If somebody asked you what is considered the Bay Area. would you know to give them an accurate answer? The San Francisco Bay Area has several definitions, and according to whom you might ask, you will get different answers. The border of this area isn’t strict, yet, some of the facts are irrefutable. Read on to find out the answer to this interesting question.
The History of the Bay Area
While once being an area with a few hundred inhabitants, the Bay Area is now a part of California with millions of people living there. The event that changed everything and transformed the San Francisco Bay Area into what it is now was the Gold Rush that happened in 1848. This “boom” triggered all the following events, and by the end of the 1800s, this bay was known by the whole world. Even with unfortunate epic earthquake that happened, like the one in 1906, San Fran managed to rebuild and rise from the ashes.
The cities in the region became bigger with every year, and in 1930, the population grew to 1.5 million people, while the area got the name that we’re discussing here. The term San Francisco Bay Area started to imply all the surrounding suburban areas that were also developing. In the 1980s, a tech boom happened, that irreversibly changed the world again – only from this area, several tech companies started innovation that, inter alia, made this article available to you now.
San Francisco Is Not the Same as San Francisco Bay Area
Is the tram-riding foggy and hilly San Fran the same as the SF Bay Area? The answer is quite obvious – San Fran is a name for both a city and a county that are a part of the SF Bay Area, so no, they are not the same.
There’s also a mix-up with SF and Silicon Valley, even though the latter is actually Santa Clara Valley, a region located in the south part of the Bay Area.
Why Do People Mix Up SF With SF Bay Area?
The dilemma came from the fact that some people say they’re from SF even though they are from one of the surrounding counties. For someone who isn’t familiar with the region, it can be much easier to say just San Francisco, than, for example, Sonoma or Napa.
What Is Considered the Bay Area – Explained
With all the changes that happened over the past hundreds of years, we can agree that this is one remarkable area. But, what exactly are considered the borders of the region? San Francisco Bay Area, or simply Bay Area consists of nine counties in Northern California. Defined by the Association of Bay Area Governments, those counties are:
- Alameda,
- Marin,
- Contra Costa,
- Napa,
- San Mateo,
- San Francisco,
- Santa Clara,
- Sonoma, and
- Solano.
There Are Other Definitions, Too
The boundaries of the San Francisco Bay Area are not formally defined, and the unique development patterns are influenced by the topography of the area. The same applies to the unusual commuting patterns resulting from the presence of labor centers in three central cities and different suburbs, which have led to significant impacts. Local and federal definitions of territory differ.
For this reason, Richard Walker, a professor of geography at the University of California, Berkeley, asserts that “no other U.S. city-region is as definitionally challenged as the Bay Area.”
The answer to the question of what is considered the Bay Area can be smaller or larger and include nearby countries not bordering the bay, such as Santa Cruz and San Benito (more commonly included on the Central Coast); or San Joaquin, Merced, and Stanislaus Rolls (more common in the Central Valley). The core cities of the Bay Area are San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, and there are many smaller ones that are also quite famous, such as Mountain View and Palo Alto.
Each of the Nine Counties Has Something Interesting About Them
One of the most useful moving tips you can get is to be well informed about the area you’re headed to. So, before you call reliable apartment movers and get local moving services, check out what each county has to offer.
Alameda
If you’re searching for “house movers near me” because you plan on relocating to an area with an amazing school system for your kids, you’ve probably already headed to Alameda. There are many elementary, middle, and high schools, and a large percentage of them are highly-ranked. There are also many restaurants and locally-owned businesses, so you’ll get to enjoy delicious locally-grown food on your plate anytime you want.
Marin
Hiring residential movers to move and live in Marin would probably mean that you’re an open space type of person that loves spending time outside and on the water. This area is full of beautiful beaches, hills, forests, farms, and vineyards, and all of that brings many activities. Hiking, biking, sailing, and all other water and land sports will be available to you once you move here. Other than that, Marin is also known as a great place to live with kids, and it’s also perfectly located so that you can visit many nearby places without having to travel for too long.
Contra Costa
A lot of people want to move to this East Bay Area county, and there are many reasons for that. It’s highly rated for public schools, jobs, diversity, nightlife, and living with family. It’s a very clean area with many good neighborhoods, and it’s also very safe. If you’re looking for a place that will feel like home from the beginning, then Contra Costa is the right choice.
Napa
If you’re looking for budget movers to live in Napa, you’re probably a wine lover and you love a good meal. Napa Valley has many Michelin Star-rated restaurants and numerous wineries. It’s also full of beautiful public parks that you’ll get to enjoy all year round because of the great climate, and it also has a great community.
San Mateo
The climate and the mild weather are one of the biggest pros of living in San Mateo, which will also allow you to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities that this county offers. It’s very easy and convenient to travel to nearby counties because of Highway 92. San Mateo also has the best downtown in the whole county, with great eateries and retail shops.
San Francisco
The answer to what is considered the Bay Area can’t go without SF. It’s the hub of the area and the most famous of all counties here. Known for its vibrant culture, picturesque scenery, and job opportunities, SF is a part of the name of the Bay Area for a reason. In case your cause for moving is that you’re relocating your business to SF, a service from our commercial movers can come in handy.
Santa Clara
A crew of motivated movers can move you to Santa Clara, especially if you’re looking for an area that’s centrally located, with good highway access, and plenty of housing options. This county is also famous for its good schools, plenty of restaurants, and shopping. There are many beautiful parks and natural areas for spending time outside.
Sonoma
Another county with beautiful weather that calls for booking a move with reliable 2 movers and a truck is Sonoma. There’s an abundance of delicious food from all over the world, a wine country lifestyle, and many options for outdoor activities. You’ll get to enjoy Sonoma’s natural beauties every day, from beaches and forests to lakes and rolling hills. Another pro of living here is the proximity to surrounding areas, so you can travel wherever you want with ease.
Solano
Checking the cost to hire movers because you plan on living in Solano county? Here, you’ll find perfect surroundings for all ages, with ideal weather and numerous activities. There are many great schools that have amazing sports programs, so in case you’re moving with kids, you’ll make no mistake by coming here. Solano is a very safe area as well, with a strong community feeling and multicultural population.
Check out the video below to find more fun info about living in the Bay Area.
Getting Around San Francisco Bay Area Will Take You to Many Tech Companies
Just as there are many reasons to move to Mill Valley, there are also numerous reasons for relocating to other cities and areas in the region. Home to six professional sports teams, the Bay Area is a cultural center for music, theater, and arts. It also houses institutions of higher education, including research universities such as Stanford University and the University of Berkeley.
This Northern California region is also full of beautiful cities, national parks, tasty food, and diverse culture, but everyone’s first thought when SF Bay Area is mentioned is tech companies. This area is famous for being home to many planetary known companies. Some of them are Google, Apple, and Intel, but also Marvel, Uber, Lyft, and many many more. Headquarters of these famous companies are all over the Bay Area, which has a big impact on people looking for jobs in these industries.
Image – Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California
Looking For Moving Away Party Ideas and Heading to the Bay Area? Call Mill Valley Movers!
If you’re already thinking about are movers supposed to be tipped and you’re Googling packers and movers near me because you’re positive that you’re relocating, there’s only one step left – calling Mill Valley Movers for your future move. Contact us for the best relocating service that local movers can offer and enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience. Our professional crew of packers and movers will make sure that all of your belongings are safely wrapped and protected from any potential damage during transport.
Our Professional Movers Offer All Necessary Services
When hiring movers, one should pay attention to which services are provided by a specific company – that’s a part of the A-Z moving dictionary. Mill Valley packers and movers are here to provide you with any service you might need. That includes residential moving, as well as commercial moving and of course apartment moving.
If you’re interested in getting only storage in and out service, we’re here to help you out with that as well. Our affordable movers can also provide you with labor-only moving or with just packing service if that’s what you require. Our main goal is for our customers to have as relaxed move as it can be, which is why we always strive and give our best to offer our clients the finest service. Hire movers you can trust, and you’ll have the best relocation experience.