Bay Area

Welcome to Bay Area

Enjoy top-notch living in the Bay Area.

Whether you’re hoping to raise your family in a quiet suburb or live in the heart of a bustling city, the Bay Area has it all. The Bay Area comprises 101 municipalities and nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. There is a myriad of reasons people wish to live here, including waterfront towns, a thriving tech scene, close proximity to wine country, family-oriented and private communities, and top-notch universities. The Bay was originally inhabited by the Ohlone and Miwok tribes, followed by the Spanish. The Spanish arrived in 1769 and established the area’s first mission—Mission Dolores. This mission, which is located in San Francisco, still survives to this day and is the oldest standing structure in the city. The architectural styles in the Bay Area vary significantly depending on your location. In San Francisco, popular styles include Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, and Gothic Revival—just to name a new. Outside of San Francisco, popular styles include ranch-style and modern.

What to Love

• Dedication to arts, cultural events, and festivals
• Close access to nature
• Diversity of resident
  
  

People and Lifestyle

Home to approximately 7.75 million people, this nine-county area contains a multitude of towns, airports, job opportunities, national parks, and more. The largest city in the Bay is San Francisco, with a population of approximately 881,000 residents. There are 36 distinct neighborhoods in San Francisco, each with a distinct personality and attractive qualities. With so much to offer, the Bay Area attracts individuals from all demographics. Everyone who resides here—including retirees, young families, working professionals, and college students—enjoys a private and sophisticated lifestyle.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Living in the Bay area means having endless options for dining, shopping, and entertainment right at your doorstep! For a refined culinary experience, make reservations at Buckeye Roadhouse. Located in Marin, this restaurant serves upscale American comfort food in a cozy, lodge-like setting. After that, consider satisfying your sweet tooth at The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Ice cream and Chocolate Shop. This dessert shop, found in San Francisco, is located in a former chocolate factory near Fisherman’s Wharf. This shop is sure to make all your sugary dreams come true! When it comes to shopping, we suggest heading over to The Village at Corte Madera. Since opening in 1985, this open-air shopping center features high-end department stores and brand-name shops, as well as a variety of options for dining and entertainment. If you’re in San Francisco, then don’t forget to check out Union Square. This 2.6-acre plaza, located downtown, is considered the main hub for shopping, hotels, and theaters and comprises several blocks.

Things to Do

There’s never a shortage of things to do when you live in the Bay Area! Golden Gate Park, located in San Francisco, is the third-most-visited park in the United States. Explore all that this iconic 1,017-acre park has in store, from miles of green lawns and bridle paths to lakes and over 7,000 kinds of plants. This park is also home to the Conservatory of Flowers, a greenhouse and botanical garden that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants. Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling through The Palace of Fine Arts, also located in San Francisco. Or, if you’re hoping for a fun night out, head down to Pier 39. A popular tourist attraction, this lively pier features shops, restaurants, the Aquarium of the Bay, a video arcade, and even street performances!

Schools

The Bay Area is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational institutions include:

• San Francisco Art Institute
• University of Redlands Marin Campus
• St. Ignatius Preparatory School