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What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

jasonevanish.com

121–130 of 573 posts

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#121

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Californians pay more in federal taxes than the state receives in federal spending. This is also true of Oregon, but in California it's true to a much higher degree. So the state is essentially subsidizing the rest of the country and doesn't have enough left over for itself.

That sounds like the results of progressive taxation and federal welfare. California income is higher than the national average. Mississippi's is lower. So some federal tax dollars from California end up in Mississippi's medicaid fund. But you can't blame all of California's suck on that. It is not exactly a low-tax state!

Only when you consider that California on the whole is a lot richer than most of the rest of the country.

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#122
post #31

I haven't been here for very long, but I can't say it's a "common sight" to see flip phones at coffee shops. :) On a more serious note, I have to agree with the bit about being a "pro-dog" city. I am constantly amazed at the number of dogs on the Muni, dogs in parks, dogs tied up outside of stores/restaurants, etc.

I haven't been here for very long, but I can't say it's a "common sight" to see flip phones at coffee shops. :)

Yes - everyone has iPhones. Not an Android phone in sight!

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#123
One of the biggest shocks to me when moving to the Bay Area is the difference in social norms and acceptable behavior. I grew up in Texas and went to college on the east coast. For the first few months after moving out here I was in awe by some of the things people would do and thought were acceptable. In fact I'm still in shock by many of these things but used to them by now. From some of the things I've seen managers do in regards to relationships with their employees and behavior at office parties to an entire section at AT&T park cheering when an opposing pitcher gets hurt and pulled.

Furthermore I also found it much harder to communicate appropriately as social cues seem a bit different. I have at many times found myself in a conversation (or lack there of) filled with awkward silence.

edit: grammatical correction

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#124
post #98

In my opinion the high cost of living kills everything else on that list. I'd much rather have a comfortable living, travel the world and be optimistic that i will have no problems buying a nice house for me and my spouse/family if i need to/should i want to. I don't really see this possible based on what i hear from a couple of friends living and working there. Both consumed by their tech jobs, some cool things to d…

Just curious, in your opinion, what should be the net worth target for people making regular tech income in their 30's, 40's and 50's if they want to eek out comfortable living in retirement, inflation-adjusted?

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#126
post #108

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you ever been to the northeast? NY and MA have far worse roads.

I'd say Minnesota and the midwest states take it for worst roads, especially in the city areas. The freeze/thaw and snowplows decimate our roads every winter.

I will confirm this. Just had to replace part of my exhaust a few weeks ago because I bottomed out hitting a pot hole at night I couldn't see until too late.

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#127

This seems more of a "West Coast vs. East Coast" article than it is a "San Fran" article. For the most part, the author is highlighting the differences that anybody living on the East Coast will experience in moving to one of the western coastal cities, save perhaps LA, which as everyone already knows is its own little planet. Most of these "hints" hold true for San Diego, San Fran, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. T…

You lost credibility with me by repeated use of the vulgar "San Fran". It's THE CITY. :)

San Diego, THE CITY, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver

Yep, I can see how that would work.

Re: What I wish I knew before moving to San Francisco

#130
I was getting ready to roll up my sleeves and begin critiquing on how it was wrong (how could a kid who has been here 9 months know anything blah blah blah), but this is actually a very excellent article. He pretty much hits it right on the head, and I've lived in this area for 15 years now.

Great post!

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