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San Francisco- Chinatown - Large Studio – Converted 3 Car Garage with Free Internet (mission district)- Studio has an open floor plan with linoleum flooring and measures 21’ x 19’4”, approximately 406 square feet. Kitchen includes a refrigerator and a gas range. View More Listings -->
Chinatown Information
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of North America's largest Chinatowns. It is
the oldest and one of the most historic Chinatowns. Established in the 1850s, it
has been featured in popular culture, such as in film, music, photography, and
literature.
Chinatown has been experiencing some decline over the years due to the cropping
up of newer Chinatown communities in the Richmond and Sunset Districts of San
Francisco, possibly from the revitalization of Oakland's Chinatown – only 10
miles away – in recent decades, and from the development of Asian shopping
centers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite this, it remains a major
tourist attraction — drawing more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge, and
being one of the largest and most prominent centers of Chinese activity outside
of China.
Chinatown is located in downtown San Francisco. It is roughly bordered by Powell
Street and the Nob Hill District on the west. On the east is Kearny Street and
The City's Financial District. On the north is North Beach and Green Street and
Columbus Street. On the south is Bush Street and the Union Square area. Despite
its decline, it has been slowly expanding northward into the North Beach
neighborhood north of Green and Columbus Street.
Within Chinatown there are two major thoroughfares. One is Grant Avenue, with
the famous Dragon gate on the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue; St. Mary's
Park that boasts a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen; a war memorial to Chinese war
veterans; and a plethora of stores, restaurants and mini-malls that cater mainly
to tourists. The other, Stockton Street, is frequented less often by tourists,
and it presents an authentic Chinese look and feel, reminiscent of Hong Kong,
with its produce and fish markets, stores, and restaurants. Chinatown boasts
smaller side streets and alleyways that also provide an authentic character.
Another major focal point in Chinatown is Portsmouth Square. Due to its being
one of the few open spaces in Chinatown, Portsmouth Square bustles with activity
such as Tai Chi and old men playing Chinese chess. A replica of the Goddess of
Democracy used in the Tiananmen Square protest was built in 1999 by Thomas
Marsh, and stands in the square. It is made of bronze and weighs approximately
600 lb (270 kg).
In recent years, other Chinatown areas have been established within the city of
San Francisco proper, including the Richmond and Sunset districts. These areas
have been settled largely by Chinese from Southeast Asia. There are also many
suburban Chinese communities in the Bay Area, especially in Silicon Valley, such
as Cupertino, Fremont, and Milpitas, where Taiwanese Americans are dominant.
Despite these developments, many continue to commute in from these outer
neighborhoods and cities to shop in Chinatown, causing gridlock on roads and
public transit, especially on weekends. To address this problem, the local
public transit agency, Muni, is proposing to extend the city's subway network to
the neighborhood via the new Central Subway.
Some Things to Consider When Looking for a Place...
When searching for a new apartment make sure to take your time to think
through what are the most important things to you in an apartment and plan your
search based on those priorities. Here are some things to consider when planning
your move:
1. Consider the areas where you would like to live
* What is the crime rate?
* If you have children - what rating does the local school system have?
* Is there area convenient shopping, health and recreation services in the area?
2. Make a list of your housing priorities
* Do you have pets?
* Do you need parking?
* Do you need to be on the ground floor?
* What amenities are important to you - swimming pool, fitness room, in unit
laundry?
3. Evaluate the building
* What is the condition of the unit and building?
* Are the grounds maintained?
* Are windows, steps, and railings in good condition?
* View the property at night. Is it safe and well lit?
4. The security of the property
* Are there security service? When is the guard on duty?
* Does the building have controlled access?
* Does each unit have secure door and window locks?
5. Talk to the neighbors
* Ask other residents whether they are satisfied with the building.
6. Amenities
* Who is allowed to use the amenities?
* When are they open?
* Are the fees charged to use those facilities included in rent?
7. Ask about Utilities
* Does the owner or tenant pay the utility bills?
* Are any utilities included with monthly rent?
* Do units have separate thermostats to control heat and air conditioning?
8. Review the lease
* How much notice must you give before moving out?
* Can the rent be increased? If so, by how much and how often?
* Are pets allowed?
* What is the security deposit and cleaning costs upon move out?
* What is the responsibility of tenants for damage to property?
* Is there a penalty for breaking a lease?
9. Information too bring to a lease signing
* Credit Report
* Pay stubs/tax returns
* Reference
* Application