Not sure if the parent comment is tongue in cheek but I genuinely wonder this myself. I don't know that this is the answer but San Francisco seems to be committed to offering lower income earners more affordable housing through rent control. Since housing is often the biggest expense this may explain why a barista making $25k and a developer making $80k may live in the same city, happily.
Broader economic arguments aside, I think this diversity is a good outcome and makes urban living more interesting.
>I don't know that this is the answer but San Francisco seems to be committed to offering lower income earners more affordable housing through rent control.
Nah. Just like other cities with rent control actually finding a place is pretty much impossible. Demand for housing stock in the city has far outstripped supply, and people who get a controlled place don't leave.
The baristas and such commute into the city from cheaper areas in the east bay.
Broader economic arguments aside, I think this diversity is a good outcome and makes urban living more interesting.