I lived in San Jose and Palo Alto from 2002-2005. Moved to NYC and have been there since. Two things I would add: -SF (vs say NYC,Boston,Chicago) is a one indus

I lived in San Jose and Palo Alto from 2002-2005. Moved to NYC and have been there since. Two things I would add: -SF (vs say NYC,Boston,Chicago) is a one industry town and is therefore a boom and bust town. When I moved there right after the bubble burst the guy who sold me my car was a former dev. Many of you only know the good times, and it won't be like this forever. That's not to say its a great place and I don't miss it. - The cost of housing on the peninsula and to some extent the east bay is almost as bad as SF. When you are reqdy to have a family, at least in NYC you can live in a nice house in Westchester or NJ. Or a really nice modern condo for half the price of NY. You can't get a nice place with a good school district by going further away from SF, it's like prices get even worse the further south you go until you are way past San Jose.