Asking San Franciscans WHY They Still Live There!

In this video, I traveled to San Francisco, where there's been a lot of negative news surrounding the homeless population, the drug problem, and the car break-ins. I got to ask strangers a bunch of questions about their cost of living, whether or not the news about San Francisco were true, and a bunch of other spicy questions about life in SF.
We talked to some really interesting people and I learned a lot about the city? Is it as bad as the media portrays? You'll find out :)
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I’ve always wondered what types of people would stay in a place like San Francisco despite all of the problems seen online. I was able to talk to a bunch of really cool people, so be sure to watch the entire video to hear all about their experiences and insight! If there are any places you want me to go for my next interview video, comment down below!
And no, besides a few bad parts of SF, it's an incredibly beautiful city. Its an incredibly unique geography makes it a super cool city with insane views, hills, and scenery. Although I personally wouldn't live here, I can see why many love this city.
If you liked this video and you want to watch more of my street interviews, then check them out below:
Asking Digital Nomads What They Do For A Living (Bali, Indonesia):
• Asking Digital Nomads ...
Asking RICH Renters Why They Don't Buy a House:
• Asking RICH Renters Wh...
I hope you guys found this video helpful, and if you did please share it with a friend or family member who you think could benefit and also LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this in the future!
Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
- Charlie
#SanFrancisco #SF #Interview
Timeline:
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Humphrey
3:50 - Dara, Jess, and Camille
5:54 - Drew
8:16 - Kati
11:47 - Austin
12:47 - Sabrina
14:32 - Rita
17:14 - Conclusion
Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them I may receive a small commission. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!
In addition, I am not a financial advisor. Charlie Chang does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The ideas presented in this video are for entertainment purposes only. Please do your own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
► My Instagram: / charlie__chang

[@CharlieChang]

This was a fun video to make! What do you guys think about SF? Would you move here? Hope you have an awesome day! -Charlie

[@hahalol8354]

I think you should create a video asking ex-San Franciscans why they leave SF. For the sake of reducing "sampling bias".

[@hue9962]

It’s a shit-hole. Live there for 35 years so happy I left the city. People are rude and can kill your over an argument of a parking space. Rampage crimes and police and DA don’t be crap. My buddy just mugged by 4 black dude by gun point last month. My sister before she moved got beaten and robbed. People who live there long enough will give you the SF experience unless they live in the Richmond or sunset districts which is a little more safe but expensive to live. Even pacific height nowadays it’s not that safe.

[@ubergoodair]

Funny, you did all your interviews during the daytime, go out and night and see how dangerous SF can be....you might get some different answers...

[@Hapkin]

Nice video. Thank you. I give it a 7/10 to live, 10/10 to work. 6.5/10 for climate. 7.5/10 for diversity of ethnicity, 6.5 for economic diversity. Your experience strongly depends on neighborhoods. It is a segregated city sadly. I work in Pac Heights. Fantastic neighborhood with educated professionals, a lot of wealth and nice restaurants and boutiques and almost no homeless or visible drug use. Contrast with Tenderloin, union square, Soma, Hunters point , even parts of the mission. Many years ago we opted to move to San Mateo, 20 min south. Quality of life is way better tbh, especially if you have a family. Sunny CA weather vs cold wind and fog in SF. Very little if any crime in our neighborhood, 15+ Michelin starred restaurants, fantastic accessible other restaurants and cheaper cost of living than SF, though not cheap compared to the rest of the country. Ton of tech and biotech jobs. 10/10. What keeps those of us in SF to live and work is the enormous opportunity for career explosion. So few places like it in the world if you are driven and entrepreneurial.

[@user-wk2vo6ho8m]

I think these people have very low expectations for quality of life.

[@H.S.H.M.]

SF Native here. I did noticed that everyone you interviewed were in the nice neighborhoods, also none of them actually grew up here, including Humphrey. It might be a completely different video if you interviewed people living in the Bayview, Mission, Excelsior, Tenderloin lol

[@alyssakruger6967]

Every SF video online highlights these neighborhoods and it’s really refreshing for someone to showcase the positives of this great city. Not everything needs to be negative to get views/clicks and as someone who lives in SF I really appreciated this video!

[@frankvuong1080]

Woot woot shout out to OceanView baby! Agree with you! Less and less of us Natives here.

[@janner142]

That guy from Civic Center area isn't in a nice neighborhood though.

[@maplenerd22]

@@veritassumma5728 Market street doesn't represent the whole city. It's a small part of the city.

[@Flipflop437]

There are bad parts of any city where people generally want to avoid. I think this video was helpful because many people who are considering moving to SF may assume the whole city is overrun with homeless people and crime, but in reality many people live a comfortable life. I lived in Chicago for several years and they have a similar issue. There are dangerous neighborhoods and there are safe neighborhoods.

[@destinationrelaxation9768]

Lived in sf. Built a wonderful community of friends, moved there for the gorgeous mixture of nature and city life. Moved out cause of the insane amount of homelessness, drug problems and mental health issues. Felt unsafe in many neighborhoods. Was sitting in my car and had a crazy lady walk by and throw a rock at my window. Seen my share of people with mental health issues roll around in tar, break into peoples cars, etc. it was a love hate relationship with the city, I moved away at the beginning of the pandemic.

[@finddeniro]

Return Her Rock..hard..

[@destinationrelaxation9768]

@@finddeniro there’s no point in getting into altercations with crazy people. You get nothing out of it

[@georgehenderson7783]

@@destinationrelaxation9768 Are you still in CA? I know several people who moved from CA to TX and FL.

[@neutrino78x]

"nsane amount of homelessness, drug problems and mental health issues. Felt unsafe in many neighborhoods" Really only the tenderloin is like that. And I doubt you were living in that area. I think it was more that you couldn't afford SF. One thing you might not be aware of is that most of us who can't afford our own apartments or condos in the Bay Area share housing. Check out craigslist, that's where everybody looks.

[@neutrino78x]

@@georgehenderson7783 " I know several people who moved from CA to TX and FL." Those would be maga people. You couldn't pay me to move to Texas. Look at the governor with his razor wire in the Rio Grande. Openly racist stuff. And people voted for him, which means the majority is racist.

[@lexnite22]

Coming from Australia, one thing I find with American's is they're getting more and more use to death and crime around them. Then they just go on about their day being numb to it. The homelessness situation has been happening since I was there in the early 90s. It was just shocking to see so much homelessness, drugs and human defecation out in the open.

[@thekid1597]

Yes, especially the younger people, very desensitized 😳very disturbing.

[@dupont24x]

That’s our amazing government doing a really great job! Fine group of people they got running our country and states.

[@BearingMySeoul]

@@thekid1597 What's the alternative though? It's no different than people in other developing countries. You mind your business and do what you have to do.

[@brandoescobar1155]

@@BearingMySeoul we want to progress not regress

[@michaelpagsanhan9376]

I totally agree!

[@TachoSJ]

I live in Walnut Creek, only 30 minutes from SF, yet far enough away. It’s nice to go into the city, but I enjoy that I don’t have to live there.

[@kvgolfa]

@@spikeybabieshow so?

[@70two41five]

30 minutes away if you are driving there in the middle of the night on a week day lol

[@nikkei325i]

@@spikeybabies not true. do not speak on places you know nothing about.

[@TachoSJ]

@@spikeybabies not true at all.

[@Xplosion919]

I live in Pleasanton. Not too far from you. I used to go out to Walnut Creek back in the day but the attitude of the people kinda turned me off. Danville it’s the same thing. Maybe worse. Financial success makes a lot people become stuck up.

[@plutonicresilience]

My favorite one so far. The people were very interesting, positive, real, and inspiring z thanks for this one.

[@raidergainzx5290]

San Fran been expensive for a long time. But too many transplants are there now that dont see SF as home. Rather, they see it as a cool place to get paid and have a good time for a while. Meanwhile, natives are stuck dealing with the inflation and crime.

[@gianniclaud]

That euro lady was a fine case in point!

[@tysonristau4995]

That’s like anywhere?

[@raidergainzx5290]

@tysonristau4995 Maybe cities that have a huge tech presence.

[@nikkei325i]

@@raidergainzx5290 Be be fair Los Angeles has a lot of transplants too for those breaking into the entertainment industry. They have a small tech presence called Silicon Beach but it is nowhere near the size of Silicon Valley.

[@khraee]

@@raidergainzx5290 Miami has the same case and doesn't have a huge tech presence...

[@chrisbrimhall1613]

Funny, my daughter who now lives in Japan took her Japanese boyfriend to San Francisco a few years back. The first day they walked out their hotel to be greeted by a homeless person defecating in the street right in front of the hotel. Her boyfriend was shocked and disgusted and said is this normal? My daughter said she heard of this but never actually saw it in person. My daughter said they stayed 3 days and couldn’t believe the homeless problem

[@mattz8956]

This comment section and video is hilarious. Truly showing a side of SF that is non existent for 90% of the population in this city. The delusional wealthy individuals who never leave their fancy apartment because they work from home refuse to help the community who is begging for someone to help. Open air drug market on the streets as well as fentanyl zombies everywhere. Very sad.

[@hakujin1]

1st reviewer mentioned this, the hotels are at Union Square, Union Square is bad. It's like you didn't listen. also Japan is generally a terrible place for lucrative careers, be it woman or gaijin. Apples to oranges.

[@ctube.]

Had that one man not pooped in front of your daughter, she might have a whole different takeaway from the city. Damn that man. I've lived in SF for over a decade and have never seen someone defecating in the street. That could change tomorrow, but you can't sum up a city by one area of it or what a few people do. Every large city has its... crap.

[@mattz8956]

@@ctube. So you think a majority of the community who lives in the city is just lying about the feces? I've walked down embarcadero and have seen homeless taking a shit on the side walk and using their hand to wipe their ass to then proceed to wipe their hand on the nearest door lock so that business owner can lock up their shop with feces all over

[@wind016]

@@ctube. That's a straight lie or you just stay home. I've lived in SF most of my life. People taking a dump on the ground is a daily occurrence.

[@mydogisbailey]

I am from Vancouver Canada and I live in sf for five years. I think the parks, the hills, the water, and the bridges make it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. Unfortunately the city and state are not taking petty crimes and drug use seriously, and so I could not make that city my forever home. I really wish nothing but the best for SF, I love it.

[@jayo9750]

Its not that exciting. Unless ur from somewhere really boring. Theres better cities out there

[@aSome1]

according to what I've seen in videos about Canada, Vancouver kinda suffers from something similiar to San Francisco (homelessness and drug addiction - like those footages seen in Hastings St., expensive housing and cost of living in general, etc.)...is it really that bad?

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

Hasn't Vancouver also become a victim of its own success, with a skyrocketing housing, taxes, homelessness, drugs?

[@PierreDennis]

​@@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d Yup. It has. I live in East Vancouver...the drug & homelesss problem is really bad. There's a co-op housing for people who are "recovering", but they just use that place to sleep. They really fucked up the neighbourhood and park across the street from that place. And, housing is bad. I can't belive the prices my friends are paying for a 1 bedroom. Vancouver is just as bad or same level as SF. It's disgusting.

[@Specialk6894]

@@jayo9750 only boring people are bored.

[@TFINESTT240]

loved this video!! thank you for sharing light on our city. ♡

[@dlandis8146]

We are from San Francisco but retired recently to a planned community in the So Cal desert. Do miss good Asian restaurants and diversity and fog. Do not miss the cost of living, the homeless, and the constant fear of getting car broken into. We do go back up to the Bay Area every 6 weeks or so to visit family.

[@dondomingo6578]

This is a gem of a video. Great questions and blogger’s friendliness gets the interviewees to open up. Bravo!

[@catmi3068]

I could call myself a San Franciscan. Immigrated from HK and have lived here over 50 years. I have traveled to different parts of the country and outside of USA and went back to HK to visit. I have to say SF is the best city that I have live. It is so convenient with Public transportation and convenience to groceries, banking and mall.

[@jv-lk7bc]

Yes you can call yourself a San Franciscan. You are one of those who makes that a title very much worth having.

[@aSome1]

sounds a bit like Bruce Lee (born in San Francisco - but as a baby only, he was given birth and returned to Hong Kong, raised in Hong Kong and lived his adult life in San Francisco)

[@Honey-Sanchez]

You do want a car. Big Sur, Monterrey, Tahoe. You just have to have a car, but keep it in a garage.

[@Lindasaur]

Love this video Charlie! Appreciate you going around the world to bring us viewers more perspective. I'm a San Francisco native who grew up in the hood (Outer Mission). I think the media disproportionately gives more coverage to SF's drug, homelessness, and cleanliness issues - which primarily take place in Downtown and FiDi. There's so much charm to the Sunset, Richmond, Portola Heights, Little Italy, etc - that people maybe aren't seeing as much in the media. Separately, SF is like New York but more chill - a great place to balance social life and rest.

[@mattz8956]

I'm from the Fillmore District, been here over 30 years. How are you going to say the media is disproportionately giving more coverage to SF's drug and crime rate? If anything there isn't ENOUGH. Our community members are begging for someone to do something about this. The streets are filled with drug addicts and crime. It's a literal open drug market out here. The police only ever stay around the nice areas that only the rich techies hang out in. SF is NOT the more chill NY. I was just there last month and I didn't see one fentanyl zombie walking the street with their ass hanging out.

[@FishStix1]

Noe Valley is so lovely and embedded into the hills.

[@danielkingery2894]

Sure, sure....such balance...as ling as you're an Elite....then you can rest. Thise folks that were interviewed were all from nicer communities...and EVERY ONE had some fairly knarley story to tell....but then...that's just 'city life' I suppose... ....once you get used to Liberal rules, getting beat up, carjacked, rampant retail theft....geez, I mean even every random person had a shithole City story to tell.🤷‍♂️

[@Elhastezy888]

You mean "crime" not charm. The areas you described are slowly getting absorbed. What else did people think was gonna happen? Whens the last time you were there? And haven't you been paying attention to what's going on in NYC??? Your post sound like it was written by those animals that bury their head in the sand

[@livingintheforest3963]

Wow, what a fantastic interview. Thank you for doing this you touched on all age groups and it was so detailed I love listening what everyone said and it gave me a completely different opinion. I haven’t been there since 2013 and it was so depressed about the news about what happened to San Francisco. I used to stay at the chancellor hotel which I love so much. I had the best New Year’s there in 2013 so this was interesting.❤

[@tamilaleychkis1576]

Charlie, Love your videos, topics and length.... Keep going. Don't stop!

[@karenwaddell9396]

Thank you for this video showing my area in a good light. Thanks!

[@Smart_Think]

Great perspectives charlie!

[@jellysubmarine]

This is not the reality of SF. I talk to people who work blue collar jobs in the city and they tell me it's falling apart and very unsafe.

[@Ldancingcat]

I work in SF and walk around a lot, even at night.. Most places are safe in SF. There are just a few places that are skid rows that you should avoid such as the Tenderloin and parts of downtown. I would say the majority of the city is fine.

[@case139]

People who are in denial will always paint a rosy picture. The area is in a sad decline and only getting worse.

[@dl744]

Would love for you to interview San Diego people now that it's been declared the most expensive place to live in the nation!

[@mimi1o8]

I live in San Diego, and after living here, I thought their rent prices are low😅

[@ParagMathurmd]

Interesting comparison. Growing up in the 80s/90s in California, San Diego was a dangerous, poor, high crime city while San Francisco was beautiful and expensive. Now it seems like they are switching places.

[@elalalachai]

As a native from San Diego I can tell you rent is pretty high so many people are struggling to get the bills payed and there are homeless people and drug addicts everywhere from the alley behind my apartment to downtown San Diego the streets are covered in trash and feces as well so I would say it is similar to SF there are only some nice neighbors predominantly white and even more expensive 🥲

[@Taylorabruce]

This video was incredibly helpful for me figuring out if I should move to SF or not. Thank you!

[@kenhoyer8601]

Don't move here, just come as a tourist and support our economy.

[@Keiaradise]

I’m a native San Franciscan that moved away the first chance I got and every time I visit I stay in my neighborhood and sometimes venture downtown and is it so gross. Humphrey is right about the nightlife, is it weak at best, even before Covid. Most places close by midnight, even clubs.

[@nikkei325i]

Out of curiosity where did you end up moving to?

[@Keiaradise]

@@nikkei325i Shanghai, China 🇨🇳 been here from 2011-2019, then went back home (San Francisco, around the glen park area) for four years due to the pandemic, and just moved back to SH in march

[@SL-eo5pz]

Not really, I went to DNA lounge after lockdowns and left at 330am lol. Places are open but it’s not like major party cities where everyone knows where to go like Miami or LA. It’s more like you need to be “in the know” which it shouldn’t be like.

[@jordanjohnson9866]

Nah. Not is it. Not is it. /

[@javierRcastro]

It’s still a very beautiful city . Been here for the past 11 years . I was would say 2013-2016 were it’s peek years for many industries then it got overblown with displacements , costs , property crime . I love it here , it’s not for everyone . Keep an open mind. It’s for career minded people , creatives , and healthy folks .

[@deniseclaeys8295]

I suppose opposites attract because it it also a place for unemployed, destructive, ill addicts as well. 🤷🏼‍♀️ (I grew up in the SF Bay Area, parents are Bay Area natives, and have been going to SF my whole life- mostly as a single woman. I stopped going after about two dozen people tried to sell me heroin in Civic Plaza years ago, and there was a shootout outside of the church I attended.)

[@meowiestwo]

@@deniseclaeys8295you know all major cities have drugs right?

[@lpickman8514]

Thank you so much for this. You got the opinion of all age brackets. I visit SF each yr when I can. I always have a good time. I can actually breath there if that makes sense. Keep up the good work. Much Love.

[@Rachel-ky3lr]

Love that you have the questions in text at the bottom!

[@m.ramos93]

Since Covid the city been on an insane decline. Crime being an issue is an understatement. It’s beyond an issue since not only it concerns one’s safety but also drives the cost of living since stores are forced to increase their prices . Car break ins are normal and encouraged by the government. Drug is a massive issue that contributes to the homeless issue.

[@NomadSoloTravel]

I'm also a San Francisco Native too and totally agree with everything they have mention too!! Love your content @CharlieChang. Hope you have an incredible day too and If you're still in SF, Hope to connect about KZbin too!

[@whatsonhermindblog123]

Cool video! Love the longform videos

[@jacquebixby1670]

Great interview!

[@erikgonzalez2278]

this was a good video Charlie I left San Francisco a few years ago I watch this youtuber who covers sf and a die hard sf resident.

[@70two41five]

Same here !

[@brianpark2564]

basically if you don't drive and don't mind sketchy places and situations and don't expect it to change but are optimistic, you're ok to visit or live in SF

[@Dave-cf4vd]

Haha, all weirdos and Millennials, putting up with shit for a few years until they figure out a better plan. Much like an airport - always busy, always a ton of energy, but everyone will swap out in time.

[@JSRMedia]

@@Dave-cf4vdHipster transplants.

[@LamelKendrick]

and make 80k+

[@karnubawax]

And you're YOUNG.

[@seekingthelost7]

Thank you, Charlie !!

[@mrbaboy]

Oh man, I love watching Humphreys finance videos! Awesome you were able to interview him!

[@Simply418]

Born and raised in sf, bought my first home, got married and had all my kids in sf. Once my kids got a good school assignment, it was wonderful in terms of their peers and curriculum. Then Covid happened and we needed a bigger house so we moved away. No regrets on how bad it has got.

[@jrallday]

Where to ? Somewhere past Stockton

[@legitgirlbabe]

I loved SF when I was there in 2009-2016. Thanks for uploading this. The people here are indeed career driven, and make about 20-30% more than elsewhere but it all goes to cost of living. There are so many luxury high rises that I dreamed of living in but these are occupied by the wealthy people that make over $200,000.

[@danieljohnson9147]

Im trying to figure out how all of these people are making $100k to $200k annually; that can’t be right no one is a blue collar working there? Everyone is getting paid that?? I find it highly unlikely those people are actually from there.

[@bettylee234]

​@danieljohnson9147 that's easy- Silicon Valley. Tech engineering jobs. If you're not in tech - no reason to be in SF lol

[@maplenerd22]

@@danieljohnson9147 uh...tech jobs? You know that Silicon Valley is nearby right?

[@Dan16673]

200k just doesnt go far

[@bettylee234]

@Dan16673 def noting California with 45% taxes lol 👎

[@jwebbw]

I've always liked your videos, never boring, keeps me intrigued. And you ask the right questions and get good answers, but I haven't seen a video of yours's since you were interviewing customers at high end groceries stores in So. Cal. Did you take a break from YT ?

[@user-vy2hr4oj9z]

Hi Charlie! Great video...I will be moving to SF next summer to attend college!

[@davidwheeler6699]

Charlie , excellent interview and a good counterpoint to the negative comments that are seen on some KZbin videos I like the way you interview people and the questions that you ask. Good job.

[@junioradult6219]

2900 for a 1 bd 1 bath. Thats not much of a counter argument

[@gangstamind187]

SF is just a microcosm of what's happening in the US in general. Wealth is being concentrated with a small group of people at the expense of the working class. Gentrification has made homelessness and poverty rampant in the Bay.

[@rraineallen721]

this! no one tends to get this... yes democratic politicians are bad but that does not mean republicans would be better too...

[@jesssadeee]

The way the european lady phrased “we have to deal with this homeless situation” really didn’t sit right with me. She’s a contribution to the problem she complains of…

[@mimi1o8]

@@rraineallen721I lived in Fl 18 years and we have better living standards in California.

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

That's what I think too, as a San Francisco resident and native.... ❤

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

​@@jesssadeeeoh. yes. I see your point, the lawyer right? I at first thought her saying "but we'll deal with it." meant "but we're helping our fellow humans." and then realized "deal with it" meant obliterating or obscuring her fellow humans, challenged likely to pay the six grand she does for a monthly abode.

[@isaiahbarrett9451]

I just moved back (born n raised in sf) and honestly it’s home. It’s changing a lot but i just love being here

[@SamanthaStew]

I like that you got perspectives of people from all different age groups.

[@bigc12ip]

Dude said 2900 is a good deal we California's are officially delusional

[@MatthewLum11]

I think more outrageous is the girl paying $2,100 a month for a studio. At least she didn't claim it was a good deal. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BillyTimes-dw7vs]

I'm glad I got out of America parttime he said $2900 is a good deal lol . I have 2 spots I rent out in the Philippines 🇵🇭 for less than $1,000 a month you people better wake up and start looking over seas before this Snow ball of the America dream really get out of hand.

[@user-lj8yl7ts9x]

@@BillyTimes-dw7vs I'm paying $2200 for a 2500sq ft home on 1acre lot in the Midwest. On the outskirts of a major metro area. For comparison. For some reason people are willing to pay a premium to kind of sort of be near the ocean and have some warmer weather year round.

[@lynettesdiary]

It's crazy the different experiences people have, I was so scared to move to SF because of all the news I was hearing, and how expensive. I make less than 2k a month and live comfortably enough, I only pay 1k for rent in a nice part of sf, I will say you might have to be mindful about how much you spend but ive made it work, you really don't have to make 8k like said in the video unless your living in a super nice apartment. Im also a 5'0 girl and alot of the times walk by myself, I haven't experienced anything to crazy, you'll occasionally get some weird people come up to you but ive had that happen everywhere. I love sf ! there's definitely alot of problems don't get me wrong but they are the same problems all over the US.

[@georgeallen4007]

Lmao 2k a month living in sf . I don’t believe it unless you’re in welfare and food stamps

[@user-uu9tj6lg3n]

Yes I’ve gone to visit a lot & I’ve been walking everywhere with my 3 kids & I’ve seen nothing at all ( Thank God I haven’t ) . I love sf my kids do too !

[@tubby_1278]

How are you surviving on less than 2k a month? That's practically a minimum wage income these days. To live comfortably in a city like LA you already need to make at least $130-150k a year. In SF it has to be waay higher and ain't rent on average $3k-5k out there a month?

[@lynettesdiary]

@@tubby_1278 depends where you live and if you have roommates it makes it cheaper also my definition of comfortable is different coming from a low income family.

[@ebadd3468]

@@lynettesdiary So what your saying is you live in someones garage.

[@powaqqatsi8]

Great channel, thank you. 🙏❤

[@j.d.contreras392]

My grandma works at Arby's in SF and she said it's beautiful.

[@Ddreinthebay]

I love San Francisco. Can the people be crazy, yes. Are the laws kinda wild yes. But it’s still a very pretty city with I think a lot of potential and diversity.

[@ed5308]

I grew up going to the City for events. If you have the money and attitude it is a beautiful place to live. It seems if you can overlook the homeless, drugs, and business that have closed then you will have a good time.

[@jaxkemper]

Amazing video. I grew up in the bay I hope SF make a come back!

[@kimjohnson8471]

Amazing how the first Dude just says $11K/ month so casually. That's insane and he's paying for a box!!!😂

[@divingduck9]

i know! a 1000sf house on half an acre by a natl forest, 2 miles from a small town w/everything he mentioned, from yoga studios to restaurants, costs me literally UNDER $8k/ a year, including utilities, groceries, transpo (20 yr old chevy), & property taxes as a homeowner. no hoa or condo fees or parking shortage or homeless prob. deep south 2024. only drawback: theyr still into tobacco, alcohol, firearms culture, no weed or dancing, which i miss about cali. but u can find houses all over the u.s. for 100k, outside of urban meccas... i met ppl 20 yrs ago in az who fled sf then, & it only seems to'v gotten worse

[@Caliblonde31]

Well for some people 11k isn't expensive to he honest. I'm from central valley and been here 15 years. A lot of my family from that area makes anywhere from $8k to 10k monthly as a college professor and almond farmers. SF is high tech so it makes sense you would make more & need 11k to survive. I love Bay area now and never plan to leave. Some people can afford it.

[@Tummie39]

I grew up in the SF area and now living in Asia. It's incredibly sad to see how crimes, murders, homelessness, lawlessness are normalized. Here in Asia, the cost of living is about 1/5 of that compared to California and I live among the most kind, peaceful, civilized, law abiding humans with far more amenities than in the US. I would never go back to the bay area (or anywhere in the entire USA) even if the cost of living is 1/10 of what it is today. It's just not worth worrying about getting robbed, shot, or stabbed at anytime. California has become a criminal heaven.

[@francinesanchez5402]

What part of Asia?

[@xellex1911]

there are many many countries in Asia where San Francisco would be luxury in comparison. Where do you live in Asia?

[@Tummie39]

@@xellex1911 I live in Kuala Lumpur. You obviously have not traveled to Asia. Which countries in Asia is less luxury than San Francisco? Some rural parts of Asia are certainly less developed than SF but they are a thousand times CLEANER and SAFER than SF.

[@rumfordc]

@@xellex1911 that's what racist San Franciscan's like to tell themselves. even north korea is safer than SF

[@unknown66003]

​@Tummie39 I live in SF and have been to all the countries in Asia, including Kuala Lumpur where you live. I guess you haven't been to Manila & New Delhi because it's a lot more dirty and has a worse homeless problem than SF

[@chino_rossete]

Moved from LA to Benicia in April of this year and it was the best decision. I ended up getting a job making more and live in a really good area with the option to take the ferry in Vallejo to go to SF and not worry about my car getting broken and not dealing with traffic

[@deniseclaeys8295]

I went to high school in Vallejo in the 80s. Most of my oldest friends are from that area. It's nice, affordable, and the weather is good. Glad you found a good life there!

[@FoxyGrandpaalltheway]

I absolutely love this , missing the ciry

[@misterscruffle]

I’m leaving San Francisco next year! Can’t wait!

[@JSRMedia]

Where are you headed?

[@pilgrimoutdoors-uk6177]

$2950 for a 1B1B apartment is NOT a "pretty good deal"! Holy fuc*. The retired school teacher living in a studio, with nothing else to her name makes my heart hurt.

[@oscaryuen311]

I think the least controversial area in SF is the sunset. But it is nearly impossible to rent there since they are single family houses which is nearly impossible to rent unless you have friends you can live with.

[@deardewette]

I've been here for a year and it has been the most disgusting, tragic experience EVER!! To see so much suffering on a daily basis is something I will NEVER get used to. I literally see people smoking pipes in broad daylight on a regular basis. Though I usually walk with my head high, here, I HAVE TO keep my eyes on the ground to be certain that I don't step in human poop among other disgusting things. I've seen people stretched out on the ground. I'm slowing to make sure that there's signs of life, while everyone else just walks by like they aren't witnessing the same thing. It seems like people are so desensitized to this. As an empath, it's impossible not to see and feel this on a really deep level. Again, I will NEVER get used to this. I've seen notes on car windows alerting people that there's nothing in their cars to steal so please don't break their windows. And don't even get me started on the cost of living. I feel like I'm living in a twilight zone. I'm really happy that the people in your video have such great experiences here. That is definitely NOT my experience. I only came here because my daughter got an incredible opportunity that I couldn't let her miss out on, and she was too young to come alone. But I am counting down the days when she's old enough for me to get far, far away from here.

[@karaokekannibal]

Love that Inventing Anna impression at the end.

[@JohnErickson107]

Bay Area subscriber here, Charlie. I used to go to downtown SF a decent amount but definitely not anymore unless absolutely need to. I still go in the other neighborhoods in SF like Sunset and Richmond area as those can be sketchy sometimes too. Great video.

[@mcnitt]

Lived in Nob Hill San Francisco for 20 years. This is one of the few accurate portrayals of SF on KZbin. Well done.

[@lilairi1]

Nice video!! Can you do another city??

[@IbeSyke]

I like the way this guy asks questions well done.

[@kapihannibeshie9634]

San Francisco is not for everyone, not perfect city but I love living here . Weather, food music, arts, jobs, nature and the culture. Science and tech are here as well ! So much to enjoy not only in the city but also outside the city.

[@chrisbrown-lx7qz]

dont forget about lots of drug addicted lots of homeless and lots of crime as well

[@kapihannibeshie9634]

@@chrisbrown-lx7qz we already know that . That's why I said it's not a perfect city !

[@unknown66003]

Eh actually you're wrong, San Francisco is for everyone, and everything you stated in your comment is what makes it a welcoming place for everyone to live or visit. I can name you a lot more other cities that are indeed not for everyone.

[@kapihannibeshie9634]

@@unknown66003 What I am trying to say here is people who cannot afford living in the city or those who hate the city itself because of politics.

[@maverickspirit208]

My family that lived in SF for decades recently moved the heck out! There is nothing more precious than safety and freedom from tyrannical government, and in SF you have neither.

[@hannaholdford6751]

LOL the duck guy!! He’s a legend!! I saw him at Golden Gate Park

[@jonathanwu4171]

I like this video thanks Charlie

[@michaelmadsen1222]

I worked in SF (lived elsewhere) for about 4 months in 2019-2020 up until the lockdowns. I mostly worked downtown in the Financial District and usually stayed in the Fisherman's Wharf area. It is a pretty gross city. From my office window, I saw someone get beat up in the street, in the middle of the day in the middle of downtown, and watched as the ambulance came and got them. Sidestepping human feces and needles was literally a daily occurrence. I would never stand in the actual bus stop coverings because there was either homeless people laying in them or there were used needles that made me not want to be anywhere near them. Stepping over homeless people trying to get into buildings is almost an everyday experience. Having crazy people yelling at pedestrians on the street and having to walk past them is almost a daily occurrence. The vibe I got from most of the interviewees is they are used to/desensitized to the state of the city. Its like they think it is normal to have these kinds of things, but its not. Also, I didn't get the feeling any of them had a family. I would never walk around with children.

[@meowiestwo]

So you hung out in two neighborhoods for four months and feel qualified to comment. That’s really cute. You were essentially a tourist in a touristy area. To anyone who lives here it’s quite obvious that you’re exaggerating.

[@glennextics]

I would also like to request a similar street interview in NYC. Although, New York City is more expensive than San Francisco.

[@98.wintzz]

Hey @charlieChang could you do San Diego next? Thanks!!

[@Brian-3000]

dang i just moved out of SF and would've loved to share my perspective on living there and meeting you!

[@dizzleg]

High cost, high crime, High CA taxes. I was there once about 7 years ago. Guys using outside our hotel room door while my young kids were trying to sleep. I expected at the very least a decent time at the tourist spots, but no - dodging feces on the sidewalks and sketchy people all over. I vowed never to go back, even if it was professionally. I haven't and never will. Not worth it.

[@lace_a_base_1]

I absolutely LOVE SF! The vibe, the people, the ideas, the energy, the food, the music scene, ect. Yes it’s not perfect. Like any great city, there’s crime and high cost of living and politics. But overall, SF is, has been and always will be an amazing city.

[@RandomRabbit007]

100% ... Also this is probably the WORST that it will be. Only going to get better from here, especially since people are taking elections more serious now and social-media allows the masses to share knowledge with one another.

[@415TCrider]

it sucks now. i live here.....only new people talk this way.

[@RandomRabbit007]

Only new people talk which way?@@415TCrider

[@frogblues]

@@415TCrider I've lived here for decades and I see it the same was as her.

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

❤ mhmmm. 👍

[@itsgottobeperfect1]

Thank you so much for this! I am from The Netherlands and lived in SF in 88/89. I give it an 11. The best time of my life! And yes I got mugged, chased, you name it. That was mostly at night in shady neighbourhoods in the wee hours. And the earthquake. Things happen. But I give everyting to live there again. The people most of the time are so friendly. If you ask the way in NY? They are almost annoyed...., definitely not friendly(most of the time) In SF they say: oh you no what? I walk with you over there! And after all the bad news about SF. (my heart was aching) I am so happy to hear people say the lovely things about my all time favorite City!!!! (I lived on Pacific/Leavenworth, Polk/Chestnut/ and Sacremento and Hyde) Walked all over the place. Worked at Little Joe's on Van Ness. Best time Ever!!! (payed 500 dollars in rent, for a one bedroom app.)

[@tokyowarfare6729]

Interesting to watch

[@mkrowenp]

I used to live in San Francisco and attended SFSU. The best time of my lifffeee. I now live super far away from the Bay Area in a small town. Every year that passes now is very unmemorable while I still remember moments in SF vividly ^_^ My favorite memories of being in the city were watching movies by myself at a theater. I'm glad to see the reviews of people still there because all I have now are sad news stories and that my theaters are closing down :(

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

Heya. It's still beautiful here as ever....❤ Curious what theatre youre referencing?

[@mkrowenp]

@@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239 Hi! I used to visit a theater next to SF State, the Westfield Cinemark one, and a few in the Financial District. Ahh, I'm 37 now, and it's been so long since college that I don't remember their names.

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

@@mkrowenp hi. Oh sure!! I know of which you speak.....I'll think of you next time I go to the movies.. 🫂

[@garyb2392]

Interesting and insightful…I’ll second what others say, you interviewed people in the nicer part of town. I’d be curious what tourist think and those in neighborhoods adjacent to higher crime areas.

[@meowiestwo]

Tourists shouldn’t be going to the tenderloin or hunters point.

[@garyb2392]

@@meowiestwo and they won’t that said this vid was about “why people are staying” not about tourists…of course people in nice neighborhoods always stay…what about the “bad” ones…the media will have you think “everyone” is leaving, which clearly isn’t true if this vid is to be believed.

[@TheAmazingDollarman]

I like the interviews. No bias. Not trying to lead them and lets them speak.

[@raymondkyruana118]

Appreciate this honestly can you do another haha?

[@stevenmichaeleich9856]

I was just in SF in May, it’s still great! Its still lively, beautiful and friendly. Not saying there aren’t parts that are absolutely scary/dangerous

[@amoraisonguyo9618]

Oh my Gosh! When did you come to the city?? I wish I could've seen you, cause I pass through some of those places in the video quite frequently! I just moved here in August for school at USF. Yes, homelessness and drug use over here is so crazy compared to where I'm from. But I do love the Muni system cause you can literally go anywhere with it, especially as someone who has no other means of transport, but sometimes we get some weird people on it, I won't lie lol.

[@LNR6SPD]

This is great!

[@agmcroom2374]

B carful out there Charlie

[@moreadventure3627]

Do the same thing with NYC!

[@beccalove8791]

Dude got his car broke open 3 times. Media is not over blown

[@brunostpla]

Great video

[@akin242002]

As someone who grew up in SF (Filmore district), they are telling the truth. It is fun for young people, and you do get lots of exercise from walking around. However, homelessness has always been a problem. Crime has shifted over the past few decades. There used to be more violent crime, but it has transitioned toward more petty crime (car break-ins and drug store theft). I moved out to the Suburbs of the Eastbay. I walk less and don't party (being in my 40s), but I don't have to worry about crime. For exercise, I try to make up for it by going to the park on weekends with my daughter or home exercises.

[@LordCruse]

Who else loved Katis energy?

[@rijd2304]

Someone came up to me on the street in SF and gave me a book called "You Suck" by Paulie Amigo. At first I thought it was an insult or joke, but the book was actually helpful for me at the time. It was cool.

[@markwalsh2340]

Born and raised. Got priced out during the tech boom and have lived happily on the penninsula for years but I still dearly love my hometown. San Francisco still has way more good than bad and we still go on the regular.

[@Marl-hj8hh]

Great video.

[@martytube821]

Its funny hearing 3k a month is a good deal for rent when my house payment is $600 for 2k square feet with a big yard.

[@ronaldmercado670]

I lived in the bay area for 6 years and saw SF change so much in that time. It progressively got worst. So much crime and homeless. I use to go watch plays at the Orpheum and saw 1 or 2 homeless folks but by the time I left, I had to walk in the street because the whole sidewalk was taken over. Also the people can be horrible. Saw a man spit on a Marine recruiter also saw lots of intolerance in general. Definitely very very expensive to live there. Ok to visit but I would never live there.

[@roar6047]

I've been in the Bay for the past 4 years and just got spit on by a homeless guy today in Berkeley smh (thankfully just got on the jacket and threw it in the washer right after). I definitely want to get out of here and move back to the east coast. The nature and events are great in the Bay, but the crime, homelessness and cost of living is too ridiculous to keep dealing with long term.

[@georgeallen4007]

I’m from the Bay Area , born and raised and I still live here . San Francisco is a hell hole

[@meowiestwo]

I love living in San Francisco. But then again, all major cities have homeless populations so maybe that’s why I’m not scared of unhoused people.

[@sfkid30]

@@roar6047Berkeley is not San Francisco. Totally different vibe even though they are very close. Just over the Bay Bridge is different than the city.

[@sfkid30]

@@georgeallen4007where do you live?

[@jasontamer]

Born and Raised in SF, my guy you really talking to the rich people...... Of course they have the ability to be comfortable and safe as possible

[@AdamLMore]

Retired teachers are rich? Since when?

[@JefeC]

Damn! I thought I saw you downtown but figured it wasn’t you since you’re usually in Socal

[@leonslights3324]

I went there last summer for a day just passing through and alot of businesses were closed down, it was obvious that there was a major drug problem and that homelessness was a big issue. The weather was nice and the food in Chinatown was very good.

[@leonslights3324]

@@veritassumma5728 it wasn't a touristy place at all. I forget the name but they had really good spicy duck blood soup. People were setting off fireworks in the middle of the street and scared the crap out of us while we were eating.

[@splendidsnapshot9915]

I used to live in SF for many years. It is a very beautiful city. One thing people forget though, the homeless, drug and crime situation are way worse today than it was then. Sad that the politicians (voted by the people who live) is destroying it.

[@qiii]

Drug use and crime were way worse in the 60s all the way into the late 80s. Reminder: Haight-Ashbury is the birthplace of the hippie movement and it was completely fueled by drugs.

[@splendidsnapshot9915]

@@qiii I agree about drugs, not so sure about crime. I used to work in Haight Ashbury area too for many years, so I understand its history. The current danger is fact that the municipal and state laws are being soften which enable society to go down hill, and at the same time, demoralize the police units. So I am not certain it will get better until those laws are changed/retracted.

[@ubergoodair]

@@qiii way worst??? They didn't have fentanyl in the 60s and Marijuana THC level was 10% of what weed is now. Plus, the used to prosecute criminals, now they are roaming freely.... So your way worst is way wrong....

[@reymercado1575]

two closest home depots from downtown san francisco are 10 miles away (daly city and colma locations) not 25. But it does take a 20-25 minute drive by car from downtown to get there when there's no traffic.

[@chiwalker7325]

I lived on Bay and Stockton from 91-93 and Haight St from 93 -2000 and must say it’s totally Changed.

[@migol1984]

I lived in SF between 2010 through 2013. There was always homeless people back then but I guess it's gotten worse, I dunno. The thing is, people talk about the homeless population and the high prices, but i don't think people mention how San Francisco can be such an isolating city. That song by Tony Bennett where he talks about feeling alone and forgotten in Manhattan" in that song I Left My Heart in San Franciaco, was exactly how I felt about San Francisco. I dunno. SF is like a big club that you're not invited too. And no matter how many times you say it, the people who live there, who are a part of that club, don't want to admit to it. I feel that LA is kinda the same way. At least, once you get to Hollywood and Los Feliz/Silver Lake area. It's like a big playground for the privileged and wealthy. Don't get me wrong. So much to love about SF. From its history, to its architecture and its bygone culture, I wanted to fall in love with it like so many did. But that city just didn't seem to want me. I've spent plenty time in Chicago and Brooklyn and I never felt isolated or depressed the way I felt in SF. I have friends who felt exactly the same way I did when they lived out there.

[@karnubawax]

Yup. There's a reason why the GG Bridge is the number one suicide spot in the world!

[@brockman562]

SF rules. I used to work there before covid for 6-7 years. if only the druggies, homeless, and transplants in tenderloin would go away, everything would be great. other parts of the city are very nice.

[@cosettelaplante699]

Humphrey seems like a cool guy! And handsome! Lol Love his name. And I agree with everything he said... On another note, I lived on the Pershing Drive years ago. My ex lived in the sunset district after we split up.