Adam Jackson’s One Year in San Francisco series is a good guide for anyone considering a move to San Francisco.
My requirements are a bit different, though. I’d prefer to own a condo, rather than rent an apartment; and I need at least a 2 bedroom with 1000 sq. ft. or more so I can set up a home office. I’d prefer to live outside the city, but with easy access by Bart so I wouldn’t have to take my car into the city. I only took a car into San Francisco once, and I regretted it after I had to spend $20 to park.