half-way through reading this comment I was so scared for you but the turnaround is great to hear!! I'm hoping to move to SF soon, do you have an opinion on the culture of its neighbourhoods?
To each their own, just stay away from Tenderloin and Market and 6th street.
I'm sure if you set out some time to explore, you will find whatever fits you best. When I was moving, I sourced a bunch of opinions from my coworkers, non of them were of much help to me. I've charted my own way in the end, made my own mistakes
The major axis is urban+gritty to more suburby and spread out. It's a very personal preference where you want to be, but most people dislike the most gritty areas (tenderloin, most of soma). It's worth aiming for a neighborhood at the median as your first.
