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Where should I live in San Francisco?

Hi! I'm Australian and am looking into getting a 12 month work visa to spend a year in San Francisco. I am 21 and a recent arts graduate. Where would you recommend I live/work in San Fran? I have a low budget yet would like to stay in a safe and friendly, possibly 'arty'/fun area, near public transport, if such a place exists at all. thanks very much. Any other tips about this city would be greatly appreciated. ** edit: I would be looking to rent with housemates, so recommendations of reliable apartment hunting websites would be appreciated also. thanks! :) more details! due to my budget I will also consider surrounding areas of SF :)

Public Comments

1. It's going to be hard to live in a nice neighborhood in SF on a low budget. Your best bet is probably the East Bay, either Berkeley or Northern Oakland. If you must live in SF, then you can find relatively cheap rents out by the ocean in the Outer Richmond or Sunset, but your transportation options are limited out there.
2. I moreless agree with Reverend Jim Jones about his suggestions. You can live in S.F. which is more interesting than the suburbs except maybe Berkeley but you will need a roommate. A 1-bed apartment costs around $1500 USD. I would suggest the following neighborhoods: Cole Valley, Ashbury Heights, Panhandle, Lower Pacific Heights, North Beach, Chinatown, South of Market. They should be a bit less than the touristy parts. I recommend when you arrive to stay in student housing by the week until you find an apartment, rather than get something from where you are, and end up not liking it after you sign a lease. You can stay in temporary residential hotels for students and travelers or hostels until you land the right roommate and the right location. I put the links below. I used a rental service 20 years ago and it was the better way to find a place. They do charge a fee. It was Metro Rent but I just checked and they went out of business due to competition from Craigslist. I listed another one.