Whether you are relocating for work, personal reasons, or a combination of both, you likely have questions about the ideal location for your new home. If you are considering living in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, you can consider various factors to make the best choice for your individual scenario. However, no matter your eventual decision, you will have a memorable experience scouting out this area of architecturally significant homes.
Come for a visit
If your timeline allows for an in-person visit, try to head out to the area for at least three days, with one of those days being a weekday. Such a visit will give you a feel for the neighborhood’s vibe during different times of the week.
If you are in search of a place to stay during your visit, consider one of these well-regarded establishments nearby:
Hotel Driscoll
This elegant 4-star hotel goes the extra mile for visitors, with amenities including a delightful continental breakfast, evening wine reception, and daily morning chauffeur service to any point in the city. The hotel is quiet and well-appointed, serving as a comfortable branching-off point to explore Pacific Heights.
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
As one of the oldest hospitality structures in the city, it is fair to say that Monte Cristo has stood the test of time. The charming Victorian interior is cozy, clean, and comfortable, and visitors enjoy the staff members’ responsive attentiveness.
Compare the area with your current location
If you are considering living in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, take some time to create a framework for comparison with your current location. If you are moving for the first time from a destination abroad, it might take some time to adjust to American culture. Even if you are relocating from another part of the United States, you might observe differences in the region's geography, culture, design, population density, and climate.
San Francisco is well-known for its inclined streets, proximity to the bay, mild winters, and dry summers. Temperature variations throughout the course of the year are much less pronounced than in most areas of the country. The tree-lined streets of Pacific Heights feature an elegant blend of multi-story structures, with years built mainly encompassing the start of the twentieth century. The area features gorgeous examples of Georgian colonial, French chateau, and Spanish Renaissance revival architecture.
Consider your lifestyle goals
Living in Pacific Heights offers easy access to world-renowned dining destinations, arts and cultural venues, and natural outdoor spaces. Families with children enjoy being within walking distance of the Alta Plaza Park playground and the Presidio Wall playground. Various highly-rated public and private schools are located within and near the neighborhood to allow for easy dropoff and pickup each day.
San Francisco also features accessible options for transportation, depending on your preferences for getting around. If you plan on driving your own car around the city, check out this guide for navigating the city and parking. Many single-family homes and condos for sale in Pacific Heights offer the convenience of designated parking spots or garage parking on the premises.
San Francisco is well-known for its iconic forms of public transportation, including its cable cars and historic streetcars. The city has also recently updated its fleet to include hybrid buses and electric trolleys. The light rail metro “Muni” system is another popular option connecting various spots in the city.
Determine your budget
One-bedroom condos in Pacific Heights currently start in the mid-800s, and larger condos and single-family homes rise to the multi-millions. If you are considering how much house you can comfortably afford, you can calculate your debt-to-income ratio or consult a financial professional. When calculating your budget, be sure to include the ancillary costs of owning a home, such as applicable condo fees, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. Also, be sure to build in savings for repair, maintenance, and future upgrade expenses.
If you do not have the funds available to purchase your home outright, you will need a mortgage pre-approval letter before starting your home search. Sellers want the assurance that you can get the necessary financing before they accept your offer on a property.
Make a plan for moving from your current home
If you are currently leasing a property elsewhere, you might wonder how you can coordinate the timing of the end of your lease to coincide with the purchase of your new home. It might not be possible to make the timelines match up completely organically, but you might be able to negotiate with your current landlord for more flexible terms on your lease.
If you currently own a home elsewhere, you can consult with a local listing agent to determine the pace and speed of that market. This consultation should give you some perspective on how long it might take for your current property to sell. If you anticipate that your home will sell quickly, you might need to build a “rent-back” into your contract to allow yourself more time to move into your San Francisco home. Do note that the parameters of a “rent-back” are often limited in duration, so you can consider a contingency plan if you have to move before the closing date is set on your new home.
The contingency plan might include moving into temporary quarters, such as a hotel or Airbnb, or finding a friend or family member to stay with on a short-term basis. If you can afford to keep two homes at the same time temporarily, consider vacating your current property and moving into temporary quarters in San Francisco to make it easier to attend in-person home tours.
Connect with the best realtors serving Pacific Heights
The Wilkerson team provides an unparalleled level of service for those who are relocating to San Francisco. Our deep knowledge of the city makes transitioning to a new city — and a new home — exciting and seamless. Since our buyers often average less than two offers before acceptance, it will not take long for you to find your perfect home when working with our determined team.
