I'm thinking about moving to San Francisco from Norway. How is living there?

[RespectedCommander982]

Is the town expensive? Is it hot all year? How are the beaches? Is there a lot to do? Job opportunities, apartment prices.. Just hoping to learn about people and life in general over there

And by the way; what is the best website for checking out places to rent?

Thanks!

[Dustin]

One of the coolest cities in the US. Ohh yeah and one of the most expensive. Lonely Planet is a good place to get info on different cities.

I've never lived there, but when I travel I notice people that don't make a lot of money have to travel to the city everyday or they live in a little tiny apartment in a not so great neighborhood.

[Moonsong]

The best place for jobs and apartments is http://www.craigslist.org.

It is by far one of the most expensive cities on the planet, it takes a bow only to London, Moscow and Tokyo.

It is the world's greatest city. From April through October, it is hot for three days with a constant cool wind, then foggy for three days, with a constant cool wind. From October through April, it is wet, damp, rainy and cool/cold but never, ever cold enough for true snow, except for a few flurries on some near-distant mountain tops.

The beaches are great for walking while wearing a ski jacket or parka.

There are a zillion answers that have great depth about San Franciso right here on Yahoo Answers. Just look at all the informative and helpful people who have given their advice.

[The Bride Beatrice]

Best website for SF Bay Are rentals: http://www.craigslist.org (some job adverts too) -- but BEWARE of scam adverts. Do NOT rent anything sight unseen or anything priced remarkably lower than market, because scams are plentiful on craigslist. Stick with Property Management places that have a legitamate phone contact listed in their ads.

SF's beaches are windier and cooler than places like Southern California, but nearby Pacifica has beautiful beaches and decent surfing. Riptides are a problem in SF, but beaches like Stinson in the North Bay or Aptos to the south are gorgeous. TONS to do even with no car in SF and surrounding areas -- my only complaint is most restaurants close by 9 or 10, unlike places like NY. A great diversity of people and activities. It's also easy to hook up with other people from Europe via social networking.

The weather is moderate (rarely hot, usually in the mid-60s to 70s, colder in winter but never freezing) which makes it one of the most competetive housing markets, even in this down economy. Although jobs are scarce, it is fairly easy to be placed at least temporarily in a solid office job if you have good experience and references. Bilingual opportunities are also something to look into -- perhaps support staff in a consulate? Not sure where your experience lies.

Also you may want to look at moving in with a roommate for at least a few months -- there used to be a place called roommatereferral.com but not sure if it's still around -- you can also find them on craigslist.org. Good luck - keep in mind that rents in SF are high compared to the rest of the nation, and you may wish to look at Berkeley or the East Bay cities as well.

[ha]

it is expensive, worse than oslo. but it's worth it, and pay is higher.
it's not hot all year, but it's not cold either. it never snows. in the winter it can rain a lot.
san fran never gets hot, really. and in the summer it can get into the teens and twenties (celsius).
there's tons to do, it's a great city, very active, very exciting, very creative.

check out craigslist for housing rentals.