In the case of San Francisco, though, the cost of living typically throws up huge, scary numbers. But with a mean rent hovering at around $3,000-$3,400 per month for a 1 bedroom apartment for rent in San Francisco, it more often than not seems like finding cheap apartments for rent San Francisco is just a far-fetched myth.
Let's be realistic: with low prices, you aren't going to find a mansion. Still, "cheap" is relative, and though it's one of the most expensive cities in the United States, there are pockets of affordability and intelligent strategies that can save you a ton of money. Finding an affordable apartment isn't a myth; it's a strategic step that requires you to know exactly where to look!
Neighborhood Secrets: Where Prices Drop
Rent in San Francisco is all about the neighborhood. If you can look past some of the more famous high-demand neighborhoods, the savings are pretty substantial.
1. Focus on the Outskirts
The neighborhoods furthest from the downtown core and Financial District-referred to as 'The Avenues', such as Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset-are where the somewhat lower rents are to be found. Quieter, foggier areas that nonetheless enjoy direct access to both the beautiful Golden Gate Park and the Pacific Ocean. Their average rents are regularly hundreds of dollars lower compared to central areas.
2. Look at the high-density areas
Some of these dense neighbourhoods can often be overlooked but have surprisingly low average rents. For instance, the Tenderloin neighborhood has some of the lowest average rents reported in the whole city. These areas are right in the middle of all the action, but you must not mind a very active, fast-paced city environment.
3. Size Matters Most
The quickest way to locate a lower price is by shrinking the size of what you're searching for. A studio or small 1 bedroom apartment for rent in San Francisco will always be more affordable than a large 2-bedroom house for rent in San Francisco. If living in the city is most important to you, then not having a lot of space is the easiest sacrifice to make.
The Roommate Reality: Splitting the Cost
If you require more space than a studio but still need a low price, your best strategy is to share.
1. The Shared House Option
Unless you're lucky enough to have an extremely high-paying job, people make living affordable by renting a large unit-a 2 bedroom house for rent in San Francisco, for example-and split the cost with roommates. If a house costs $4,500, splitting it with two people brings your cost down to $1,500 each, plus utilities-a true "cheap" price in this city!
2. Search for Older Buildings
Many of the really affordable rentals are in older apartment buildings, especially those built before 1979. These buildings fall under San Francisco's Rent Control laws, which means rent increases by the landlord are limited each year for existing tenants.
3. Be Prepared to Act Quickly
The best deals on cheap apartments for rent San Francisco will not stay listed for long. You need to be ready to apply immediately so you can snag one. This means that, before you even go see the apartment, you need to have proof of income, your ID, and your references ready to go.
Conclusion:
Cheap apartments for rent San Francisco aren't a myth, but neither is it easy to find one out there. You have got to be strategic: compromise on the distance of the neighborhood, go for smaller spaces like a 1 bedroom apartment for rent in San Francisco, or commit to sharing a bigger home like a 2 bedroom house for rent in San Francisco with roommates.
Using these smart strategies, Raj Properties can help you discover a truly affordable place in this amazing city! Would you like me to look for available listings for studios and 1 bedroom apartment for rent in San Francisco in the Outer Richmond and Sunset districts?
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