The NYC to SF founder move is the most common one we see. Here is what actually changes.
What is different
- Rent is similar ($3.5K to $5K for a 1BR in the good parts). You save on nothing.
- Weather is dramatically better. 60F year-round. You will underdress for six months.
- Pace is faster for building, slower for socializing. In NYC you meet 40 people a week casually. In SF you meet 5 people who go deep.
- Everyone is a founder. In NYC "what do you do" gets 20 answers. In SF it gets 2.
- Cars matter less than you think. Waymo and Uber work. Most founders in the city do not own one.
First 30 days
1. Live in Hayes Valley or the Mission short-term (Sonder, Kasa, sublets)
2. Go to one event a night for the first two weeks. See SF events
3. Introduce yourself on /community
4. Get set up with US banking, phone, and health cover. See the starter pack
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