Fog City or the Emerald City? Both known as major Pacific ports, booming with tech companies and start-ups, these cities offer residents urban living with an intimate suburban feel. Though the two cities are often pinned against each other, it can be difficult to determine which better suits your family. And choosing to move with a family is not a decision made lightly.
As a parent, if you're looking to move to either San Francisco or Seattle, discovering the best fit for your family is key. Check out what the locals had to say about being an urban parent in their areas.
1. Why did you choose to live in your city?
Baker Beach in San Francisco. Source: Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen
“I chose to live in San Francisco because it has all of the perks of living in a big city without feeling like living in a big city. It has many diverse restaurants, shops and endless things to do, but it is only 7 square miles. It also has a lot of great outdoor recreation!” — Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen (San Francisco)
“We wanted to move near a major metropolitan city that also offered a variety of activities. Living in Seattle means you can take a day trip to the ocean, or to the mountains. Plus we wanted to be close to the Canadian border in order to easily travel to visit our family that lives in western Canada.” — Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcase (Seattle)
2. Is your city kid-friendly? Where would you recommend people live if they have kids?
“Yes, there are great kid-friendly areas in San Francisco. Some of my favorites are the Marina District, Pacific Heights and Sunset District. They feel safe, and I love the suburban feeling. And you can find great playground areas for the kids.” — Elba Valverde of Live Colorful (San Francisco)
Gasworks Park in Seattle. Source: Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life
“Yes! Seattle has wonderful amenities for all families. I love how Seattle offers so many free opportunities for families, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the city. There are beautiful parks, free museum days and many great community programs throughout the year that families on any budget can enjoy. One [neighborhood] that I love is West Seattle. You can access the downtown area via a short drive or public transportation, or via a water taxi. Yet, there are still affordable housing options and fun parks nearby (as well as Alki Beach).” — Sia of Thrifty Northwest Mom (Seattle)
3. How is the traffic and what mode of transportation do you most often use?
“I used to live in Southern California and am glad to be back in Northern California. I take BART or MUNI to go around the city, especially on the weekends where parking is unbelievably hard to find and expensive. Our family enjoys hiking, having outdoor picnics, as well as biking; hence we love strolling around San Francisco because it offers the best scenery.” — Linda Kurniadi of Brunch-n-Bites (San Francisco)
“Seattle took longer than many metropolitan cities to get on top of great public transportation options, so we are a bit behind in this regard. Many people still drive their cars, but growing transportation options are providing more options these days.” — Sia of Thrifty Northwest Mom (Seattle)
4. Does your city have good parks and outdoor activities for both children and adults?
View from the Marin Headlands. Source: Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team
“The city's best outdoor spot, in my opinion, is Crissy Field. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, dog- and kid-friendly beaches, cafes. … Unfortunately, it's so cold in San Francisco most of the time that it's not a great place for sun bathing or swimming (except for dogs). Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake is one of my favorite spots. You can rent a foot-paddle boat or a canoe and cruise around the lake. For the best outdoor activities, though, a short trip over the Golden Gate Bridge will take you to Marin County, which has many more options.” — Susan Dyer Reynolds of Marina Times (San Francisco)
“Yes, there are many! Discovery Park has to be the best park in my opinion to see the true jewel of Seattle. It contains beautiful, lush forest trails and has one of my favorite views of the surrounding mountains and water. And the International Fountain inside the Seattle Center park is a favorite for kids on a sunny day, plus grown-ups can get some great shots of the Space Needle with the fountain.” — Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcase (Seattle)
5. Is it affordable to raise a family in your city?
“Housing in San Francisco is incredibly expensive. Unfortunately, our city government has consistently chosen to restrict supply, so demand has continued to drive up prices. Private schools, if you choose that route, are also incredibly expensive and competitive. Parking is tough and food isn't really cheap either.” — Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team (San Francisco)
“Compared to the small town I grew up in, Seattle is very expensive, both as far as housing prices and childcare costs. But wages in Seattle are higher, too, so it does balance out. Overall, it’s certainly not cheap to raise a family in Seattle, but it is doable.” — Aileen Allen of At Home In Love (Seattle)
6. Does your city have good schools within city limits?
“For good public schools, you have to live in the better (read: expensive) neighborhoods — like Marina or Pacific Heights. Otherwise you're limited to private schools or taking your chances with a terrible public school system.” — Susan Dyer Reynolds of Marina Times (San Francisco)
“Like any large city, Seattle schools suffer from a lot the inner-city school woes. The neighborhoods in Seattle range from multi-million dollar homes to public housing, all within just a few blocks of each other. Private schools of every type are available throughout the city as well.” — Connie Ott of Baby to Boomer (Seattle)
7. Does your city have ample free attractions and activities?
Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. Source: Linda Kurniadi of Brunch n Bites
“Oh yes, from Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street in the Spring and Summer, Pier 39, Coit Tower, and even downtown San Francisco has its own attractions. Go to the Ferry Building on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for some fresh veggies and fruits, or enjoy a bike ride at Golden Gate Park. And some museums often offer free admission so you and your family can enjoy a day of fun on them.” — Linda Kurniadi of Brunch-n-Bites (San Francisco)
“There are monthly free days at the museums. And there is a community lunch in Pike Place Market every month that is free as well. There is a great kids’ area in the Seattle Art Museum that is not in the paid area, so technically it's ‘free’ too. The playground at Seattle Center is also free and amazing. And the Seattle Library has free passes to many local attractions that you can check out if you plan ahead of your visit.” — Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life (Seattle)
8. What are the biggest challenges of raising a family in your city?
“Affordability, small spaces and crime. The cost of living in San Francisco is very high, which makes raising a family difficult. Most of the real estate does not offer large backyards for children to play. Like most cities, there is a higher rate of crime than smaller towns that parents need to be aware of.” — Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen (San Francisco)
“The cost. Houses are expensive. The closer you live to the city, the pricier the home. To afford more house for their money, many families move out to the Seattle suburbs. That leads to hour-long commutes and the cost of paying for it as well.” — Connie Ott of Baby to Boomer (Seattle)
9. What are the biggest benefits of raising a family in your city?
“Variety. San Francisco, as most of the big cities, is well known for being home to many cultures from around the world. I love being able to expose my kid to this melting pot where you can learn and share with others.” — Elba Valverde of Live Colorful (San Francisco)
Seattle Center. Source: Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life
“There is a PEPS [Program for Early Parent Support] group that supports new families and connects you with parents with kids the same age when your baby is born. There are tons of family-friendly activities that don’t feel like they are just made for kids.” — Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life (Seattle)
10. What advice would you give to families moving to your city?
“Jump in. Take advantage of transit, get museum memberships and explore. Many people find Northern Californians, and San Franciscans in particular, to be an aloof bunch. While we are very much a live-and-let-live tribe, kids make a natural icebreaker. Whatever you do, don't take your kids to the ocean without wetsuits and windbreakers. The water really is cold, no matter how optimistic you are.” — Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team (San Francisco)
Kingston Ferry Terminal. Source: Aileen Allen of At Home in Love
“Enjoy Seattle itself, but definitely get outside of the city on weekends too! Go on some hikes, get out on the water and take advantage of the outdoors — especially on sunny days.” — Aileen Allen of At Home In Love (Seattle)
Related:
- Locals Share Their Spokane Secrets
- What It’s Really Like to Live in Los Angeles
- 15 Chicago Questions Answered
from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/urban-parent-san-francisco-seattle-193089/
via Reveeo
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