warmbrain

Well, I'm getting ready to move to San Francisco. I've been in California for 4.5 years and have likely spent less than 15 days up in the city. I was at a movie in the Castro recently and I suddenly realized just what I'm missing. I dreaded the idea of leaving in 6 months or so and never really getting familiar with this famous city.

One strong reason against moving was the commute. I never wanted to drive 1-2 hours a day just to get to work and back. Google has recently introduced a shuttle service that has 3 pickups in the city and gets you to the 'plex in 40 minutes or so. Same thing in reverse in the evening. Cool!

Being fairly ignorant about the neighbourhoods, I asked some friends at work for their opinions on different areas. Later that day I found a annotated map printout on my desk chair. The map was of the city, and the annotations were a series of happy, indifferent and sad faces indicating the area's status. You can see the full map by clicking the image. Agree with the map? Disagree?

I'm surprised with the close proximity of 'good' areas and 'bad' areas. One area: high-end residential area... walk two block: crack-whores. Perhaps something to do with the constrained land with no room to expand. I'm currently considering the Noe Valley area as many people at work seem to live there. Hearing lots of good things.