Is that the Chloe sofa from Macy's in the 3rd pic? I love that couch and it looks great in that home! It's really comfy when I try it out in the store, how is it for regular use? Lounging to watch tv and stuff?

What about Spain?

I really like that last photo. The colorful chairs and those sconces are just perfect.

Congratulations on finding your new love! I had a similar experience when I found mine. We were just passing through but as soon as I saw the place, I knew I had to live there. A year later, we moved and are never leaving (if I can help it).

Also, yes, the housing prices were a shock here also. But worth every penny. You'll probably feel the same way about SF, even fourteen years after you move into your first place there. Very exciting!

@stephinmd Spain was just too difficult with our two cats, and there was no way we were going to leave them behind. So, SF was always our back up option :)

What an adventure. That degree of downsizing will be a challenge, but worthwhile. My older sister fell in love with SF many years ago and never will leave it, no matter where she has to live within SF. SF has felt like the home she always wanted ever since she first arrived. I've never loved my towns--must be nice. Go for it.

Kristen--

I sure hope you and your fiance have jobs lined up before coming out here, good credit and lots of money in the bank - You won't find a decent place to live here in SF without all 3.
Our unemployment rate is running 8.3% - not as bad as the state, but then again most of the folks who don't have jobs can't afford to live here and end up leaving, or end up among the uncounted homeless in the parks and on the sidewalks.

I might suggest spending more than a long weekend here - getting away from the touristy areas and doing basic things like looking for parking in the neighborhoods and taking public transit. Living in San Francisco and seeing the sights while on vacation are completely different things.

Good advice, bepsf. Don't get TOO carried away with your new love affair!

And I dunno about the room in the picture--is there any room to move at all in there? Looks like the furniture is way too big.

I agree that bepsf does offer sound advice, however, I would not consider it entirely accurate. I am not trying to start anything, nor am I intending to appear as confrontational.

I have experienced, many times, when someone openly gushes about their new "love" for a city, a resident is quick to shoot them down. I understand that a person may not have a fully rounded opinion about a city, but part of being an American (in my opinion) is that we can just up and re-locate to do what we want, and have things around us that bring us joy. Oftentimes, impulses result in new paths for our life, and this attitude that suggests impossibility does nothing but hinder, and also reads as disgruntled.

My close friend moved to San Francisco in February of 2009, she had just left a terrible relationship, had around $1200 in the bank, and knew nobody in the city. She knew it was the right thing. I am happy to report that, though it may not be the common circumstance, she is doing very well, in a gorgeous (studio) apartment, a great job, and a routine in the city she loves.

We all have to make our way...jobs, money, credit, and parking might be important, but they don't replace our drive or will to succeed.

Thanks for the advice, Bepsf! Believe me, we've thought about everything and while your advice is certainly appreciated - we're sure we'll be fine. I moved to Philadelphia 8 years ago with about $20 in my pocket and didn't know a single soul. Fast forward to today, I've made quite a life for myself and have no problem with up and moving to a whole new city.

Also, we didn't spend time in the touristy areas, we actually spent a lot of time doing normal things, like climbing mount tam and riding our bikes around the city. things we'd do on a daily basis if we lived there.

:)

If you don't mind a little -- okay, a lot -- of fog, I'd suggest apartment shopping in the outer Sunset and Richmond districts (aka "the Avenues"). The closer you get to the ocean, the lower the rents... which is probably why some lively enclaves are developing out there. AND there's actually parking. Parking!

I wouldn't have a coffee table in my one bedroom, much less a studio!! And I don't know about everyone else, but the first one (the black walls, the black sofa) seems much smaller and very heavy. I like the second studio with its clear table.

Having a realistic idea about what it takes to make a comfortable move to San Francisco is not the same as being a bitter person who only wants to crush others' dreams. SF is an intense, expensive city, and plenty of people fall in love with the amenities but crash and burn on the realities.

I concur with the recommendation to look in the avenues. Crime is somewhat lower there, too.

bepsf gets off on being negative about 98% of the time. aggravating.

i've lived here for five years - ditched my car because we don't need it here - and absolutely love most things about it.

there are problems in every city, but few are as worth the cost as SF. make the move!