If you live far away, there's a high probability that you'll also make friends where you live. There's also a decent probability that one of them will have a car and will want to hang out with you in SF on the weekend from time to time. If you live in a place like Palo Alto, there's also a strong chance that you're not going to want to hang out in SF every weekend as well.
> I mention Oakland because of the parent post... And Palo alto is not cheap either.
There are many other cities in the Bay Area that are accessible with either Bart or Caltrain. Like you I only mentioned Palo Alto because of a parent comment.
> The point is that all the other options have a high price of convenience which is up to people's lifestyle.
Well I felt that the way people were complaining about not being able to live in SF is like they were going to be homeless. The price of a little convenience is not high when you are flexible and adaptable.
My only real point is that if you have a problem, you'll probably find a decent solution for it.
I mention Oakland because of the parent post. Its a place many people go to because Bart gets there, but its far from being a panacea.
Even with Caltrain you have commute issues: you have limited time options, and it still takes a long time. And Palo alto is not cheap either.
You don't HAVE to live in SF, almost nobody does. The point is that all the other options have a high price of convenience which is up to people's lifestyle.
I made friends with several people in Oakland and the commute was always an issue in designing where to go for drinks or dinner, because either part gets locked in the other zone after Bart is out.