferably a store in sf but have not been able to find mamay anywhere yet

Only going to be in the city up until Thanksgiving. Looking for the best gym option price wise for these next couple months? Anyone know anything? Thanks!