Whenever a friend newly relocates to San Francisco (this happens more often than you’d think), I send them a series of websites to read in order to learn about the city. Either because I’m a bossy person, or because I want them to fall in love with the city too.
Here’s my list:
SFist is my go-to site for a smattering of SF news. Reporting on politics, crime, entertainment, and dining, SFist serves as a quick primer on what’s going on in the city. It’s updated throughout the day.
San Francisco has two daily newspapers: The San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner. You need a subscription to read the Chronicle’s online newspaper at sfchronicle.com, but you can get Bay Area coverage through its sister site SFGate.com. I personally prefer the layout of the San Francisco Examiner, though.
Also check up on the SF weeklies and blogs for culture and commentary: SF Weekly, 7×7, and the Bold Italic.
If you’ve started your apartment search at all, you’ve likely run into some sticker shock. Curbed SF is here to try and help you make sense of the real estate market here.
If you commute at all by Muni, you must check out MuniDiaries for commiseration, information, and laughs.
If you’re new here, you’re also probably slightly agog at the restaurant scene. EaterSF has the best rundown of openings, closings, chefs moving on, and what’s hot right now.
Once you’ve settled into a neighborhood, it’s time to start learning about your neighbors. Seemingly every neighborhood here has it’s own micro-hood newspaper: Mission Local, Noe Valley Voice, Noe Valley SF, Richmond District SF, Bernalwood, Nob Hill Gazette, SOMA, Russian Hill Neighbors News feed, Castro Biscuit, and Hoodline. (Let me know if I’m missing any.)
If you really want to get a feel for San Francisco, though, I always recommend listening to Forum on KQED. Michael Krasny hosts a call-in show that provides in-depth coverage of local politics, arts, restaurants, and more. Between the host, guests, and listeners, you will quickly get a very good feel for the city’s political climate.
Finally, if you’re a parent here, definitely check out the incredible Red Tricycle for things to do with kids in the city. Almost an overwhelming amount of information.
Did I miss anything? Leave a note in the comments!
