Super uninformed question, but is there access to beaches or the ocean at all over there?

Outer Sunset is right next to Ocean Beach [1]. It isn't that bad if you can tolerate the fog, and daytime temperatures in May-Sept will frequently be in the 12-16 C range. And it's only 20-30 min from the downtown hotspots, and maybe 60 mins drive to Sandhill Road (traffic permitting).

The real saving the author is getting is on rent, the Asian food shops, etc, are not that much cheaper than Walmart, but much more tasty.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Beach,_San_Francisco

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_Hill_Road

Yes, there is. It's a nice beach for walks, but the water is pretty chilly, year round.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sunset+District,+San+Franc...

Yes absolutely the beach is right down the street, you can see it on the map. :)