Off-campus living in San Francisco: how to find great rental
Moving to San Francisco for college brings many great opportunities for future young professionals. From amazing internships to nightlife and culture, San Francisco has it all! College comes with an option of on-campus living but off-campus living in San Francisco has many advantages. Some colleges require freshmen to live on-campus for their first year, but after that, you can start hunting for your own place. So, let’s get on with our guide on how to find a great rental!
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
Because of the rich history of this city, the neighborhoods are very diverse. The city was home to settlers from Spain and France, but also to Native Americans. But, the biggest expansion of the city was during the 19th-century gold rush. As a result, today, each community has its own personality and set of facilities. If you are moving to San Francisco from abroad, you should prepare yourself for studying abroad by learning a bit about the city! Here’s where you should begin your search for off-campus living in San Francisco!
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights is a wealthy residential area with stunning views of the Bay. Hilltop Park is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. High-end stores and cafes abound on Fillmore Street. This area might be a bit expensive for broke college students, but if you can afford it, you should take it into consideration!
Russian Hill
The twisted Lombard Street, which attracts people all year, is located amid the charming and elegant Russian Hill. The Golden Gate and Bay bridges can be seen from the hillside neighborhood. Trendy restaurants and pubs are also easily found on Polk and Hyde Streets.
Haight Ashbury
This neighborhood is famous for its hippie heritage dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when the free love movement ruled the area. It’s becoming a popular choice among young professionals and millennials wishing to settle down in a trendy area. Pubs, restaurants, and closeness to the rest of the city are all available.
Because of the history of the area, it is considered one of the best places for off-campus living in San Francisco. The rental market is great, but many apartments come without furniture. So, if you have some furniture you should find assistance for bulky pieces. Movers will speed up the moving process and do all the heavy lifting for you.
How to find cheap rentals for off-campus living in San Francisco
Rents in San Francisco are among the highest in the country, albeit they fell during the epidemic. Rent rises are once again being seen in the most fashionable areas. However, if you’re diligent and have some flexibility in your search, you can still come upon some good apartment offers. Rent deals are occasionally available in December and January, albeit they are not as prevalent in San Francisco. Rentals are typically more expensive than living in a dorm. Just don’t forget anything when moving out of your dorm room. One approach to cut your total costs is to take advantage of moving quotes.
Get several price estimates
By getting multiple price options you will be able to plan the move properly. Getting multiple quotes can also be useful when planning your budget, especially if you don’t have a big budget. Aside from rent and moving, there are other costs to consider. A budget checklist will assist you in keeping track of all of your housing necessities.
The most popular and wealthy districts in San Francisco, such as Pacific Heights, are the least likely to ever provide discounts. Rent will be less expensive the further you travel from the city’s center. Naturally, you’ll have a long commute and will need to use Lyft or Uber to enjoy the nightlife and attend college.
Set your priorities for off-campus living in San Francisco
Prepare a strategy for finding an apartment in San Francisco. When it comes to choosing an affordable apartment in San Francisco, you may have to sacrifice room, amenities, or location. Choose a studio apartment in one of the city’s trendiest areas, such as Haight Ashbury, or live on the outskirts for a lower rent. Determine which of your apartment priorities are most important to you in order to get the ideal apartment and location for you. It will make finding an apartment in San Francisco much easier.
Consider the number of items you are planning to move into your apartment. If you have a lot of stuff, it may not fit into your apartment. Some companies, like zaptmovers.com, might offer consulting or even storage options for your excess stuff.
Take apartment tours
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to start looking for your next apartment in San Francisco. It’s time to start looking, touring, and applying! Take your roommates with you if you plan on a home-sharing option. Always go to the apartment in person before signing a lease and speak with the management companies or landlords to get a sense of the situation. It will be much easier for you to determine whether or not to proceed with renting.
The sooner you apply for an apartment in San Francisco, the better. Bring some sort of payment(cash, cards, checks) with you to pay for the application. Prepare your identification, proof of income, and a few references. Landlord references are recommended, however, personal recommendations can be used if you don’t have a rental history.
Applying for your apartment
Apartments in San Francisco are expensive. If you come upon a great price, you’ll need to move quickly. Prepare to fill out an application when you go apartment hunting. It is common for landlords to require a non-refundable fee for the application. If it’s possible, contact the landlord or the agent to find out what documents are required for the application. To approve it, some people can require special documentation and they also may require you to deliver it in person.
