The Next Chapter: San Francisco

Oh, San Francisco. (2007)

You may remember my dilemma from late last year/earlier this year. I was trying to pick a new city to start the next chapter of my twenties and I was debating: a move across the country to politically-driven DC or always-exciting New York? A move within California to vibrant San Francisco or sun-laden San Diego or LA? An international trek to Africa or the Middle East to work with some organizations on the ground? There were so many options that I was considering and nothing holding me back.

DC. (2011)

New York! (2011)

Within a few months I had it mostly narrowed down. After realizing that the unpaid internships offered by organizations throughout sub-Saharan Africa weren’t going to help me pay off my student loans, I was either going to be based in DC or migrate down to San Francisco. After visiting DC in March, I fell in love! So many friends from graduate school moved to the District and were loving the youthful energy, the drive and the idealistic twenty-something NGO crowd. San Francisco, however, has always been my second city. Growing up in Northern California with family all over the San Francisco Bay Area, we made frequent trips down and regularly hit up the city for shopping trips or for a day of meandering. Aside from the hills and the nasty parking, it’s always been a city with which I’ve been very comfortable.

SF.

After meeting Boat Shoe Boy, his preference was clear (though mine was still a bit up in the air). He mentioned wanting to move to SF to settle — at least for the next few years — while his business goes through its growing phase. Now, after much deliberation and job hunting, I have finally made the decision to make a move down to the City by the Bay. I’ve never lived in SF, but the vibe is incredible — academic institutions, nonprofits, vintage shops and farmer’s markets sprinkle the city while weekend trips to Napa and Tahoe make for an easy getaway. For the record, I’m not doing it for Boat Shoe Boy — no, that just wouldn’t be my style — but it definitely played a factor in my decision-making process (who voluntarily gives up a Grade A partnership?). I’m excited for the next chapter and very excited to give San Francisco a whirl! It’s not a bad deal being in my mid-twenties, either… if I’m ready for a change of scenery within the next few years, DC and Tanzania are still waiting. :)

Boat Shoes & I at Bay to Breakers (2011).

As a side note, I’m currently looking for a place in SF, whether that means hunting with another girl (or multiple people) or grabbing a room within an already established place. If you know of any awesome people looking to relocate in October I’d love to hear about them!

Cheers to the next chapter,