The Burning Question (No, Not Literally, We Hope): How Big Is San Francisco, Actually?
Ah, San Francisco. City of sourdough bread, cable cars, and a persistent fog that can roll in faster than you can say "Gold Rush." But beyond the touristy treats and Karl the Fog's moody visits, there's a question that's been puzzling geographers, urban planners, and people who just like settling bets: exactly how big is this city?
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| How Many Square Miles Is San Francisco |
Buckle Up, Because It's a Wild Ride (Through Property Records)
You might think this is a simple question. Measure the land, add it up, and voila! Easy as pie, right? Wrong. San Francisco is like a mischievous child who keeps adding surprise islands and reclaimed bits of bay to its territory. It's a city that defies easy categorization, much like its residents who can switch from fleece jackets to sundresses in the span of a single day.
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There have been reports of San Francisco's size ranging from a cozy 46 square miles to a sprawling 49. Fact-checkers are having a field day. Some sources blame outdated reference books, while others point the finger at overzealous travel guides with a penchant for rounding up.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Alcatraz Enters the Chat (And Throws Off the Calculations)
Then there's the whole island situation. Does the infamous Alcatraz count as part of the city? What about the charming (and slightly creepy) Treasure Island? City officials, bless their determined souls, actually went through the trouble of meticulously measuring every square inch (well, maybe not every inch) to settle the debate once and for all.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
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And the answer? Drumroll please...San Francisco weighs in at a grand total of 47.355 square miles. There you have it, folks. The next time you're bragging about conquering those San Francisco hills, you can add this little nugget of knowledge to your repertoire.
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So, What Did We Learn Today?
San Francisco might be geographically compact, but its spirit is anything but. It's a city that packs a punch, with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a whole lot of fog. Just remember, next time you're planning a trip, factor in those surprise hills and the occasional wayward sea lion when calculating how much ground you can cover.
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