I see there are some good looking studios in the $2000-2500 range in Tenderloin/Civic Center. I assume the prices are cheap because it’s a ghetto area. I have walked there many times on my way to shows or restaurants. In all the other neighborhoods, you have to go to $3500 to find apartments with the same level of finishing (relatively modern looking kitchen, shower, ...). My question for you is: as a single, 32yo male, would it be a really risky move to take one of those spots in the ghetto? Before you ask, I don’t want to have roommates, I like my own space. Thanks!
And stepping on used needles! Don’t forget the needles!
Plus the human poops on the sidewalks.
Where in tenderloin/civic center would you be living? I lived on McAllister for a summer during an internship (also male), and while it could be a little uncomfortable at times, I didn't really feel unsafe at all. However, it gets a lot worse as you go north, starting from Golden Gate.
This. You should be fine.
Fuck Tenderloin
Research the lake merit area of oakland, that area is in your price range very nice and Bart takes you to city in 20 mins.
I am very scared of Oakland. Lots of people I know got mugged for walking at night. Ironically, nobody I know has ever been seriously assaulted in SF, besides getting routinely yelled at by some homeless.
lol. Lake Merritt is extremely nice and super gentrified. There is nothing scary about Oakland.
Homeless can get very violent— remember some of these ppl are on hard drugs and nothing to lose. I wouldnt judge your interactions with them during the day. You need to imagine interacting them with all day cause thats what it feel like I personally have friends who had stuff like glass bottles thrown at them by random homeless people. Those units are cheap because they are fairly low — meaning you will hear them constantly yelling during the night. It might even affect your sleep.
That is a very good point on the floor level, I will definitely keep it in mind. Thanks a lot.
Also evaluate things like post office delivery. If they just leave it outside you’ll probably have to WFH so that it doesnt get stolen.
It’s fine if you have a thick skin
I lived there for six years. The first week or so is an adjustment, but then it feels just fine. The food in the area is the best, and the people on the street are mostly quite friendly. Money-wise, it's so worth it to have your own place.
It's okay if you're a big guy, not okay if you're a smaller woman IMO. Street people were friendly to me, but have attacked my wife multiple times.
Damn. What was the attack?
Sorry to hear man, nobody deserves that.
It depends on your level of comfort with the dregs of society. Does going outside everyday and seeing people passed out on the street, yelling at nothing, asking you for money, and just being undesirable bother you?
No, it doesn’t, as long as I don’t get shot/hurt or broken into the apartment. Been in the Bay Area for a long time and learned how to completely filter homelessness out of my brain.
Then go for it. FWIW last time I searched I found decent studios in Hayes valley for ~2200