Challenge one: Apartment Hunting

We haven't officially moved yet and we have our first hurdle - finding the right apartment. Why do I feel like I'm buying a house?! Prices have dramatically increased since we last lived here and competition is cut-throat.

We thought we had found the perfect place but since I didn't hold it with a deposit it was gone within days. So I'm back to the drawing board.

We are lucky enough to be able to afford a 2 or 3 bedroom but with prices so high we want to make sure it's an exact fit. We have been searching for months and it has been as stressful as a house purchase. Is it the right neighborhood? Does it have storage and parking? Is it a safe building? Is it dog friendly? The list goes on and on. I have looked in multiple neighborhoods and narrowed it down to SOMA.

Luckily the prices have slightly dropped in the area and the buildings are competing for business.

It's amazing how much the housing has changed since we last lived here. My little studio in West Portal for $1,000 with parking is just a pipe dream at this point.

This experience leaves me wondering how different this city will be since last time I was here. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

Ana