Since the days of the Gold Rush, people have made their way to the San Francisco Bay Area in droves. Then, they were drawn by dreams of striking it rich with nuggets of gold. Today, the region attracts people for a variety of reasons: its moderate climate, world-class dining, fine arts and culture, a reputation for progressiveness and the outdoors. People are also attracted to the money, with San Francisco the financial hub of the West Coast and Silicon Valley a center for high-tech innovation. About 765,000 people live in San Francisco proper, but may more live in the Bay Area, which ranges from Marin Country in the North to Oakland's urban culture...

Since the days of the Gold Rush, people have made their way to the San Francisco Bay Area in droves. Then, they were drawn by dreams of striking it rich with nuggets of gold. Today, the region attracts people for a variety of reasons: its moderate climate, world-class dining, fine arts and culture, a reputation for progressiveness and the outdoors. People are also attracted to the money, with San Francisco the financial hub of the West Coast and Silicon Valley a center for high-tech innovation. About 765,000 people live in San Francisco proper, but may more live in the Bay Area, which ranges from Marin Country in the North to Oakland's urban culture in the East to Silicon Valley in the South. Living in the Bay Area can be expensive, with the median cost of homes in some neighborhoods surpassing $1 million. Despite high prices, the culture, climate and business opportunities keep people interested in the area.