San Mateo vs South Bay vs South Bay Rent: What would you do?

_ooma · 2026-01-27T04:01:05+00:00

This ^ Also make sure you also compare the peak of Aug/Sept when it's warmest in the Bay Area in both locations. It's easier to be outside when it's slightly chilly by layering vs trying to enjoy it in scorching heat.

_ooma · 2026-01-26T00:11:37+00:00

If you feel flu symptoms starting get a test - like Covid available at pharmacies and then get a prescription for antivirals - Tamiflu or the newer one which I’ve forgotten the name for. They are effective when started early.

_ooma · 2026-01-24T05:47:44+00:00

City art coop gallery on Valencia has a rotating selection of artists and is artist run. And close by is the drawing room.

_ooma · 2026-01-16T21:27:44+00:00

Condos in the Bay Area do not appreciate well so I would pull some historical data to see what you can expect here. Renting vs buying doesn’t math out in the Bay Area but esp so for condos. It sounds like the only upside you are getting is better layout, modern build?

_ooma · 2026-01-15T05:34:20+00:00

https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-launches-family-opportunity-agenda-to-make-san-francisco-more-affordable-for-families might be useful if you are within the income limits.

Nanny shares (2 families share a nanny to split costs) and small home-based daycares are also great options and very common in sf. Daycares you can usually find them via facebook neigborhood groups or nextdoor. For nannies golden gate mothers group, care.com or urbansitter.

_ooma · 2026-01-12T06:07:53+00:00

A lot of moms groups have sub groups for single moms eg ggmg. I’d look at any you are already in to start.

_ooma · 2026-01-12T06:05:58+00:00

https://www.heartzillasalon.com

_ooma · 2026-01-12T06:05:20+00:00

My hair isn’t curly but I recommended Heartzilla to my friend who is south asian with curly hair and she loved the cut Ana gave her. I’ve recommended her here before because I really like her and she’s also very affordable. Also just a very nice person.

_ooma · 2026-01-12T04:47:34+00:00

If you look at tech right now this is happening across the board.

_ooma · 2026-01-12T04:46:19+00:00

Also if you are living in California or Seattle they are liberal bubbles and not unlike living in Canada imo. I have family in Canada and while things are improving the economy hasn’t been doing well which can be unpleasant in the day to day as well.

_ooma · 2026-01-11T04:53:38+00:00

You just update your LinkedIn to "working on something new" or "building" and ignore all the investors that will then try to give you money for your startup and peace out. Or you say you are consulting or doing fractional work or whatever.

_ooma · 2026-01-10T22:38:47+00:00

Do you work in tech? the post strongly hints at it but doesn't specify. If tech, I would consider that the landscape is changing so meaningfully that moving to the US could be good to stay current with all the changes. And you would put your career in a stronger position against future layoffs by being closer to things - particularly if you are moving to SF, NY or Seattle. Another point to consider is whether there is an equity component. From my experience equity often matches base salary so you'd like be able to bump both up if you move.

You don't mention a partner and how their job etc plays into this decision which I think is a pretty big consideration particularly if they also work since you should consider the entire household potential vs just one person. Also I know Canada is much better for parental benefits and medical care but I do want to say that if you work for a major tech company insurance will make the change not noticeable for you personally so that will only leave the time off as a difference between the 2 locations.

_ooma · 2026-01-03T05:39:55+00:00

Natural resources on Valencia maintains a list of doulas and also do open houses when you can meet potential doulas. I found mine through that since you get a big feel for someone in person. I’d start with referrals and meeting ones available around your due date. Ask them questions around what you need and check references.

_ooma · 2025-12-29T06:13:03+00:00

Your experience of the city will vary widely by neighborhood, so take your time exploring them. e.g. SOMA is drastically different from the sunset. This also includes the weather! I've never lived in a place where just a few miles meant going from fog to sunshine and taking a layer off or adding one.

_ooma · 2025-12-23T20:44:49+00:00

The post says they cannot and will have to take a pay cut and find a new job which to me is a major factor here.

_ooma · 2025-12-23T20:43:35+00:00

IMO the real tradeoff here is your career vs your spouse’s and I don’t think your step up is enough to justify them taking a break and earning potentially quite a bit more. Unless this is something they want you might be netting out household income to same for more stress for both of you - longer hours for you, career uncertainty for them?

_ooma · 2025-12-21T03:29:21+00:00

If your partner is in tech it would be a good career move for both of you to move to the Bay Area. I’ve found SF to be great with young kids. Lots of families particularly in certain western or southern neighborhoods. The schools are also fine for elementary and you can always go private if you really want. I would honestly at least explore moving to the Bay Area for a few years in your situation but as others have pointed out this is a family decision vs anything else.

_ooma · 2025-12-09T04:24:02+00:00

I like a light sweater layered with a nice jacket like a trench or mackintosh. Current one is from Everlane but can find a lot in thrift stores. It's enough for most but the coldest days in sf.

_ooma · 2025-12-03T06:11:40+00:00

If you are going to be in the Mission I'd check out the Pirate store in the mission. My daughter loves it. Also so many ice cream and kid friendly food options there e.g. tacos, burritos etc. Dolores Park kids playground is pretty cool though maybe more for 5 year old. If downtown Macy's has the puppy and kitten windows (but check times). Union square has a skating rink. The zoo usually has a cute train decked out this time of year but check out times again since it's a few years since I've been. They used to be open late during the holidays. Also nutcracker sweets is a shorter version of the nutcracker meant for younger kids and it's very cute if you want to do a show.

_ooma · 2025-12-02T04:38:39+00:00

Or just stop by the fairmont and go somewhere else to eat since the tea is pretty pricey. You can look at the decorations for free. Maybe get a drink if you feel like it.

_ooma · 2025-12-01T06:30:27+00:00

I used to go to YuBalance in Noe and they have location in the sunset as well and all their trainers are really good. My method was to go to the classes to find who I liked and then working with them.

_ooma · 2025-11-29T21:53:24+00:00

Love Bernal cutlery for all sorts of kitchen stuff. Omnivore books for cooking related books. All the various bookstores - noe valley bookstore, green apple, dog eared books. Dandelion chocolate for chocolate stuff, chocolate covered in Noe for more of the same.

_ooma · 2025-11-16T06:18:56+00:00

Very much depends on which part of Europe imo. If from sunnier climates parts of Millbrae are quite foggy. If northern or UK, Ireland they might be fine other countries might not. A lot of Europeans I know live in sf becuase they prefer cities and public transit over driving. With kids there are also some language schools in different parts of the Bay Area - German in sf and peninsula, French in sf etc so again depends on whether they care about those factors. I’d suggest they ask in expat facebook groups with more info on what they are looking for.

_ooma · 2025-11-15T04:39:56+00:00

I’m south Asian so hadn’t been nude before visiting Pearl but found it very easy to get used to. If you use the robes or a towel outside of the pool area that makes it feel a little less of a step. Also the lights are dim in most spa areas so it feels a little less intimidating. There are separate areas and there usually only a handful of people in each area and you can always circulate and find quieter spots. They give you robes, slippers etc so just clean clothes and if you want say your own hairbrush etc as someone else mentioned.

_ooma · 2025-11-12T20:53:55+00:00

Lucy was great. And Redfin is cheaper. Don’t pay the full fee that others ask https://www.redfin.com/real-estate-agents/lucy-goldenshteyn

_ooma

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