By on February 10th, 2016
5 Great Things about Living in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most liberal cities in America, making it perfect for the unique blend of artists and tech geeks that call it home. Choosing to live with a host family as an international student in San Francisco means immersing yourself in a great blend of modern urban life and eco-friendly, peaceful living. From the many spiritual centers to the fun night scene, San Francisco truly offers something to enrich every part of your life. While you work or study in the Bay area, you can also get a taste of American culture from many angles. Here are five things that San Francisco offers for your stay.
- Free Events
One of the great things about events in San Francisco is that they are frequently more focused on building community than turning a profit. Parades, festivals, music in the park, and many other events are free or very inexpensive around the city on any given day. The community values artistic expression in all its forms, so it’s easy to get in a little cultural appreciation on the weekends, even if you’re on a budget.
- Great Literature Scene
If you love books, and enjoy the history of the literary movement, San Francisco is the best place to be. You’ll be able to step right into City Lights, an historic bookstore that has been the hotspot for many literary greats over the years. This beautiful shop is only one of the many quaint bookstores you can while away hours in, surrounded by the history and inspiration of those authors who visited this place before you.
- Pedestrian Friendly
San Francisco’s traffic may be a little heavy, but the city boasts an excellent pedestrian culture. You’ll definitely want to invest in some good walking shoes for all those hills, but the sidewalks, crossing areas, and traffic laws are on your side when you’re walking around. Walking is one of the most common ways of getting around in the city, so you won’t need a bike or a license to get to where you need to be.
- Excellent Food
San Francisco boasts some of the best food in the country. The diverse culture means you’ll be able to explore new cuisine, but you’ll also get some of the best traditionally American food in the world. The heavy emphasis on organic and vegetarian fare means that you’ll be well-fed no matter what sort of diet you follow, and you’ll always have options. Plus you’ll get to explore a city full of outdoor farmer’s markets, still a rarity in urban America.
- Tech Opportunities
If you are a computer geek, there is no better city for career opportunity than San Francisco. Many of the residents work for Google, or other tech industry giants. Even if you don’t plan to seek out a job, the tech culture surrounding you can become an amazing network to help you achieve your career goals even after you go home. Educational opportunities for tech careers are everywhere. Even if you aren’t studying in a tech field, you could easily pick up some night classes or attend weekend workshops to learn a new skill.
San Francisco is a beautiful city with many natural sights and tons of parks to fill your weekends. The moderate temperatures mean you can enjoy the outdoors year-round, and the liberal culture offers many opportunities for diverse and open discussions and education. If you want to explore modern American culture and be a part of its future, San Francisco is a perfect place to study and work. Your host family will be able to point out even more great things about the area, but the welcoming atmosphere of the city means you won’t have to rely on your hosts to immerse yourself in the culture.