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I moved to San Francisco despite the negative things I'd heard. The cost of living is high but it's worth it.

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I moved to San Francisco despite the negative things I'd heard. The cost of living is high but it's worth it.


  • Julia Stevens moved to San Francisco after visiting friends there and falling in love with it.
  • She landed a new job and moved from Raleigh, North Carolina, with her partner in August.
  • She says she isn’t concerned about safety and enjoys the outdoor activities but pays higher prices.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Julia Stevens, a 25-year-old who recently moved to San Francisco. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I was born and raised in Raleigh and started building my adult life there when I landed a job after college. Even though I loved it, I always dreamed of moving away from home and living in a big city.

I was open to living anywhere as long as it was in the US and I had friends nearby.

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In August 2022, a few of my college friends who’d moved to San Francisco invited me to visit them.

I’d never been to San Francisco and didn’t know much about it

I’d heard SF was home to many technology companies and the oldest Chinatown in America. The day I got there, I was flabbergasted. I’d traveled in Europe during college; even still, San Francisco was the most beautiful and striking place I’d ever seen.

Candy-colored houses, the Pacific Ocean, and mountains in the distance surrounded me. My friends took me to popular spots like Dolores Park and Golden Gate Park, and people my age were everywhere. During that trip, I decided to move there.

In August 2023, I unpacked my boxes and started a new job in the city I fell in love with. Even though there’s talk about how SF has become a ghost town and is unsafe, I’ve had a different experience.

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San Francisco was perfect for the career path I wanted to take

I majored in English and minored in environmental science. My first few jobs were for nonprofits, but I always aimed to work in communications in the climate-change and sustainability space.

SF has a big focus on climate, clean energy, and sustainability. Many companies like this are headquartered here because the state is known for its progressive policies. I knew that moving to this city would help further my career.

In May, I started applying for jobs. The process felt long, and I applied to dozens. In August, I landed a job at a PR agency focusing on cleantech, healthtech, and edtech.

Finding a job in a city I didn’t live in yet was challenging, but I included my intent to move to San Francisco in my cover letters and interviews. I also changed my location on LinkedIn from Raleigh to San Francisco so recruiters would be less confused by my profile.

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I didn’t let the news affect my decision to move to San Francisco

I heard the news about SF struggling to recover after the pandemic. I was aware of the increasing homeless population, crime rates, and the amount of people struggling with addiction. I didn’t feel like these things made the city a bad place, and I understand that cities nationwide have similar problems.

It did make me a little nervous to move from a place like Raleigh, where the crime rate is low. But even in Raleigh I took safety precautions. I avoid walking by myself late at night, take rideshares home after a night out on the weekend, and am generally aware of my surroundings.

I don’t think the answer is pretending these problems don’t exist in San Francisco. I educated myself, and I’m interested in finding a community-based mutual-aid organization to volunteer with.

Moving across the country was easy because I didn’t have a lot

I moved with my partner, who also found a job here. Since we’re in our early 20s, we don’t have a lot of possessions or investment pieces. We offloaded our furniture to friends and sold items on Facebook Marketplace, then packed everything in our car and drove ourselves.

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It was hard to look for apartments online without seeing them in person. I didn’t want to get scammed, so we stayed in an Airbnb for a month and explored different neighborhoods and apartments.

We used Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook to find good deals and found the winner on Zillow. We’re paying nearly twice as much as we did in North Carolina, but I did receive a salary increase that reflects the higher cost of living here.

There’s a lot I love about this city that makes it better than Raleigh

I think SF is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Though Raleigh is very green, the Bay Area has stunning grassy hills, redwood trees, and native succulents that make it unique.

I’m outdoorsy and enjoy nature, and there are so many opportunities to go for hikes or explore towns nearby like Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz.

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I’m also in a food paradise here. I’m close to some of the best Szechuan, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, El Salvadorian, Eritrean, Taiwanese, Italian, Filipino, French, Arab, Burmese, and new American food I’ve ever had.

While my boyfriend and I share a car, we rarely use it. In Raleigh, you have to drive everywhere. Here, there are bus and subway systems. San Francisco is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, though I don’t have a bike yet.

The cost of living is the biggest downside

I wasn’t fully prepared for the high cost of living in SF. I knew I’d pay a premium to live here, but everything from gas to laundry is significantly more expensive than in Raleigh.

The trade-off is that living here, I have better access to amazing food, a vibrant social scene, incredible hiking, and a good transportation system.

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I don’t know if I’ll live in San Francisco forever, because it’ll be difficult to purchase a home here. Plus I’m far from my family, who are all on the East Coast. But right now I love it here and enjoy exploring all the city offers.



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San Francisco, CA

Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Killed, Three Injured In Mission District Crash

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Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Killed, Three Injured In Mission District Crash


One pedestrian died at the hospital and three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a driver struck them in SF’s Mission District earlier this week.

The San Francisco Police Department arrested a driver suspected of fatally striking four pedestrians in the area of 16th and Mission streets Monday morning, as KRON4 reports.

Officers responded to the scene at 12:13 am and found medics treating one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. The person later died at a nearby hospital, and three other pedestrians sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver was reportedly detained soon after the collision. The department has not announced what charges they will receive.

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“We hold the victim and their loved ones in our thoughts, and grieve this loss of life on San Francisco’s streets,” said Jodie Medeiros, executive director for Walk SF, in a release. “We all deserve to be able to get around safely in our city.”

This marks the ninth pedestrian death in San Francisco this year. It’s also the second such death in the Mission, following the tragic death of local musician Danielle Spillman at Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue in April, as SFist reported previously.

Four pedestrians were killed throughout the month of March, including deaths in Chinatown, the Financial District, North Beach, and the Outer Mission. In late February, a two-year-old was run over in Mission Bay.

Anyone with information may contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text “TIP411,” beginning with “SFPD.”

Wife of SoMa Hit-and-Run Suspect Says ‘My Husband Is Not a Villain’

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Image: Google Maps



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California Supreme Court ruling on bail sparks debate over what it means for San Francisco’s safety

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California Supreme Court ruling on bail sparks debate over what it means for San Francisco’s safety


A recent California Supreme Court ruling is changing how bail is set across the state, and it’s sparking a sharp debate in San Francisco about what it could mean for public safety.

Inside her office, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said every decision carries weight. She views her role through one lens: protecting the public.

“My responsibility to San Francisco is public safety,” Jenkins said. “And to be transparent to me in achieving that safety. This is a ruling that has real-life consequences, and deny that would be untruthful and would not help people understand why we may see retraction from our progress.”

The ruling requires judges to set bail at levels defendants can afford, shifting the focus away from cash bail and toward whether someone poses a risk to public safety.

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Jenkins said she believes that shift could have serious consequences.

“I knew it would be immediately be devastating to public safety and the state of California and had a lot of concerns that I thought needed to be shared with the public and other city leaders,” she said.

She warns that the change could make it easier for repeat offenders, particularly those involved in drug-related crimes, to be released before trial.

“These judges don’t live in San Francisco, many of them,” Jenkins said. “They don’t live in places like the Tenderloin that are most affected by these issues. They are ruling in a way that has impacts on other people’s lives.”

But not everyone agrees with that assessment.

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San Francisco Defense Attorney Marsanne Weese said the ruling does not eliminate accountability and that courts still have tools to detain people who pose a threat.

“In regards to her statements, there is no basis for it,” Weese said. “And the justices pointed out that there are a number of non-financial tools the lower courts can use and should use.”

Those tools include options like pretrial detention and supervised release, which allow judges to consider risk without relying solely on a person’s ability to pay bail.

“So, in regards to this being a drastic change, yes, it will be a drastic change, but not to safety,” Weese added.

For Jenkins, the concern is not just the intent of the law, but how it will be applied in real-world courtrooms and what that means on city streets.

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For now, there is unease for some, optimism for others, and a growing debate over what public safety will look like under this new system.



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World Cup dining guide near Levi’s Stadium and in San Francisco

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World Cup dining guide near Levi’s Stadium and in San Francisco


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With the World Cup set to bring crowds from around the globe to the Bay Area, fans may be looking for good eats around San Francisco — or closer to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

This year’s tournament will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The 104 games will be spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. hosting 78 matches. 

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Here are a few restaurants folks can visit near the stadium and in San Francisco. Looking for things to do near Levi’s or in the city? Check out our guide here.

Restaurants near Levi’s Stadium

Folks who have never visited Levi’s Stadium may not know it’s about 40 miles from San Francisco. And while many may have an idea of where to eat during their travels in the Golden City, that might not be the case for the city surrounding the stadium.

Here’s a quick list of options in Santa Clara and San Jose, within walking and driving distance to the stadium:

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$ – Chicken Meets Rice – Santa Clara

Chicken Meets Rice is a fast-casual chain that offers Hainanese-style chicken rice. The company has a location about a 10-minute walk from Levi’s Stadium and near the Lick Mill light rail station.

Address: 2213 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara

$$ – Mariscos Costa Alegre – San Jose

For folks looking for Mexican food and flavorful seafood, and who are willing to travel an extra 15 to 30 minutes — depending on traffic — they should consider visiting Mariscos Costa Alegre.

Located in San Jose, this family-owned restaurant offers fresh Mexican seafood dishes, as well as more experimental plates like their Mexican Sushi.

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The restaurant also offers an expansive drink menu and weekday specials that fans can enjoy before they head to Levi’s Stadium to support their teams.

Address: 855 N 13th Street, San Jose

$$$ – Birk’s – Santa Clara

Fans hoping to have a finer dining experience should consider visiting Birk’s, a South Bay icon bistro known for its grilled steaks, chops and seafood.

Birk’s is located about a 10-minute drive away from Levi’s Stadium and is right off the 101 highway.

Address: 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

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Staying in San Francisco? Food to grab before heading to Levi’s Stadium

Fans staying in San Francisco could be overwhelmed by the hundreds of restaurant recommendations they may stumble upon. Although no list can be perfect, here are a few options worth considering during your stay in the city, especially for folks who are visiting the United States.

$ – Eddie’s Cafe – Alamo Square

Sitting at the corner of Divisadero Street and Fulton Street is Eddie’s Cafe, a small breakfast diner that’s been feeding the community since the mid-1970s.

For anyone who has wanted to experience a classic American breakfast plate that won’t break your wallet, it might be worth visiting this old greasy spoon diner.

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Address: 800 Divisadero Street, San Francisco

$ – Trish’s Mini Donuts / Fun Food Factory / Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop – Fisherman’s Wharf

Anyone heading to Fisherman’s Wharf will be greeted with dozens of seafood dining options worth a visit, but they will also have the opportunity to try a number of fun desserts.

For folks who have never experienced county-fair-like desserts, they should consider stopping by one of the many dessert options on the pier, like Fun Food Factory, Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop, or Trish’s Mini Donuts.

Address: Pier 39 Level, Pier 39, San Francisco

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$$ – Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – North Beach

When it comes to pizza, San Francisco is usually not the first city that comes to mind for many people, but folks should consider trying Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. This pizzeria was founded by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, who won the Best Margherita Pizza at the World Cup in Naples, Italy.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is one of the few American pizzerias that appear in the 2025 edition of the 50 Top Pizza World Guide list, ranking 10th on the list.

If you’re willing to wait for a seat and a pie, it’s definitely worth considering.

Address: 1570 Stockton Street, San Francisco

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$$ – Four Kings – Chinatown

Although Four Kings has only been open for a couple of years, the Cantonese restaurant has become one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants. It’s been featured in Bon Appétit and the New York Times as one of San Francisco’s best new restaurants in 2024.

“Restaurants don’t get much buzzier than this bustling Chinatown haunt, where Chefs Franky Ho and Michael Long are drawing crowds eager to sample their breezy contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine,” reads the Michelin Guide’s review of the restaurant.

“From claypot rice with bacon and Chinese sausage to savory ‘fish fragrant’ eggplant, the cooking taps into traditional flavors while offering a fresh perspective, a formula that seems to have struck gold.”

Address: 710 Commercial Street, San Francisco

$$ – Smuggler’s Cove – Hayes Valley

Among this year’s James Beard nominees, Smuggler’s Cove was highlighted as one of the country’s most outstanding bars.

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Smuggler’s Cove is a tiki bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood that features one of the largest rum selections in the United States, and specializes in cocktails from over three centuries of rum history.

The bar’s unique theme and rum-focused drink menu make it worth a visit for folks looking for a memorable night in the city.

Address: 650 Gough Street, San Francisco

$$ – Bar 821 – Divisadero Street

Hidden along Divisadero Street is Bar 821, a small but cozy spot known for its extensive amari collection. Originally established in 2002, the bar closed during the pandemic before reopening as the reimagined cocktail bar.

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For anyone near Alamo Square and hoping to grab a drink, just know that for Bar 821, you can’t simply walk into the establishment. Staff recommends you ring a doorbell outside the bar and wait to be seated inside.

Address: 821 Divisadero Street, San Francisco

$$$ – Quince – Jackson Square

Anyone hoping to have a world-class dining experience while visiting San Francisco should consider making a reservation at Quince, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

The owners, Michael and Lindsay Tusk, opened their original restaurant in 2003, innovating French-Italian cuisine. Their menu eventually earned them critical acclaim and the honor of three Michelin stars.

For guests who are lucky enough to secure a spot on the restaurant’s reservation list, they will be greeted with a “four-course celebration of the state’s finest terroir, along with a curated selection of cocktails and wines.”

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And for people who may want to try Tusk’s cooking at a more affordable price, they should consider visiting Cotogna, a casual counterpart to the French-Italian restaurant.

Address: 470 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco

Where is Levi’s Stadium?

Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, the heart of Santa Clara County. Notably, the stadium is approximately 45 minutes to an hour away from San Francisco.

SFO to Levi’s Stadium: Is the airport close?

For anyone hoping to catch an Uber from the San Francisco International Airport to Levi’s Stadium, it might be worth highlighting that it’ll be an expensive trip. SFO is located about 31 miles away from the stadium, and multiple cities away from Santa Clara.

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However, the San Jose Mineta International Airport is relatively close to the stadium, only about 5 miles away.

World Cup matches in the San Francisco Bay

  • June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland (Group B) at noon PDT
  • June 16: Austria vs. Jordan (Group J) at 9 p.m. PDT
  • June 19: Türkiye vs. Paraguay (Group D) at 8 p.m. PDT
  • June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J) at 8 p.m. PDT
  • June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia (Group D) at 7 p.m. PDT
  • July 1: Round of 32 at 5 p.m. PDT

Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.socialSign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.





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