[mindwork]

Ever since I've been very young I wanted to live in the global West. At first England, then USA became more lucrative place. I've spent 10 years trying to move to USA. Sacrificed a lot for it. Lots of self doubt, whether I can make it? Is it a right decision? What about my friends and family? I knew about some of the problems before I moved, but obviously not all of them.

I moved to San Francisco about 5 years ago. I can tell you, it was all WORTH IT! I'm still amazed by the city and the life around me. 5 years later it still impresses me. I feel like I'm living in a movie, and I'm a main character in a movie! I became a better version of myself. I can't imagine being myself if I'd stay back in my country.

p.s. those are my feelings. Obviously life around me is not ideal. There is no such place as ideal, but it works for me despite many-many-many problems that I have in my life right now.

[audreyfei]

half-way through reading this comment I was so scared for you but the turnaround is great to hear!! I'm hoping to move to SF soon, do you have an opinion on the culture of its neighbourhoods?

[mindwork]

To each their own, just stay away from Tenderloin and Market and 6th street. I'm sure if you set out some time to explore, you will find whatever fits you best. When I was moving, I sourced a bunch of opinions from my coworkers, non of them were of much help to me. I've charted my own way in the end, made my own mistakes

[lostdog]

The major axis is urban+gritty to more suburby and spread out. It's a very personal preference where you want to be, but most people dislike the most gritty areas (tenderloin, most of soma). It's worth aiming for a neighborhood at the median as your first.