If you've never been here and depending on your situation, it might be a good idea to find some short term accommodation and spend time exploring the different neighbourhoods. Each area really has its own culture (and weather!). You can also explore online, starting with Airbnb Neighbourhoods and Trulia's San Francisco Real Estate Overview. Many people have written blog posts on their opinions of the different areas in San Francisco. Check out this Guide to the best places to live in San Francisco written by fellow Aussie Kath, living in the Bay Area.
You may want to explore outside of the city as there are great, potentially more affordable and family friendly options throughout the Bay Area. Be mindful of staying in the Tenderloin / Civic Center area as there is an increase in crime risk.
If you want to live with other Aussies, you can search the Australians In San Francisco group to see if anyone is renting out a room.
Craigslist is generally the most popular source for finding all types of housing options, but there are other groups like the Alpaca Facebook Group where people will post rooms for rent.
You may want to explore outside of the city as there are great, potentially more affordable and family friendly options throughout the Bay Area. Be mindful of staying in the Tenderloin / Civic Center area as there is an increase in crime risk.
If you want to live with other Aussies, you can search the Australians In San Francisco group to see if anyone is renting out a room.
Craigslist is generally the most popular source for finding all types of housing options, but there are other groups like the Alpaca Facebook Group where people will post rooms for rent.
Airbnb Neighbourhoods
Airbnb isn't just a booking platform! You can use it to find neighbourhoods based on terms like "Artsy" and "Peace + Quiet". Airbnb provides great descriptions and photos of each area, highlighting what they are known for and tips. |
Craigslist SF Bay Area
Craiglist is a very popular, go-to place for finding housing. It will often be the first resource someone will tell you about. You can search with lots of filters like neighbourhood/s, price, parking, pets etc. Just be aware that there are scammers and false advertising. |
San Francisco Real Estate Overview
Trulia has a great, interactive breakdown of San Francisco and the Bay Area: - Housing Costs (rent or buy) - Market Trends - Crime - Schools - Demographics - Commute |
San Francisco Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets
A Facebook group with all sorts of housing options posted everyday. The group was created to make the process of finding a new home, tenant, or roommate easier. Alpaca monitors the groups and removes any scammers. |