What is san francisco like?

What is san Francisco like, good place to live?

• for raising children? British people? I really like it from the Mrs Doubtfire film, 2640 Steiner Street, San Francisco, 2640 Steiner Street, San Francisco, California, USA which is Northern San Francisco

• Answer:

  First keep in mind that the movie Mrs. Doubtfire is 16 years old. So a few things may not be the same. It is of course still a very beautiful city. Terribly expensive compared to most other places. This is likely due to its high profile as a desirable place to live. I've lived in San Francisco for several years. At the moment I am out of town -- for several months yet. The main thing to know about SF is that the range of experiences you may find there is MUCH broader than in most other American cities. If you compare SF to any city you already know, likely SF will be much much nicer regarding the things you like in your city of comparison. BUT the opposite is also true: if there are problems you don't like in your city, the problems in SF could also be worse. It's pretty intense, all right. But the great thing about SF in general is that it can be incredibly inspiring in the most unexpected ways. Things you see there you will probably have never seen before. Great great diversity: popular with international travelers. You will come in direct contact with a greater variety of people than you would in a typical city. A Brit would feel at home, at least someone who knows London and its diverse population. As for raising children, I can't comment too much on that. I've certainly seen children in SF but I normally think of the city as a place that attracts thousands of young adults who want to be where it's happening.