Moving from NYC to SF this summer with my SO, and recently went to look at potential neighborhoods. Coworkers and friends recommended some neighborhoods (Marina, Pac Heights, Russian Hill, North Beach, Polk Gulch) which we both liked. But it seems like most of the apartments in these neighborhoods are either old/not updated, or just a floor in a small 3 story house with zero amenities. I currently have a 2 bedroom in a fairly new luxury building in Midtown West and want to retain at least some amenities. I get the sense that gym/pool/doorman aren't realistic, but at least a staffed mail room, garage parking, onsite repairman, and updated kitchen/bathroom/finishes would be nice.
My SO and I are both associate-level in tech and finance respectively, so budget is around $5k for a 2bed. Has anyone run into any hidden gem buildings in SF that are worth checking out?
The neighborhoods I listed would be best, but otherwise anything except SoMA/Rincon Hill/FiDi. SoMA is a pass for both of us - been there and not interested. SO refuses to live in Rincon Hill/FiDi because not as much to do in the area, and apparently can also be a little seedy at times.
The better neighborhoods in SF don't have high-rise style apartments
I'm honestly not looking for another high rise - a boutique building with like 3-5 floors and 15-30 apartments would be okay. I just want to keep our packages and car secure (SO and I will both be in-office most days and only going to use the car on the weekends). Also I'm a bit hesitant to have an individual as a landlord - had that before NYC and repairs can take a while, plus rent/annual increases and whether to keep renting are entirely at their discretion.
SF has rent control for every apartment built before 1979. This accounts for the majority of buildings in the city (even in nicer neighborhoods), so you would only really need to worry about absurd rent increases in the new luxury buildings. I think rent control leases convert to month-to-month automatically after the lease is up.
You should be able to find something at that price point in the Marina, but expect to pay for a private garage separately.
You can have packages sent to your office. Many do.
The neighborhoods your friend recommended are spot on. There aren't a lot of new luxury apartments in those neighborhoods, but I'd check craigslist every day for places because right now apartments are going super fast. You could look into the Pacific Heights Towers, they sometimes have places for rent as well as the VELA apartments in the Marina. Updated kitchens/bathrooms etc are harder to come by, but I'd mainly focus on finding a place on a quiet street, and ideally one with garage parking. Most buildings, even smaller 3 story places, have a gated entryway area where packages go, so they're not just sitting outside on the porch.
Would also check out Hayes Valley and Noe Valley. Hayes has some newer buildings off Hayes Street and is just teeming with young MBA and tech-y types. It's west of downtown and safe.
Noe Valley is a lot quieter but nice. Maybe not a "new" condo but some of my friends live in really nice refurbished homes with amenities in that $5-6k range.
Rincon Hill is actually probably one of the safest neighborhoods in SF. Great luxury buildings (Jasper, Avery, Solaire, 399 Fremont, 340 Fremont, etc) that will top the ones in NYC (more space, more luxurious amenities, etc) for the same price but agreed that there's not much to do in this area. But everything really is a quick uber ride away.
yeah rincon is quite AF, and pretty dead. super safe, but you'll probably be constantly ubering around
The places with luxury buildings are full of asian FOBs and generally suck ass. Rincon = trash. Mission bay which is full of managed buildings may be the worst neighborhood in America (exaggeration but it has the charm of orange county ie cookie cutter af... is expensive... and isolated from anything fun).
Get an apt in the neighborhoods your friend mentioned with a garage and you'll be set. Can get packages shipped to work if you are paranoid.
Duboce Triangle or Hayes Valley, newer apartments seem like what you’re looking for.
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