Ever wondered why leaving San Francisco feels almost impossible? I’ve been on the brink of moving since 2014, but something always keeps me rooted here. Initially, I thought relocating to a less expensive city like Honolulu would be practical, especially to save money and be closer to family. Although Honolulu isn’t exactly cheap, it’s a bargain compared to San Francisco. Yet, each time I plan to move, something about San Francisco pulls me back.
Let’s break down the timeline:
– In 2014, I stumbled upon an ocean-view home in San Francisco at an incredible price, making the decision to stay an easy one.
– By 2017, my first child was born, and it felt right to maintain stability.
– In 2019, welcoming our second child meant valuing familiar healthcare even more.
– The 2020 pandemic halted all thoughts of moving, as dealing with a newborn and a toddler in a new city during such times seemed daunting.
– In 2021, my son started at a Mandarin immersion school, which he loved, making it difficult to think about uprooting him.
– By the end of 2023, we had the chance to buy our dream home at a good price, so we took it.
– By fall 2024, we’re considering a move, but the job prospects keep us here, not to mention the AI boom expected in the following years which could be lucrative for those involved.
Family considerations definitely make relocating harder. If it were just my wife and I, perhaps we’d have moved to enjoy a simpler lifestyle by the ocean. I imagine fixing up my grandparents’ old farmhouse, enjoying the beach, and the local cuisine, but the reality of raising children changes everything. It cements your roots through schools, friends, and healthcare networks.
Why do I love San Francisco? Despite its flaws, it’s one of my top cities globally, thanks to its mild weather, scenic beauty, proximity to places like Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe, and its vibrant job market and cultural scene. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, such as the high cost of living and intense professional competition.
The dynamic nature of San Francisco, coupled with events like the APEC conference and the buzz around tech developments like OpenAI, adds to the city’s allure. Such events keep the city on the global stage, promising more job opportunities and making it a hotspot for significant advancements.
Yet, the thought of leaving isn’t off the table. The potential move in our fifties to Honolulu remains a dream. But for now, the priority is safeguarding our children’s futures amidst the rapid developments in AI, which continues to shape our decisions and life in San Francisco.
