Perfection.
Photo Cred: http://www.speakupforblue.com/in-ocean-news/maldives-as-the-first-nation-to-become-a-biosphere-reserve
Last week someone asked me if I could live anywhere, where would I be? Of course, I said the Maldives. In a dream world where I can swim and scuba dive every single day, that’s absolutely where I would live. However, I’m still working on pretending to be a grown-up, so I should probably think a little more realistically. Luckily, the answer to “if I could live realistically anywhere, where would I be?” comes almost as quickly: San Francisco Bay Area.
During the first two weeks of my first year, it seemed like EVERYONE was from this mythical “Bay Area,” and I’m going to be honest with you, I had no idea where that was. I started thinking of various “bays” I’d heard of, and even spent time trying to remember 3rd grade geography and the difference between a “bay” and a “gulf.” I’m not actually that geographically challenged, I promise. But telling someone from Kirkwood, Missouri (in St. Louis) that you’re from the “Bay” means less than nothing. (Eventually, I asked someone and they told me it meant San Francisco, and I didn’t find out until last year that that response wasn’t technically correct either…)
Last spring break I finally had the chance to visit this Narnia where seemingly ¾ of the students at the 5Cs were raised… and I fell in love.
It’s not exactly the Maldives, but I’ll take what I can get. The weather is never too hot and rarely too cold. (And as someone from the Midwest, who experienced the “polar vortex” and several “snowpocalypses,” it’s never cold.) It’s pretty clean. (That is to say, your snot doesn’t turn black and gray like when you visit New York.) There’s amazing public transport. (Significant for me because there is no public transport near my house in Missouri, for incredibly racist reasons.) Also… THE FOOD. I’ll admit, I can get a little too focused on food, but the food in San Francisco is incredible. Between the tourist places like Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf to the BEST SANDWICH PLACE EVER that I may never have come across if I hadn’t been taken there. It also helps that approximately half of Claremont moves there after graduating. (So, for those of us who aren’t ready to leave the Claremont Bubble, this is a good option.)
Basically, I’ve started to understand why everyone proudly bragged that they were from this legendary place who’s greatness was unbeknownst to me before my first year at Scripps.
However, remember when I called it the “realistic option”? That was relative. San Francisco is EXPENSIVE. In comparison to St. Louis, MO, housing is 325% (WHAT?!) more expensive in San Francisco. Transportation is 24% more expensive in San Francisco. Food will cost me 33% more in San Francisco. Lastly, entertainment will cost 23% more in San Francisco. It’s the 4th most expensive city. (Want more terrifying financial information about the city I’ve decided I have to live in? Check out this cost of living calculator!)
Needless to say, if I want to live in this fabled land, I’m definitely going to need to work on this whole “job” thing…
All that said, and all percent increases documented, I’m not going to change my mind just yet. The Maldives Dream is pretty far off, I understand that, but there’s something to be said for knowing where you want to be and going for it. As long as I have a job, learn to cook, and find lots of roommates to help with the rent, I’m going to try to make it work. I’m in love with this city and I’m excited about the opportunities it presents for me.
I think, at least for a few years, it’s worth it. (If nothing else, Scripps has spoiled me with delicious food for four years; I have to live the college-Ramen-and-Easy-Mac-life at some point!)