You're not being negative. I'm just trying to understand the extent of the problem. I'm a student, and I've lived in worse than that for about $820. (It was right next to campus).

According to google maps, this was about 10 minutes away from the heart of San Francisco (when there was no traffic). I'm guessing google doesn't paint the whole picture, and it really is as far as you say it is.

Personally, if I had gotten a job in downtown SF with 6 figures, and no family, I'd have no problem living there and saving up. It doesn't look THAT bad does it? It's even got an outside area. Just my opinion though.