It’s time to leave Chicago behind and get ready for life in sunny California. As you say goodbye to the Windy City, you’ll be saying hello to the amazing weather and stunning views along the Pacific Coast. Many people dream of living in San Francisco—and now you get to make it your new home. To help you get started, here are a few things to know about living in San Francisco, along with some helpful moving tips.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Chicago is an exciting place with plenty to do but life there is very different from what you’ll find in California. In San Francisco, things move at a more relaxed pace and people love spending time outside. Instead of dealing with snow during the winter, you could be hanging out at the beach, hiking through scenic spots or sipping coffee on a patio. While San Francisco is known for being expensive, many people feel it’s worth the price because there’s so much to enjoy. Here are just a few great reasons to live in San Francisco.
Job Opportunities
San Francisco attracts young professionals from all over the world, especially those looking to work in tech. With Silicon Valley just to the south, the area has seen major growth thanks to big-name companies like Google, Apple, Facebook and Netflix. It’s also a great place for people who want to start their own business. On top of that, salaries in San Francisco are much higher than the national average—but that’s helpful, because living in the city isn’t cheap.
Great Weather
If you’re used to Chicago’s freezing winters, San Francisco will feel like a dream. While the city does get some fog, it’s nothing compared to Chicago’s icy temps and heavy snow. The weather in San Francisco stays pretty mild all year, usually not going above 80°F or below 50°F. Plus, there’s lots of sunshine, so you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor Lifestyle
San Francisco’s great weather and stunning views make it a perfect place for people who love the outdoors. Locals enjoy being outside because there’s so much natural beauty all around. The city has plenty of parks, bike paths, hiking spots and beautiful beaches. You’re also just a drive away from awesome outdoor trips like walking among the redwoods in Muir Woods, biking on Angel Island, hiking in Yosemite or even skiing at Mammoth Mountain.
Quality Education
San Francisco has a strong public school system and one of the top high school graduation rates in the country. The city is also home to great colleges and universities like the University of California, San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco, giving students lots of options for higher education.
Excellent Culinary Scene
Chicago might be famous for its pizza and hot dogs but San Francisco has a food scene that’s just as impressive in its own way. From fresh fruits and veggies at farmers markets to tasty street food and top-tier restaurants, there’s something for everyone. The city is packed with amazing places to eat—restaurants, bakeries, coffee spots and food stands—so if you love food, you’ll have tons of choices to explore.
Tons to Do
There’s always something fun happening in San Francisco, so boredom won’t be a problem. The city has everything—from top museums and award-winning restaurants to beautiful beaches and popular landmarks. You can visit Alcatraz, take in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the park, cheer on a local sports team or enjoy live music at a concert or street festival. If you’re into outdoor activities, there’s swimming, biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding—even zip-lining. Plus, there are plenty of great spots nearby for day trips.
Cost of Moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Long-distance moves can be pricey and might stretch your budget. On average, moving from Chicago to San Francisco with STI costs around $3,000 for the line haul. However, the final price depends on a few things—like how far you’re moving exactly, how much stuff you have and whether you need extra help like packing or unpacking. The best way to know the actual cost is to use the Instaquote tool mentioned above.
How to Move from Chicago to San Francisco
Moving to a new city is already a big task, and long-distance moves can be even more stressful. That’s why hiring a professional moving company in Chicago can make a huge difference. STI has over 21+ years of experience helping people move and we know how to handle long-distance moves smoothly. We offer full-service options like packing, loading, transporting and unpacking to make your move easier. Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on starting your new life in San Francisco.
Call STI today to learn more about our moving services or start by using our Instaquote listed above!
