WELCOME TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Alluring, magical, and indescribably beautiful, the San Francisco Bay Area draws millions of visitors each year. Those who know the area intimately might suggest the superb amenities, dynamic energy, breathtaking natural beauty, unique cityscape, and international economy. When Fortune magazine ranked the San Francisco Bay region as number one for business nationally—and second worldwide behind Singapore—two of the primary factors cited were quality of lifestyle and the high concentration of intellectuals and entrepreneurs. Little wonder that Greater San Francisco invites comparison to globally influential cities like Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, and Hong Kong.

In addition to San Francisco and San Mateo counties, the San Francisco Bay Area consists of several other counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Santa Clara. As you will discover, the entire region is a vibrant international community filled with the positive spirit of advancement, growth, and progress. Even though each community and neighborhood claims its own special character and charm, the Bay Area as a region offers an exciting, friendly, yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. The greater San Francisco metropolitan region is also a magnet for new businesses seeking a location that combines economic vitality with an exceptional quality of life. The City of San Francisco joins San Jose and Oakland as the regional pulse points for business, commerce, and distribution.

With more than seven million residents, the Bay Area ranks as one of largest metropolitan regions in the country, claiming industries that range from high technology to high fashion. Stir in world-class universities, research laboratories, international markets, an exceptionally talented labor force, and spectacular scenery. Add the high-tech leadership of Silicon Valley, the prowess of San Francisco’s banking and financial world, the innovation associated with Stanford University and UC Berkeley, and the industrial and distribution centers in Oakland. No other region in the nation brings together such superior ingredients in one relatively compact area. With so many biotechnology research centers and eminent technological leaders, the area is constantly forging new programs to support a highly educated workforce. Other programs deliver research advancements to the private sector for practical application, ensuring the area’s edge in global competition.

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Enhancing the industrial, commercial, and residential expansion of the area is an efficient transportation network of harbor facilities, international airports, rail service, highways and interstates, rapid transit, transbay bridges, and tunnels. For commuters who want to avoid highway and bridge traffic at peak hours, options for mass transit are abundant. Mobility is a top priority in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, constantly motivating planners and engineers to develop and maintain the finest of transportation amenities. San Mateo County, nestled at the very edge of San Francisco on the peninsula, is home to the San Francisco International Airport.

Newcomers to the Bay Area can look forward to a healthcare system that stands at the pinnacle of medical technology, staffed by some of the most brilliant, talented, and dedicated professionals in the nation. Quality diagnostics and treatment combines with cost-effective delivery of diverse services. Excellent healthcare systems ensure that a network of major hospitals, community clinics, advanced specialists and supportive services are available to meet every need.

World-renowned Stanford Hospital & Clinics assumes a leading role in healthcare advancements with highly acclaimed specializations that include the AIDS research center, trauma center, and internationally recognized cancer treatment programs. Nearby in Oakland, the Children’s Hospital is distinguished as the largest, busiest and most comprehensive pediatric medical center between Los Angeles and Seattle. Throughout the regional and community facilities are proactive programs such as health screenings, fitness programs, and ongoing community education programs designed to safeguard and maintain good health.

Quality public and private schools serve the region, enhanced by a network of vocational and career institutions, community colleges, law schools, and leading universities. The area boasts some of the West’s most exceptional universities such as the University of California-San Francisco, Stanford University, and the University of California-Berkeley. Community colleges combine with extensions for a number of California and national colleges and universities to bring higher education even closer to home/ Most of these institutions provide flexible schedules that enable working adults to earn degrees while balancing a career and family responsibilities with the pursuit of a higher education or specialized skills.