San Francisco Bay Area Information
Nestled along San Francisco Bay, the Bay Area boasts of one of the finest natural harbors globally, which has a total area of around 450 square miles. Home to almost 8 million people, the San Francisco Bay Area provides the only real break in California’s coastal mountains, making it one of the ideal spots for living within the state. It is divided into 6 sub-regions (North Bay, San Francisco, East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, and Santa Cruz) and composed of 10 counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma).
North Bay is a sub-region north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is separated by water from the rest of the Bay Area. It has numerous affluent communities and is probably the least urbanized among the 6 sub-regions. North Bay has many undeveloped parks, farmlands, and plantations. One popular location in Napa Valley is well-known for the world-class red wines produced from its vineyards.
The City and County of San Francisco were once the largest in terms of population in the Bay Area. Although it no longer holds that distinction, it remains the region’s traditional, cultural, financial, and urban center. The most famous landmark in this area is the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the Golden Gate Strait, a water passage connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge connects the city/county of San Francisco with Marin County in the North Bay.
The East Bay area is split into 2 regions, the Inner East Bay and the Outer East Bay. Inner East Bay, located along the bay’s coastline, is more urban, densely populated, and has a more ethnically diverse population. Old buildings in the area suggest that it is one of the oldest developed regions. On the other hand, Outer East Bay is composed of inland valleys separated from the Inner East Bay by hills and mountains. Its development dates back to less than 60 years ago and is mostly suburban to rural.
San Francisco Peninsula (or simply Peninsula) is the area between East Bay and San Francisco. It is composed of a series of towns, small cities, and suburban communities along San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
South Bay is the sub-region where the past blends well with the present and the future. The past is typically characterized by the city of San Jose, the oldest city in California. Simultaneously, the present and the future could be gleaned from the products churned by Silicon Valley. In 1990, San Jose became the most populated city in the area.
Santa Cruz, although regarded by most as part of Monterey Bay Area, some agencies and records show it as a part of San Francisco Bay Area. It is sprawled along San Francisco Peninsula, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Monterey Bay.
With tourism being the region’s leading industry, the Bay Area is teeming with tourist destinations and historical landmarks. It is one of the wealthiest regions in the United States. Of the 280 metropolitan areas nationwide, the Bay Area has the highest median household income at $62,024. Six of the top ten places in California with the highest per capita income could also be found in the Bay Area. These figures are a testament to the boundless opportunities available for the citizens residing in the region.
With its idyllic setting and mild climate, living in the Bay Area is an investment you can never be wrong about.
