Between 2010 and 2017, San Francisco was one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. In just those seven years, its population climbed from 805,770 to 884,353, a total increase of nearly 10%.
During the COVID-19 pandemic (and the subsequent shift to remote work across many industries), the city’s growth slowed significantly. But San Francisco still has a reputation for being a city that welcomes all kinds of people and promises a high quality of life. If you’re moving to California and thinking about moving to San Francisco, you’re certainly not alone.
Before making such a big move, though, there’s a lot to learn about San Francisco. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to San Francisco, settling in, and living in the City by the Bay.
Things to Know About Moving to San Francisco
San Francisco (also known by locals as the 7 by 7, the Golden City, or the Bay — but never San Fran) is the 17th largest city in the U.S., with a population of 874,961 as of 2019. It’s the second most population-dense city in the nation, containing more than 15,000 people per square mile.
San Francisco is well known for being a relatively small city in terms of its area — the entire city is just 47 square miles, which is where it gets its nickname that locals use: The 7 by 7.
San Francisco is just a small part of the Bay Area of California, which is home to 8 million total residents.
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