I have been back many times since to the "city by the bay" on business and on vacation and have always enjoyed myself. Whether I just leisurely roamed its streets to gaze at colorful Victorian gingerbread houses, or bravely jumped up onto one of their famous cable cars, or took in the attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square , Alcatraz Island , Chinatown or drove down the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street , it was all so wonderful. Over 15 million tourists, American and International, visit San Francisco every year, so there are plenty of visitors like me who are also wild about this city. But, what did people who once lived there love about San Francisco - what made "their" city so special? I decided to ask a few former residents of the fair 'Frisco' what they missed most now that they've left and moved to Arizona . Here, then are some of their viewpoints.

The Neighborhoods

Lucy Graessle: "I miss the smell of ethnic foods in specific neighborhoods; the hilly streets with the magnificent views of the bay water and the panoramic scenes from the various bridges."

Maria Grimmelman: " San Francisco is memorable because it is one of the most uniquely small cosmopolitan international compact cities in the world.  It is comprised of small neighborhoods that embrace everyone of all cultures and backgrounds; on all social levels and interests."

Food & Restaurants Lucy Graessle: "The aspect I miss the very most is the feeling of living in a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city with access to gourmet restaurants at your fingertips." Cathey Goodman: "I miss Dungeness crab served the San Francisco way, which is cold, cracked, and served with lemon wedges.  Every place else I've been to serves it warm and it just isn't the same. And, I miss all of the great little ethnic restaurants that can be found all over San Francisco ." Maria Grimmelman: " San Francisco is a fabulous city to walk and enjoy several favorite options, from inexpensive to elegant restaurants . The beauty of San Francisco is that these restaurants are filled with historic character, of old world blending new contemporary concepts.  The choices are always a treat for those who truly enjoy embarking on a romantic journey with food around some of the most exquisite historic land marks and spectacular views."

The Ease of Traveling Through the City

Lucy Graessle: " San Francisco , as you know, is quite small, and you can reach any neighborhood within 20-30 minutes; it's compact and not spread out like the Phoenix area.  I miss not having a thriving, vibrant business and downtown center that is really identifiable and the soul of a city."

Maria Grimmelman: "For those who live in San Francisco , you need not travel far to enjoy everything that is literally at your door step.  Transportation is easy; simply hail a cab or hop on the Cable Cars avoiding the long tourist lines at Powell and Market Streets by catching it further up Powell Street at Union Square , or go underground and take the Muni or Bart trains to the outer neighborhoods. 

The Bay and its Beautiful Golden Gate Bridge

Cathey Goodman: "I miss the sound of the fog horns as you see the fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge . I miss the roar of the ocean at Ocean Beach . There's nothing like spending a day at Golden Gate Park and ending the day by listening to the waves crashing on the beach."

Maria Grimmelman: "The scenery was always spectacular as Frank and I sailed the beautiful Bay of the San Francisco .  We enjoyed all the sailing to pretty places like Angel Island , Treasure Island and Sausalito . We would pass ... under the bigger-than-life  Golden Gate Bridge .. with the beautiful backdrop of the hills adorned with some of the most magnificent views  of Coit Tower or the Transamerica Building ."  

These, then, are some of the reasons why San Francisco remains one of the loveliest cities in the United States . Its history and its location have a lot to do with the unique ambiance of its quaint neighborhoods like colorful Chinatown, Pacific Heights with its charming Victorian homes and boutiques, North Beach and its Italian flavor, Haight Ashbury of 60's tie-dyed hippie and flower children fame, upscale Nob Hill and the touristy and fun Marina district, to name a few. We can thank the early Spanish settlers and the enterprising foreign settlers that arrived here in the wake of the Gold Rush in the middle 1800's for placing their stamp on its buildings, food and neighborhoods. And, the fact that the city is surrounded on three sides by the magnificent Pacific Ocean and the beautiful San Francisco Bay is a treat to the senses. If you moved here from the East Coast and haven't had the chance to visit San Francisco yet - what are you waiting for? You are sure to leave a part of your heart there too.