Many complexes along El Camino on the peninsula seem to be increasing rent wherever possible. They "renovate" (add stainless appliances basically) and it lets them increase rent for a unit by a few hundred dollars at least. They also charge 200-300 more for a parking spot (I've spoken with complexes before where one unit without parking was 200-300 less than another with one spot, or a unit with an extra/second spot).

Some of these areas (Redwood City in this case) are next to major Caltrain stations with Baby Bullet stops. But they're also convenient (technically speaking) for going on 101S/N to work, etc.

Right, but why are people willing to pay as much/more for these complexes relative to a shiny high-rise in downtown SF?

They may have more square footage, pools, warmer climate during summer, more parks for children/pets, better schools in some areas as mentioned.

That's part of why I'd prefer living on the peninsula than in downtown SF. Weather is consistently better in the summer months. More space/less people (except for rush hour traffic). More parks for recreation. Pools aren't necessarily a deal breaker for me, but it's a nice extra.

A shiny high-rise is nice but unless you can afford a penthouse or similar you're probably looking at a small unit. Less space, fewer parks, more people everywhere (tourists, homeless, etc.)

The schools in RWC are not great (although hopefully that will change with the influx of reset Prop 13 tax dollars from new residents.

The downtown has a solid layout though and lots of room for growth. The RWC downtown has the potential for offering a lot more than some neighboring downtowns that are less dense and could be a nice hybrid between SF and more "suburban" Peninsula cities.